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Post by toei on Mar 1, 2023 18:33:04 GMT -5
I was thinking of a particular Famicom Disk System game, though I don't know if I'll have the time or desire for it this month.
The PC-98 is a weird platform to put in there because it continues all the way through the 16-bit era up until the beginning of the 32-bit era, and is, in fact, a 16-bit computer. Not just that, but from what I remember reading, it was initially more of a business computer while the cheaper and weaker PC-88 line was popular as a home computer. So in practice this means that during the third generation era the PC-88 was the real gaming platform, with the PC-98 mostly just getting ports that didn't really take advantage of its capacities. Then it's around 1989/1990 that the PC-98 really takes over as a gaming platform and starts to get exclusives. It really should be classified as 4th gen.
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Post by Ex on Mar 2, 2023 0:09:43 GMT -5
I put PC-98 in the list because GameFAQs did. I can see it being 4th gen though, yeah.
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Post by bonesnapdeez on Mar 2, 2023 9:54:13 GMT -5
GameFAQs has adjusted those lists over time. They used to have the SG-1000 in third gen, which is where I'd prefer to have it. As far as those Japanese computers go, I'd personally place MSX, PC-88, X1, and FM-7 in third gen and PC-98, X68000, and FM Towns in fourth gen. Though computers are tough to place overall. The C64 was released in 1982, alongside the Vectrex and ColecoVision, but if you look at the actual game library it's largely third gen stuff (plus the two aforementioned consoles died quickly). Whatever the case, I'm cool with going by the GameFAQs lists as they're accurate enough, and all the major consoles are placed properly. (However, they have the HyperScan placed in fourth gen which is just purely erroneous. Unless they're trying to argue the console was so bad it deserves to be "downgraded" lol). And nice job on Mega Man Xeogred.
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Post by Ex on Mar 2, 2023 11:17:33 GMT -5
GameFAQs has adjusted those lists over time. It's always going to be subjectively nebulous as to when generations truly begin and end in this medium. Especially if one is trying to go off of platforms. Ultimately, I believe the HRG regulars who participate in CR have enough experience to know when a particular game fits a particular generation, so let's go with our gut if needed. - Xeogred I missed the Mega Man post. Nice write up and thoughts. I've only beaten MM1-3 on NES. I've never finished MM4-6, maybe I should. These are good games no doubt, but they sure are cookie cutter. Which I understand is a positive if you really love that cookie. I do hope for this theme, that you game outside your comfort zone and play some new-to-you-stuff as well.
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Post by Xeogred on Mar 2, 2023 22:38:54 GMT -5
ACTION Master of DARKNESS ~58 minutes
From a glance I always liked how the main character looks like he's in a regular mid century business coat/blazer. Then I liked him even more when I learned that this was DR. SOCIAL. Evil messed with the wrong man and stood no chance against Dr. Social.
Master of Darkness is very much what it looks like, developer SIMS (some other great looking stuff here) made a Castlevania clone for Sega. And a very nice one at that. 1992-1993 is pretty dang late into the SMS's life cycle I wager and it shows with the impressive graphics here. In ways this game looks and feels almost like a 16bit Castlevania, or an interesting midpoint between the two generations. Music isn't up to par with Konami's bangers but I really liked all the tracks here, conveying an awesome moody atmosphere with the rest of the game. Just wish there were a few more tracks. Each area is made up of three main stages and it's just one theme per set of three. But yeah, some great stuff here.
Difficulty wise, it's definitely a lot easier and forgiving than NES Castlevania. And while I thought I had seen all the game would probably offer midway in, the levels started to get more non-linear, there were interesting puzzle-like rooms with enemy gauntlets, swinging clockwork platforms and neat platforming ideas in general. It started evolving just at the right time and had some neat tricks along the way.
Stuck with the Legendary Axe-styled axe weapon for the most part as it did the most damage. The secondary weapons seemed a little subpar, until later on I got something that looked like a giant demon tooth/spike thing. Was the best one by far.
The final boss was an awesome spectacle. Just wished there was third phase. Was a bit too easy.
Like old Castlevania games? Check this one out. Nuff' said.
My favorite tune, love those melancholic SMS arpegios around 45s in:
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Post by toei on Mar 2, 2023 23:56:03 GMT -5
Glad you enjoyed it more than me. SIMS also made the 8-bit Aladdin I was talking about and the Master System Ninja Gaiden, among other things. Both worth checking out. I also enjoyed their Sega CD RPG Vay back in the day. They also made Master of Combat, one of the only Master System fighters along with Virtua Fighter Animation (both are Game Gear ports). They didn't make Shadow Dancer, though, that wikipedia page is wrong about that. This is where most of that page's info is from.SIMS was a Sega subsidiary, btw, but the employees mostly came from this pretty bad developer called Sanritsu. SIMS' output is better than Sanritsu's was, but not as good as Sega's.
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Post by Xeogred on Mar 3, 2023 0:01:36 GMT -5
Yeah I perked up seeing some of those games, coming hot off this playthrough. The Aladdin game almost looks like Another World/Flashback, cinematic/adventure more than action. The Ninja Gaiden game looks like a slam dunk to me, I'm excited for that one.
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Post by Sarge on Mar 3, 2023 0:05:02 GMT -5
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Post by Ex on Mar 3, 2023 1:53:18 GMT -5
Xeogred Nice to see you playing some SEGA Master System games. That's largely unexplored territory for you. Cool that you enjoyed Master of Darkness so much. I enjoyed Master of Darkness because the game has heart, but it's not quite Castlevania level of good. Still a valiant attempt, and at least you can change direction while jumping. These were my thoughts when I beat it back in 2017: - I spent some time tonight with Kick Master on NES. I've played this before long ago, but never got as far as I did tonight (third stage). Not sure what I think of this one yet, but it does have ambition and I enjoy its graphical aesthetic. I do intend to finish it.
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Post by bonesnapdeez on Mar 3, 2023 10:30:13 GMT -5
Kick Master is one of those games by "Kid" who ended up becoming a visual novel developer in the late 90s. Some interesting history there.
Master of Darkness looks dope. I think I've only played it via emulation? Certainly seems worth checking out.
I'll join the challenge in a few weeks once my game room is reassembled.
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