Selling My Capcom Art Books

If you are a Capcom or Street Fighter fan, and want some awesome art books check out my auctions on Ebay at the moment. I love this picture BTW :-)

http://shop.ebay.com/lastknight01/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=

Obscure Game Review: Pilot Kids

Recently I have been in a shmup mood. I mostly been playing Sengoku Ace and Dragon Blaze ( aka hardest game ever) on my PS2, and it made me curious to see if there were any Psikyo games I may have missed. After searching I found about this little shooter called Pilot Kids. This game was released on the M2 arcade system, the same system used for Daytona USA. For some reason or another, the game never recieved a home console port...so thank heavens for M2 emulation.
Pilot Kids doesn't really hold up to the crazy bullet hell stuff that Psikyo is known for but it still provides a nice (albeit short) ride. The game stars a boy riding in a tiny plane through his house and lawn. The set pieces are cool and the wacky enemies are hilarious like an angry garden gnome statue or a giant Bruce Lee action figure. Your plane has a normal shot and a lock-on attack that kills enemies very quickly... almost too quickly as it makes many bosses too easy.
The graphics are mostly great and hold up even today. Some ugly blockiness appear in enemies but the enemies are such a delight it is easy to overlook the occasional crappy looks. The music is mostly drowned out by the action, but the last stage's tune is eerie and fitting. The game's big downfall is it's shortness. Even for an arcade the game is too short, and the difficulty is cake. Only the last boss cranks up the difficulty playing like a true smhup boss. These faults may have been the reasons this game never recieved a port to any system. I would assume the Saturn would have been the top choice for the port; but by the time this game released it was already entering it's demise. Psikyo must have said screw it and moved onto Dragon Blaze's development.
This game is a fun little diversion and makes a good addition to a shmup fan's library. I have no idea what the PCB sells for on this one, but the rom is easy enough to track down along with the m2 emulator. This game should have been put on one of Psikyo's collection discs; but sadly it remains forgotten in the realms of obscurity. Be sure to give this old game a look.

Tetris on Steroids

Play Tetris and break a sweat at the same time :-)

Scribblenauts impressions

Yesterday I picked up the new DS game, Scribblenauts. The whole premise is solving puzzles or small action sequences by writing anything (not copyrighted) into a pad and watching it materialize. The game is very addicting, and long-lasting with tons of levels and possibilities limited only by your imagination. The game also allows you to build a level for your friends to play with it's level edit option.
I think I spent my first thirty minutes with the game just writing anything that came to mind to see if it appeared on the title screen. I summoned a lawyer, a mop, a Spartan with a spear, and even the Invisible Man. After fooling around with this I started to play the game and found that the game really gives you a lot of freedom in solving it's puzzles. Want some wings to fly over something? Go ahead. Want to summon a Cyclops to fight for you? Just write him in. I tried Hitler out of curiosity ( I was going to send in God to beat him up) but he was not available. For the most part anything you can think of is in this game.
My only complaint with the game is the control. The D-pad is used for the camera, and the touchscreen controls the rest. I have died several times due to the touchscreen's inaccurate precision in flying over an obstacle or navigating enemies moving faster than your character. The control is workable but is a definite flaw.
Overall the game is highly enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone with a DS. Here are a few of the wacky things I have found so far:

• You can write in a shrink ray to shrink objects or yourself (if you reflect the shot.)
• Want to kill a shark or other violent sea-life? Try dropping electronics in the water like a toaster.
• If you write in rally car you will get a race car with the developer's logo on it.
• Want to fly but you're tired of using wings or the jet pack? Try summoning Pegasus, the flying horse.
• Wanna look like a Jedi? Write in robe and laser sword. May the force be with you.
  

For Sonic Fans

Click on image!!



I found this on the MechaFetus Visual Blog today and had to share it. The comic is a pretty funny look at Sonic fans, or as I like call them Sega's beaten housewives.

