The Turbo Masters

2011-10-24T18:19:00.002-05:00

Monkey Kings Blog of ALL Things I Love

My New blog...check it out :)

Trying to the writing bug back.

2011-09-15T20:54:00.001-05:00

Looking at this blog...I didn't realize it's been a tad over 9 months since my last entry. Hoping to rectify that ASAP. Part of the absence here has been a lack of time, mixed with a "burnout" gaming wise. I hope to get back into a smooth groove here soon...especially with the colder weather returning soon.

I'm hoping to resurrect my plan from awhile ago (with possibly different games):

http://turbomasters.blogspot.com/2010/06/new-pc-engine-plan-of-attack-or-at.html

Any ideas from my 3 readers would be appreciated ;)

Mmmmmmmm goodness arrives, and a dupe lol

2010-12-02T22:38:00.000-06:00

I have been waiting for a good chance to nab Faussete Amour foe a couple years now. It's usual price of near $100+ is generally the reason why I held back on this somewhat maligned game. Nabbing it for $55 shipped definitely softened that blow.

After one of my Brother Duomazov (at arms) IVANEC sang it's praises I knew it was a winner.

As he stated many will whine about the somewhat slow pace your hero moves at, but it felt fine within only a couple minutes. Feeling very much the solid platformer it is (sadly one of the weak spots of the PCE/TG library) with obvious bits of Bionic Commando thrown in, the game controls well. Mixing in a straight shot, downward swing/magic combo, and the jumping/grappling/flipping mechanic feels natural on no time. Multi hit armor (armor,underwear,naked/death) with armor replenishments found lets you take a few hits before you lose a life.

Intro/cutscenes are well done, bright, and colorful...lot's of blues, pinks, and purples that work very well together.

Bosses so far have been a rather weak bunch, but I haven't gotten far enough yet to comment on the latter game bosses ferocity.

All in all a great game with a unique look, a unique soundtrack, and for me a hearty suggested game for you to get (just have patience and avoid it's usual high price).

Long awaited OBEY arrives

2010-11-12T15:05:00.000-06:00

Wolfagmes has come thru yet again. Motoroader II, and Motoroader MC have been on my want list for some time now, waiting for decent deals has taken some patience. Space Invaders was a fairly late release in the systems life, and many times prices tend to be ridiculous IMO. Thanks to Wolfgames tremendous sale, he has helped knock 3 more games off my buy list. Link below for one of the best sellers out there.

Wolfagmes SALE

Hit and Miss :|

2010-11-06T17:19:00.000-05:00

I don't usually post so soon after my last one, be it laziness, lack of anything usable to say,etc.

I fired up my new games from my last post, and have mixed feelings.

1st up:

CD Denjin (aka Super Air Zonk: Rockabilly Paradise)

Now mind you, PC Denjin (Air Zonk) is easily one of my favorite shooters in the entire PC Engine/Turbografx library )which is obviously filled with quality shooters). I have heard thru the years that it's sequel was a letdown to many people for various reasons. Anything from it now being a "step up" as it's now on a Super CD vs. a huey, the music selection, the way your "team up" buddies are nowhere near the same, or as cool, etc.

So I went in knowing that this game wasn't top tier. Still I had a glimmer of hope that the bashing it received was overblown. Sadly it's pretty much all right on target. Nothing here IMO couldn't have been achieved on a humble huey, the music choices compared to the original (which is STELLAR) are yawn worthy, and the gameplay is rather bland, and slow IMO. It is far from a bad game..but is a letdown in almost every way. It may have fared better if it was a standalone game, but trying to follow the footsteps of PC Denjin (Air Zonk) it isn't even in the same league. This one may gather a bit more dust than even I thought it would.

