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Post by Xeogred on Mar 7, 2022 0:04:52 GMT -5
I keep thinking of Run Saber with this theme. So does anyone have any recs for similar games?
Specifically I really liked how satisfying the sword swinging and hitting enemies felt in Run Saber. I'd call that a cozy game. Short, simple, and sweet, but it left a nice lasting impression too.
EDIT: I actually only played through it with the chick. Maybe I do another run with the guy sometime.
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Post by toei on Mar 7, 2022 0:20:01 GMT -5
I mean, Run Saber is heavily-inspired by Strider. I don't think anyone here is a big Strider fan, but Strider 2 is cool and worth a playthrough, as Ex will tell you.
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Post by Sarge on Mar 7, 2022 0:24:05 GMT -5
Yep, all of what toei said. I've sampled a few things so far this month: Samurai Ghost for PC Engine is a pretty awkward side-scroller. Not really impressed, outside of the big honkin' sprites, but the sword attacks remind me a lot of those segmented character games like Earnest Evans, so... eh. Zombie Hunter on NES is a sort of side-scrolling... well, it's not a rogue-like, because the levels and encounters are fixed, but it does feel like it has a similar vibe where you need to grind, hope you get good equipment/life drops, and so on. Repetitive music and some really wonky hit detection, but... I dunno, I think it's kinda charming overall. I might look at finishing it off if I don't burn out. Chakan... well, I didn't give it much of a chance. I'm pretty sure it's the same folks that made the Genesis X-Men game. Very dark and gritty aesthetic, but the action feels pretty meh.
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Post by Ex on Mar 7, 2022 0:30:15 GMT -5
I keep thinking of Run Saber with this theme. So does anyone have any recs for similar games? The obvious answer is Strider, which is what Run Saber is inspired by. You probably have played the original Strider, but have you ever played the sequel on PS1? It's really good: - In Popful Mail land, I've got a little over two hours invested thus far, just saved at the Hot Springs area tonight. I've got mixed feelings about this one thus far. The positives are an upbeat sense of humor, nice OST, and decent protagonists. The negatives are flaky jumping mechanics, too-brief invincibility window when you get hit (causes you to be juggled), and backtracking through stages. I really wish the design was purely linear stages all the way through, This isn't a "metroidvania" where backtracking is fun, it's just asinine gopher quest stuff. Right now PM's sitting between the 6/10-7/10 range for me, but it may improve with further play. I just hope the backtracking eases off at least. Edit: Ha ha, toei knows me well.
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Post by toei on Mar 7, 2022 1:01:12 GMT -5
Sarge I couldn't get into Samurai Ghost for the longest time, until I figured out how best to use the controls for deflecting and attacking (it's better to hold Up most of the time as the downward slash is the most useful overall). I can see the comparison with Earnest Evans, though it is a more competent game overall. Anyway, it's nothing great, but it's not terrible either.
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Post by Xeogred on Mar 7, 2022 1:04:12 GMT -5
I had a bad feeling you guys would say Strider, even though deep down I instantly knew Run Saber was kind of a clone haha. I can't even remember what Strider games I've sampled, but it's been a few of them and I never like that dudes wacky jumping. But yeah maybe this month I'll give them a real look or just jump straight to that PSX entry.
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Post by Ex on Mar 7, 2022 1:19:14 GMT -5
just jump straight to that PSX entry. I recommend doing that first. The PlayStation Strider 2 is immensely better than the original game. I'd hate for you to play the original, not like it, then not bother playing the superior sequel as a result.
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Post by toei on Mar 7, 2022 15:21:44 GMT -5
Conversely, I was thinking of maybe actually trying to beat the original Strider. It never really appealed to me - the moves are part of the problem, but I especially didn't like the level design - but I've found that I grew to sort of like a lot of other games I didn't like at first in the past couple years. But yeah, Strider 2 (the real Strider 2, not that Strider Returns garbage) is a completely different beast. It's a very in-your-face all-action arcade rollercoaster extravaganza volcano of red-hot EXCITEMENT LAVA.
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Post by Ex on Mar 7, 2022 16:14:25 GMT -5
Well this one didn't take long: Title: Rastan Saga II Platform: SEGA Genesis Region release played: USA Year of release: 1990 Developer: Opera House Publisher: Taito Graphics: 3/5 Audio: 2/5 Challenge: 3/5 Fun factor: 2/5 Quick Thoughts: Rastan Saga II was originally a 1988 arcade game, but was ported to SEGA Genesis and TurboGrafx-16 in 1990. It is a sequel to the 1987 arcade release Rastan (itself having received many ports). In this action-platformer, the player controls a barbarian jumping and slashing his way through hoards of monsters. There aren't very many stages, but each stage is timed and the difficulty ramps up considerably towards the end. Rastan Saga II is a bit clunky and lethargic, but for fans of Conan the Barbarian it's worth a try.
+Large detailed sprites. +Definitely some tricky platforming. +Gotta love that Hyborian aesthetic.
+Short and to the point. +Comes with an endless continue code built in.
-Overall production is crude. -Weak OST. -Background/tile graphics aren't on par with the sprites. -Bosses lack variety in execution. -Very formulaic, no surprises.
Ex's time to beat: 20 minutes Ex's rating: 5/10
- Yeah, I'm taking a break from Popful Mail to play some shorter more direct games for this theme.
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Post by Ex on Mar 7, 2022 22:21:49 GMT -5
Knocked out another quicky this evening: Title: Saigo no Nindou: Ninja SpiritPlatform: Game Boy Region release played: Japan Year of release: 1993 Developer: Bits Studio Publisher: Irem Graphics: 3/5 Audio: 2/5 Challenge: 2/5 Fun factor: 3/5 Quick Thoughts: Saigo no Nindou: Ninja Spirit is a Japan only action-platformer, wherein the player is a ninja slashing their way through seven stages of baddies. This is a port of the 1988 arcade title Ninja Spirit, which has also been ported to many other platforms. The Game Boy version follows the original game, but offers unique stage designs. Ninja Spirit on Game Boy is a breezy affair, certainly not a challenge to any action-platforming veterans. But despite its ease and low powered platform, the feudal Japan ninja battling is portrayed surprisingly effectively. +Feudal Japan aesthetic comes through. +A variety of weapons.
+Multiple types of useful ninpÅ. +Decent boss fight variety. +All the text is in English. -Too easy. -Too short. -Uninteresting platforming. -The bosses don't have life bars. -OST is lackluster. Ex's time to beat: 15 minutes Ex's rating: 6/10
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