I Heart Sega

A couple of days ago the Dreamcast's 10th anniversary marked a strange day of nostalgia for long time Sega fans. Many great games defined the system such as Skies of Arcadia, Shenmue, and the Power Stone series; but many more obscurities exist that I remember just as fondly like Blue Stinger and Chu Chu Rocket. The Dreamcast was Sega's farewell to the console wars, and marked their emergence as a third party developer. Some say the PS2 killed the system before it even had a chance; but I think rampant piracy also played a good hand in the Dreamcast's demise. The piracy thing is actually strange to me as the Saturn's game discs were almost impossible to copy. All rambling aside here is my personal top ten Dreamcast games:

10. Powerstone 2 - The perfect party game with insane characters and trap filled stages. Also did I mention there are hundrends of items scattered around each stage?

9. Sword of the Berserk - This game's story takes place after the Berserk anime as Guts searches for a cure for Caska. This is one of the goriest hack and slash games for any system, and the story rocks.

8. Marvel vs. Capcom - Everyone loves Marvel vs. Cpacom 2 since it has a million characters; but for me this is the better game... plus the music doesn't suck horribly like the sequel.

7. Sonic Adventure 2 - The last good Sonic game in my opinion. No werewolf Sonic bullshit here.

6. Skies of Arcadia - A beautiful RPG about sky pirates. The graphics are great, it has a memorable soundtrack, and cool skyship battles. It is way better than anything Square has done recently.

5. Bangaio - One of the wackiest and most fun titles for the system courtesy of Treasure. What other game let's you fill the entire screen with missiles?

4. Street Fighter 3 (series) - The Dreamcast remains the only system to have all three versions of this game. 3rd Strike was great...but checkout Hugo's stage in Double Impact, it is awesome.

3. House of the Dead 2 - This was my first game for the system and it is still one of my favorites. The game has some of the worst ( and funniest) dialogue ever record. It is a perfect port of the arcade game, so grab a buddy and kill some zombies!

2. Last Blade 2 - One of the best fighters for any system that no one has ever heard of. The game has nice 2-D artwork, and a great battle system. I wish this would get a port to Xbox live...

1. Shenmue (series) - The Dreamcast's finest hour, sure people may mock the game these days (where can I find some sailors?) but the storyline is epic. One of the most detail infused games I can think of, I mean what other game lets you work a job, talk to every townsperson, and drink a Coke afterwords? Too bad this series seems to have been put on indefinite hold to many fan's chagrin.

That's the list folks. Maybe one day Sega will get their shit together again and give us a new system. Till then I will only imagine the awesome launch titles they could start with : Shenmue 3, a Sonic sequel that doesn't suck, and Panzer Dragoon Saga 2 (I know that's from Saturn but a man can dream.)
One last thing: Support indie Dreamcast development! Checkout http://www.wind-water.net/

Sengoku Rance VII Review (PC)