2nd game:

God Panic (SHIJŌ SAIKYŌ NO GUNDAN)

Now I have only looked at screen shots of this. "OK...different looking shooter, may be cool." It is a quirky shooter steeped with japanese er...quirkiness. It is similar to Obocchama-kun (PC ENGINE) in that regard. More than a few of the enemy designs reminded me a LOT of the Metal Max games...a pig tank, etc. This game is almost a hodgepodge of random. Unique enemies are hit or miss, as well as the artwork. Music is decent, though sound effects lack much variety. Decent in places to downright bland, and boring in others the (sunbathing lady did draw a smirk). Only 5 levels, and very little to look forward to weapon wise (sidekick pods that slightly upgradeable) are 2 definite drawbacks. Now if you like your shooters easy LOOK NO FURTHER. Considering my meager gaming and shmups skills this game was cake...maybe a bit of a crazy looking cake, but cake nonetheless. Even with it's SLOW initial speed, life bar that can be extended, and large hitbox, the game never really ramped up the difficulty to much.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!!!! After you beat the last boss you get to..wait for it...got thru the game ALL over again. Yes my friends another loop of wackiness. : | Things get changed up slightly as colors, and many character designs are now different. A quick, flawed yet enjoyable game, but can't compete wuth the likes of Air Zonk, Star Parodia, etc.

NEWEST ADDITIONS OVER THE LAST MONTH

2010-11-06T13:17:00.000-05:00

there is much new OBEY to be had here lately. A special thanks to Roy for the Meteor Blaster DX Signature Edition.

Just cross promoting my new blog ;)

2010-08-08T00:17:00.004-05:00

http://minibikejourney.blogspot.com/

My new blog all about mini bikes. Check it out, and let me know what you think :)

Upcoming games that deserve a look

2010-08-02T23:10:00.001-05:00

PSP

Ys Seven 8/17

Valkyria chronicles 2 8/31

Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman (Zettai Hero Kaizou Keikaku) Fall 2010

Phantasy Star Portable 2 9/28

Cladun: This is a RPG (Classic Dungeon) 9/7

God Eater Burst 2/28

Knights in the Nightmare 10/19

Tactics Ogre: Let us Cling Together (Not much info yet)

DS

Etrian Odyssey 3 9/21

More holes in the collection filled

2010-08-02T14:36:00.003-05:00

For sometime I have been after the sublime Soldier Blade. Given the retarded price direction the market for US titles have taken the last year or so, I bit the bullet and nabed the PCE version. Outrun has a great port on the PCE, and also a worthy addition to anyones collection.

Just some random nabs I've been after.

My current distraction

2010-07-14T21:54:00.000-05:00

Just released on Sunday July 11th, Dragon quest IX stormed US stores. It is the main series first release on a portable system. Nintendo is the US which are also pushing the game thru 2 funny (IMO) commercials starring Seth Green.

Gameplay is still turn based, and plays as expected. Changing things up multiplayer, and designing characters are thrown into the mix. You also see enemies on the area maps, no more random battles. You get to participate in various quests during the game (though most aren't necessary). While only 8 hours in so far, the game seems kind of easy, but still has the DQ charm fully intact.

More impressions to come as I get farther into what is so far a quality game.

A new PC Engine plan of attack (or at least an attempt) ;)

2010-06-04T21:10:00.001-05:00

I have developed a gaming affliction thru the years... CHAIN GAMING! I never had this problem when I was younger. Maybe it's because I had less $ to get new games, or the fact that my game library as a kid was rather meager. This has lead me to play a game for a bit, get bored/stuck...and move on to a new game. This is especially bad when it come to an rpg (Tengai Makyō II: Manjimaru I'm def looking at you). After awhile I comeback to said game, and have completely forgot where I am/where to go/what to do next...and yet another restart.

NOW I am trying a new tactic to try and break myself of the bane of my gaming existence. I have now pulled out 4 PC Engine games, and WILL NOT pull out anymore to play until they are beat 9barring testing new games I receive). As sad as this sounds, I'm hoping this will kill the chain gamer in me.

To start this experiment off these are the chosen games:

Wish me Luck :)

Falcom rumors of goodness US bound FOUNDED!!

2010-05-14T15:05:00.000-05:00

XSEED bringing over Falcom games!! (courtesy of RPGamer)

Starting in late summer XSEED will be bringing over a number of Falcom's game library that has been rumored for months, and clamored for by fans. The first will be Ys Seven in late summer followed by Ys: The Oath in Felghana before years end. The most interesting, and ambitious game planned is the Sora no Kiseki trilogy. Considered modern classics by many fans, and are all extremely large games ( the second game is the first (and only ?) psp game to come on 2 UMD's with extremely large scripts to translate.