Today I am going to review a PC ero-title called Sengoku Rance. Before you run away, this isn't your typical " get the chick in the sack and then her sister too" type game. Instead the game focuses pretty heavily on tactical army battles like a console strategy RPG... this one just has some naughtniess thrown in for good measure. This game was released only in Japan, but Yandere tanslations recently released a nearly complete English patch for the title.Sengoku Rance follows a warrior named Rance as he travels to Japan during the warring state era. He then meets Nobunaga Oda, who places him in charge of his army. From there the game follows Rance on his conquest of Japan and it's women. The story is often light-hearted with Rance being a huge pervert; but sometimes the game can be touching, such as when Nobunaga's young sister has to confront her own destiny.
The tactical game mechanics are highly addictive. The objective usually rest in conquering each family house of a certain state on the map. The family houses all have a leader that usually serves as a boss battle to conquer their state. The battles are fun and easy to learn. Some of the battles late in the game become very difficult but usually with perseverance your groups can take the remaining houses.
The game has well drawn graphics for the battles. The animation isn't very good but it is not overly noticeable. The music is pretty well done as well. Some of the hair metal boss tracks had me rocking out.
Minor RPG elements exist such as dungeons, a friend/ love system, and recruting missions. The dungeons are straight forward but often reward your group with rare equipment or items. Rance can gain the trust of his allies and increase their strength; for female party members he can usually romantically persuade them toward love for stat bonuses and upgrades. Rance can also recruit former enemies from the defeated houses which gives you strong allies and some unique abilities.
It easy to feel overwhelmed when initially staring at the map screen. You have plenty of states to conquer and time plays a big factor on if you will be able to conquer everyone. The game comes to a conclusion on the main route after a certain amount turns (there are other routes which I will discuss later.) The game becomes so addictive that it can be distracting when the storyline forces you to fight another house instead of the one you are currently attacking.
Through certain actions the game can follow multiple routes. This gives you plenty of replay oppurtnities with diferent endings for each one. The difficulty will also re-adjust on certain boss encounters if you are willing to admit failure, which I think is a nice feature seeing as how you will be underleveled in your first playthrough. anyhow Sengoku Rance is pretty lenient on the main route as long as you admit defeat.
Hentai elements are present throughout the game such as when you conquer the states, Rance usually beds down the princess or commander from that nation. The anime artwork is nice and the sex scenes are easily skipped through if it isn't your thing. The Rance games are Japan's premier ero series so everything is top notch in presentation. Be aware that this game can be very dirty as in foul language as well.
I enjoyed this game and hopefully this review will make some of you track this one down. It is a great strategy RPG with a fun story and some dirty elements. Sengoku Rance beats the hell out of every hentai game on the US market as far as gameplay and actual storyline go. Be sure to check this one out and get the translation patch as it is nearly finished.

Other Stuff:

• The game's translation: http://yandere.gray7.com/?page_id=90
• A walkthrough is avaiable here: http://alicesoft.wikia.com/wiki/Sengoku_Rance:Lore
• Video of gameplay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4TgO35BiZs
  

Who is loving BlazBlue?

In honor of BlazBlue being so awesome I am going to present a cool picture of Taokaka I found on Pixiv. Taokaka's face is kinda cute, haha...

Pyscho Dream (Super Famicom) Review

I have began to collect SNES and Super Famicom games again. I won Psycho Dream off eBay recently and had to share this awesome game by reviewing it. The game is 2-D action with the player choosing a cloaked warrior named Ryo or a dominatrix woman named Maria. They seem to be on some mission to rescue a woman named Saya; but there is little plot to be found outside the opening credits.
The game has several stages spanning a subway, highways, and mutated organic areas. The two playable characters have unique abilities with a power up system consisting of either a gun or melee upgrade. Ryo ultimately becomes more powerful with his sword as Maria gains butterfly wings and shoots homing bullets. I am partial to Maria since her wings allow her to glide in the air and she just looks cooler.
Enemies are generally boring blobs or tenacle things; but the bosses are usually cool with descent sprite work. The game is for the most part fairly simple, and unlimited continues enable even the worse players to eventually win the game. The game is short and be can be completed in roughly under two hours. One warning goes for the final boss however. The giant 2 screen spanning creature is very cheap and makes up for all of the difficulty the game lacked in other areas.
The graphics are merely ok...the game was released in 1992, but other titles like Super Castlevania blow this one out of the water. One particularly bad part of this title is the music. The music is bland or just annoying in most spots...the only stand out track is the final boss music, it is haunting and oddly fitting. Avoid the music if possible by just playng your own tunes.
As many gripes as I have, the game is pretty fun. It is an obscure title I believe few have ever heard of. The game was released only in Japan, so be prepared for the little bit of story in the game to be in Japanese. If you see this old title on eBay or the like don't hesitant to add it to your collection.

Randomness:

• Psycho Dream was to be published in America at one point as Dream Probe, however the title was never released.
• The creators of Psycho Dream, Riot, are also responsible for similar title ,Valis, on Sega Genesis
• Gamplay video
  

Vanguard Princess- Fun and Freeware

Here is a surprisingly cool freeware game called Vanguard Princess. The game reminds me of Arcana Heart, as the animation and art are very high quality! Apparently it was made by an ex- Capcom employee as well. Beware it is very moe. http://www.vector.co.jp/soft/dl/win95/game/se477052.html

Deathsmiles Review (Xbox 360)

Today I will be looking at the newest shooting game released for the Xbox 360, Deathsmiles. This title was developed by Cave, makers of other shooting (or shmup) hits such as DoDonpachi and Ketsui. The game falls in the shooting genre of "bullet hell", as the enemy can be relentless in releasing bullets, sometimes having thousands on the screen at one time making it hell for the player to dodge. As far as the "bullet hell" shmup's diificulty, Deathsmiles isn't as intense as some of Cave's other titles; but it is no cake walk either.
The game involves the story of several young women transported to another world filled with magical creatures. They receive new powers and go on an adventure to find the portal to return home. The game's theme follows the Japanese fashion of Gothic Lolita. It seems to represent a vampire-like post renaissance attire, and if you notice the young heroines are dressed in this manner. This theme also carries over into the game as the levels have a Halloween like setting; and some levels have an almost "Castlevania-esque" music to them.
Deathsmiles was ported from an arcade release; but the Xbox offers several updates. First and foremost the Xbox mode allows players to play the game with HD graphics. This is more noticeable when compared to the original and 1.1 versions of the game also included on the disc. Overall the graphics are pretty awesome, especially for a shooting game. Other updates include full-voice acting(Japanese only) and Achievements for tasks such as beating bosses or the always evil "beat the game on one credit."
The levels in the game range from volcanic caverns to 17th century ballrooms (complete with masquerade ball dancers attacking you!) Bosses also vary from cool to insane. One stage you battle dragons, and another you battle a giant cow will telepathic powers. One let down is the length of the stages, they are over far too soon.
The soundtrack is really great. Gothic tunes, and upbeat techno music carries you through the levels. I haven't liked a soundtrack this much in a long time...definately worth picking up the special edition of this game since it is thrown in. The sound effects are also notably cool, especially the explosions.
The big draw of these sort of games is the scoring system, and Deathsmiles doesn't disappoint. Three difficulty levels exists for the first few levels of the game, and then an unforgiving difficulty is applied to the extra stage and final stage. One cool ability is the downloadable replays via Xbox Live. Watch experts get massive scores, and learn their techniques.
It is unfortunate this game was only released in Japan, as it is a high quality game. It is pretty funny we get utter shit released in the US like Face Breakers boxing but no great shmups. If you have the money, invest an import Xbox 360, as it seems to be this generation's shmup haven. I hope Atlus or Xseed grab this gem up before its too late.

Randomness:

• An update to the game will be released soon for DLC. It will include a new playable character, a new stage, and a super difficulty for shooting game veterans.
• The game sold 20,000 in it's first week in Japan. It is the highest amount for a bullet hell title yet!
• A recent sequel has been released in arcades with a Christmas theme.

Checkout Card Saga Wars!

A couple of guys are making a fighting game filled with your favorite heroes of the past and present. It is a Mugen based game called Card Saga Wars. Unlike other Mugen games, everything is being created from scratch just for this game. Characters such as Chrono, Master Chief, and even Etna from Disgaea are selectable. Look it up on Youtube, or here is a link to their homepage: http://cardgallery.tales-tra.com/main.htm
It has been in development awhile now, but it looks as if it will be well worth the wait!

Updates Cometh! Now taking requests...

I have some review ideas underway; but I will also start taking requests. Name any game out there you want to see a review for, and I will do my best to do it. At the moment, I am planning a review for the obscure Typing of the Dead for Dreamcast and also a review of the ADK game compilation for PS2. Leave your suggestions/requests in the comment box.