Hopefully these games are heavily marketed, and sell well. Falcom has a very solid, and rabid fanbase, but many previous attempts to bring their games over have fallen flat. Shoddy translation jobs, poor porting ( abysmal load times, etc.), and very little to no marketing have not done much to help these titles out. XSEED seems to be ready to do these games justice, so there is hope.

Today was a VERY good day :)

2010-02-26T19:36:00.000-06:00

I have been on much more of a game bender lately, but a shopping run today changed that.

Nostalgia arrived (FINALLY) from a contest on RPGFan.com, Legend of Kage 2 was a paltry $6 shipped. The dvd's are all from Best Buy, all for $10 each, sweet sweet reduced prices FTW. Looks like movie time galore soon. :)

One of the BEST PC Engine games ever

2010-02-23T09:54:00.000-06:00

Son Son II

Capcom/NEC Avenue really hit on out of the park with Son Son II. This little 2 meg bruiser is quality from the first minute you fire it up. Based on the chinese legend of the Journey West/monkey king. Seven levels of supreme platforming goodness await you. You gain $ (the ubiquitous Capcom zenny) by collectiing fruit which you use for items, weapons, and magic. Hidden secrets abound throughout the first-rate designed levels, capped off by cool end level bosses.

Another colorful game with excellent control, and good challenge. Music is quality,and fits the game quite well. Luckily this classic can also be nabbed for a reasonable price. There is also a translated rom out there (though hardly necessary). Out of my 300+ PCE/TG games this is a solid top 5 game, and possibly my #1 Huey of all time.

Getting back to OBEYING the PC Engine

2010-02-23T09:09:00.001-06:00

Genji Tsushin Agedama

For sometime now I have been a proponent of this criminally, oft ignored hidden gem in the PCE library. This game is based off an anime, and manga series of the same name. A "forced scroll" platformer (ala Monster Lair) with colorful graphics, quality control, and cool attacks.

You start with a typical peashooter of a weapon, but get power-ups of varying colors that add some uniqe attacks. Your special attacks vary by color, and also by how long you hold the button down (the colored gauge determines what attack is unleashed). Control is buttery smooth, and responsive. Graphically it's not a powerhouse, but still throws some very enjoyable scenes up, with a a decent amount of stage variety. Music is upbeat, and excellent chip tunage.

This is easily one of my favorite PCE games that I regularly return to. In my opinion a MUST OWN.

*Pictures & videos compliments of Sunteampaul @ The PC Engine Bible*

Soma Bringer...modern classic

2010-02-21T19:25:00.001-06:00

Soma Bringer is a action RPG game by developer Monolith Soft (of Xenosga, NamcoXCapcom, and Baten Kaitos fame) for the DS. Originally released in japan in early 2008, there are still no plans for a release outside of japan.

When you start up, you can choose from 8 different characters each one having a unique class/weapon specialties (though the main story stays the same for all). Characters are customizable thru weapons, armor, and gaining AP as you level up, you also gain CP (Character Points), which can be used to increase the character's four base statistics. These base statistics determine the strength of physical and magical attacks, as well as maximum HP/SP, defensive power and so on. The statistics that can be boosted are Strength, Magic, Health and Skillfulness.

Combat is fast paced (reminiscent of Diablo 2), with the added ability to map your special attacks to the 4 buttons (X, Y, B, A). You camera angle is adjustable with the select button, and automatically zooms in when attacking an enemy. Controls are fluid, and well implemented (your 2 companions that you can choose are AI controlled).

Though early on game time, Soma Bringer sure seems to be another gem that will sadly not be brought over to the US.

GOD EATER IS COMING!!!!

2010-02-19T19:13:00.005-06:00

One of my more anticipated PSP games of 2010 has just recently been announced for release in the US. There is a downloadable demo out now for the japanese version (downloaded over 1.5 million times)!!

Taking more than a few cues from the runaway success of the Monster Hunter series, God Eater injects much more anime style to it.