Dynamite Headdy Review (Sega Genesis)

Time for a retro-review of Dynamite Headdy for the Sega Genesis. This game was designed by Treasure (Gunstar Heroes, Radiant Silvergun, Ikaruga, etc.) and stands as one of their earliest triumphs. Dynamite Headdy takes place in a fictional puppet world where the main star, Headdy, must defeat the evil Dark Demon and his keymasters to restore peace to the theatre. The game is a platformer much like Ristar; but with a twist. Headdy can switch heads to fight differently, these range from turning his head into a powerful hammer to more comical things like a pig that snorts projectiles.
The game's levels are fun and varied. Each stage in the game is wildly different and forces the player to use their head (sorry had to.) Bosses are insanely creative as well( just check out the first level's boss, a Giant Weenie Dog Float fighing to "The Nutcracker" theme.) The difficulty can be incredibly challengning toward the middle of the game onward; but the game stays fun. Dynamite Headdy also has alot of funny things thrown in to amuse the player, one example being the level titles. Levels are based on movie puns, such as one being called "Stair Wars" and another "Toys in the Hood".
As in most Treasure games, the graphics are outstanding. It is easily stands with Sega's best visuals of the era. The soundtrack is also very well done. Cool tunes are abound, Headdy's rival's theme, Trouble Bruin, will stick with you long after finishing the game. Sound effects are nice and weird, like a strange chipmunk voice saying. "You got a secret bonus point" at certain moments.
Dynamite Headdy is available in a variety of forms. The game was ported to the Master System, Gamegear, Sony PS2, , and Wii Channel, and most recently the PS3 and Xbox 360. Of these versions the import only PS2 port really stands out on the "Sega Ages Gunstar Heroes Treasure Box" (say that five times fast.) This version has a super play of the game, concept art, and has the Master System and GG ports included ( you also get Gunstar Heroes and Alien Soldier, helluva deal really.)
With so many ways to play the game there is no excuse to ignore it. Treasure fans probably own a few versions, and Sega fans should own at least one. If you enjoy a good, oldschool 2-D platformer look it up, you will be happy you did. For you modern gamers it was recently released on the Sonic Ultimate Collection disc for PS3 and 360, and runs you a mere $30; the discs also has Phantasy Star 1-4 and Streets of Rage 1-3...a steal for so many great games. Maybe one day Treasure will bless us with a sequel.

Random Stuff:

• First Boss Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qiNF9KlGws&feature=related
• Dynamite Headdy for the Master System was released only in Brazil, so it carries a high price tag among collectors.
  
• Many regional differences exist between the Genesis and Megadrive versions such as one boss being changed from a massive baby doll to a killer robot for the U.S. audience.
• Another regional difference is the game's secret ending. Instead of fighting a fictional theatre owner and thugs, players faced the President of Sega and his bodyguards!

Man vs. Super Mario World: The Final Battle

This incredible clip comes courtesy of Speed Demos Archive, a site dedicated to collecting the fastest completion times of your favorite games. This speed run is for one my all time faves, Super Mario World for the SNES. This clip was not made using a special emulator or any cheats/hacks, just one man's skill pushed to the limits. His name is Adam Sweeney, on the Speed Demo site he recalls this being his fifth speed run...his penultimate effort! Sit back, watch, and envy some truly hardcore skills at work.


original link:http://speeddemosarchive.com/MarioWorld.html

Support Deathsmiles

Head over to the Atlus forums and get on the bandwagon for this awesome looking 360 shooter. Let's get this game localized(damn region lockout...grrr!) Atlus link:http://atlus.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2435

Jojo's Bizzare Adventure Review (DC)

Today I will be looking at one of the Dreamcast's coolest fighting games, Jojo's Bizzare Adventure. The game is based on one of Japan's longest running manga series. The story has Jojo and his allies traveling from Japan to Egypt to face a vampire known as Dio. Dio has placed a curse on Jojo's mother, and the only way to break it is by beating the ever living sh*t out of him. Along the way Jojo and crew will face many henchmen including a man that turns people into kids and a dimension warping villain called Vanilla Ice ( not the rapper.)
This game includes Jojo's Venture and Jojo's Bizzare Adventure on one disc. Originally these titles were released at arcades running on Capcom's coveted CPS3 board( think Street Fighter 3.) Two versions were ported to home consoles one for the DC, and another for the PSX. The Playstation lacked the graphical capabilities of the Dreamcast but introduced a Super Story Mode with mini games like poker. The Dreamcast retained all of the CPS3's sweet animation and both games from the arcade. I have played both versions; the Dreamcast edges out it's competitor with it's 128 bit graphic capabilities.
The game is a fighter; but the stand out feature is everyone has a Stand (bad pun not intended.) A Stand is each character's unique guardian that can be called out to do battle for them. If you are familiar with the anime or manga, Jojo's cast have many unique stands. Dio's stand can stop time, Avdol blazes the screen with fire attacks, and Alessi makes his enemy a child temporarily to induce more damage; these are just a few examples. Some of their attacks are odd ( Dio drops a steamroller on his enemies) but really cool as well.
The graphics are beautiful 2-D like only Capcom can deliver. Animation is smooth, and some little effects look great like when you finish your opponent a giant manga image of them dying splashes across the backdrop. Jojo's music is pretty catchy, and some stage's themes are awesome (checkout Jojo's last stage in story mode, the music is so badass.) Little sound effects are cool too like Dio's Muda Muda Muda when he attacks.
If you are an anime or manga fan check into Jojo, you will probably enjoy the game and the series. Fighting games should check it out as well. The American version slightly censors some content; but has english for the story mode...so it is well worth tracking down. The Japanese version has better cover art, and leaves everything intact. Don't miss this strange and wonderful fighting experience.

Random Stuff:

• Jojo occasionally smokes a cigarette in his victory pose in the Japanese version, this was edited from the US release
• Jojo's Venture and Jojo's Bizzare Adventure are the only games to run on the CPS3 besides Warzard and the Street Fighter 3 trilogy
• Many of the series' characters are named after famous American musicians such as Pet Shop (Pet Shop Boys), Vanilla Ice, and Mariah (Mariah Carey)
• Cool combo from the game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbArvIqZzkI

Top Shop Review (PSX)

The first game I will look at is the little known Playstation One title, Top Shop. Top Shop is a Japanese game created by developer KID. This game was released in 1999 by A1 games in the US. It was a budget title; if I recall correctly I got it at Best Buy for like five bucks brand new. Why am I looking back at this old budget release...one reason: It's like Monopoly on crack.
The play mechanics are easy like Monoply. You buy property, increase the value of the property, get Chance type cards, and piss off your opponent whenver they hit your space.

You pick from several odd characters such as a kid in a frog suit and a dude with a mullet named Bro. After character selection you will be in a mall (think a giant sized Monoply board) and you roll a pencil with numbers then move to a space. There is a bank that is like the GO! space, whenever you pass it you get cash. Whoever achieves the required amount of money first wins.
The game modes are Free Mode or Story Mode. Story Mode is presented in wonderful Engrish and makes no sense. Story Mode allows you to unlock a few more characters, most notably Santa (mainly because when you are losing it gives you a reason to shout something strange or obscene like "F*ck Your Coffee Shop Santa!") Free Mode is where the game truly shines however.
In Free Mode you play multiplayer. You can have up to eight people or computer controlled bots play. The game is really entertaining when you are trying to reach the target amount and you or your opponent hits the bank with points. Points are obtained randomly throughout the game. Points allow you to do fun stuff to your friend like shut down one of their stores, bankrupt them, or even win the game if you save enough of them. This makes the game have more devious ( and fun) strategy over Monoply.
Top Shop has some problems: the music is pretty bad, some games take waaaaay too long to win, and the graphics are very...um...classic, alright it looks like a freaking NES game. The problems are not too big, and they shouldn't stop you from giving it a try. A sequel was never produced for this game, which is really too bad. I am sure with better marketing this game could have been a popular series.

Random Trivia:

• In Japan this game was released under the Super Lite label as Tenant Wars Alpha
• Tenant Wars initially saw release on the Japanese Sega Saturn console; but one year later was ported to the PSX with the Alpha moniker added to the title
  
• The US version features fictional stores; but in the Japanese versions of the game players open actual businesses like Denny's and Lotteria
  

My Focus or Why I Made a Blog

I love video games, past and present. Here we will be focusing on the games of the past. I will take a look back at the classic hits, hidden gems, and stains on the underpants of gaming's yesteryear. This is the first post, so make sure you check back soon for updates! Thanks for the visit.