NamcoBandai has handed off localization to D3Publisher, and will be released in Q3 of this year.

God Eater is set where the earth has been ruined by beasts known as the Aragami and mankind’s only hope against them is the Jinki weapons and the God Eaters behind them. This game lures players with more than 100 missions. Players can change their game strategy at any time by instantly switching between weapon forms to slash, shoot, and devour gigantic enemies (35 unique enemy types to find items and customize from) to alter the strength, pattern and elemental type for super powerful attacks. A unique predator mode will add a new level of strategy as players transform their Jinki to beast form to gain a boost in stats and special bullets to launch potent attacks. Featuring cooperative modes, players can hunt with AI controlled party members or join hunting parties with up to four players via local adhoc mode or connect the PSP system to the PlayStation 3 to play online using adhocParty.

Getting back into the Moster Hunter series

2010-02-08T20:57:00.000-06:00

Some time ago, I picked up the original Monster Hunter for the PS2, and then Monster Hunter Freedom for the PSP. I play for awhile, yet time passes, and I move on to other gaming pastures. Talking to my friend pcenginefan/apple, and windancer we get to the subject of Monster Hunter Tri (an upcoming game for the Wii).

This starts to take me back to my to short playing days with the original 2 games I had. I start to feel the desire to give one of them the whirl...yet where to start. MH Tri isn't out yet, but wait!! Some digging turns up that MHF Unite for the PSP is now a very reasonable $20 new. I pick it up on my next game buying run (a rare thing these days) and nab a copy. Now being in the throes of learning my way around Phantasy Star Zero there's little spare time to put into MHF Unite. I end up with some time and fire it up...pleasently surprised. While the online is SEVERELY nerfed (pretty bad idea on a game that would thrive on easy to use online) it's so far an enjoyable game.

Phantasy Star Zero addictive fun

2010-02-08T20:36:00.001-06:00

My good friend windancer, pcenginefan/apple and cohorts at The Blue Rogues have been trying to get me into Phantasy Star Zero for the DS. It took me awhile to take the plunge...and I'm so glad I did!! I just a few short days of off and on play, I am already have a level 23 RAcast with 11.5 hours of game time in. I have been digging the ride so far, learning as I level up.

Customization/weapon choices galore, very nice graphics, solid online with cool peeps (though sadly no voice chat which would be GREAT). This game is DEF more enjoyable than Phantasy Star Universe for the PS2 was. Story is fairly solid (if typically a bit cliched), though I am not very far thru the offline story mode yet. The real fun of the game is online with friends though. I can honestly recomend this game to anyone that enjoys fighting foes online with their friends.

2009-08-16T18:09:00.007-05:00

A new site covering the classic PC Engine/Turbo Grafx has just launched!!

http://www.thebrothersduomazov.com/

Run by 3 MANLY men...who IMO are some of teh BEST gaming minds in the PCE/TG community. Reviews are colorful (and unlike SO many sites) have LOT'S of screenshot's...and more than just 1-2 shot's from 5 second's into level 1 lol. More reviews are added regularly, with the daunting goal of EVERY TG/PCE game released eventually being added.

Bookmark this site for all your TG/PCE gaming info :)

2009-06-06T17:39:00.003-05:00

Thru the years, one series has stood out for many people on the TG/PCE. Bring up the Ys series to fans of the system, and more often than not, you'll get a positive response.

Fast forward to 1989-91 Falcom got the GREAT idea to turn these classic games into an anime. Based off Ys 1&2 (with a few liberties/changes made throughout). The original OVA (Book 1) is seven episodes, and the second OVA (Book 2) is a meager 4 episodes.

A rumored 3rd book (4 episode OVA) was set to come out in japan a few years ago, but never materialized. An anime trailer for Ys IV: The Dawn of Ys was made to shop a possible series to animation companies, but it to never materialized.

The two OVA's that did come out however are a lot of fun to watch (even more so to fans of the games of course). Book 1 has a much older feel to it (animation wise), but is still a solid watch. Book 2 (coming out in 1992), looks much newer, with a different look for most returning characters. There are inconsistencies with names/pronunciations thru the series (probably due to lazy translations/quality voice actors/scripting).

Book 1

Book 2

SWEET dvd menu

When it's all said and done, the dvd's are very worth it for fans of the series.

My gaming goodness that have been way to long coming

2009-01-18T18:12:00.003-06:00

First up...

I have been into the PCE/TG scene for over a year. In that time, I have patiently waited for one of the most popular games for the system. so far 4 levels in I am digging it immensely. I will say that so far it has been easier than I imagined it to be. Plan on beating this very soon.

Second up...

Very limited time with this one so far (first 2 levels), but so far am VERY into it. IMHO the game blows Spriggan Mk 2 out of the water ( kinda sad as Part 1 is a CD, and Mk 2 is a SCD). Also Spriggan is a vertical shootie vs Mk 2 is a horizontal. After Drac X is beat Spriggan will get teh attention it soooooo deserves.

Another PC Engine PSP collection

2008-07-29T00:36:00.002-05:00

For the next (and third) PC Engine collection for the psp, they decided to go with a shooter collection. I am kind of surprised it took this long as the system is known for it's great shooters. This collection doesn't disapoint either.

Included:

Super Star Soldier

Final Soldier

Soldier Blade

Star Parodia (one of my personal favs)

This newest collection has a tentative street date of September 25th, and should be around $30. A GREAT deal for 4 quality shooters in one package. I wonder what Hudson will put in the (hopefully) enevitable fourth collection.

This is for Windancer :)

2008-06-26T01:26:00.004-05:00

Stay up buddy, all of us are pulling for ya bro. :)

PC Engine collections for the PSP

2008-06-25T00:21:00.002-05:00

Coming out on July 31st (tentative), are two excellent collections of classic PCE games for the PSP.

Tengai Makyou Collection contains:

Far East of Eden Ziria

Far East of Eden II: Manji Maru

Tengai Makyou: Fuun Kabukiden

Kabuki Itouryodan

Ginga Ojousama Densetsu Collection contains:

Ginga Ojousama Densetsu Yuna

Ginga Ojousama Densetsu Yuna 2

Ginga Fukei Densetsu: Sapphire

Both are priced at a very reasonable $29.90 @ Playasia.com. I personally am looking forward to these collections (even though I own them all in original formats). Seeing these games on the sweet PSP screen, and in a portable format will be great. If you have a PSP, consider looking in to these sweet collections, as they have some great games included.

Currently Playing Kaze No Densetsu Xanadu aka The Legend of Xanadu

2008-06-24T22:17:00.007-05:00

Just started this game a couple days ago, and WOW. How did the US get the short end of the stick on this great game? It has elements of the Ys series for the overhead areas, and switches to gorgeous side scrolling levels for the boss fights (ala Y's 3). In between areas, there are animated cut scenes, very well done, and the music is catchy, and fitting.

Currently in the 3rd area of the game, and getting more, and more addicted the longer I play. Given my complete lack of Japanese knowledge, it can be a bit slow going, and the stories mostly lost on me, but still very worth a try for anyone on the fence.

The originator :)

2008-06-24T17:09:00.012-05:00

This was the system that started many of it's fans love affair with a sorely under appreciated system. My time with the Turbo was short back in the day. I only had the TurboExpress, Veigues Tactical Gladiator, and Neutopia. Thru the years it gathered dust as I foolishly lost interest, until I sold it off (regrettably).

Many years passed as I slowly became more disenfranchised with the direction many modern games/companies were going. So recently, I decided to go back to a simpler game time. I have always had my SNES, but needed MORE, so I decided to look up an old forgotten friend. Started scouring the net, and finally scored my first Turbo Duo.

Then began the game hunt. My collection has grown, as well as my appreciation of one of the best systems to ever have been released here.

Then we go on to the PC Engine. The PCE did much better in it's native japan, even giving the Super Famicom a run for it's $. The US received only a fraction of the catalog of games that were released in Japan. Many great games are unheard of by many people who had a Turbo back in the day due to some pretty hefty import prices years ago. Luckily, many games can now be found for much more reasonable prices.

This blog will help to bring info on the system(s),
and many of the games that have become classics.