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Post by Ex on Apr 28, 2023 20:46:28 GMT -5
The theme for May and June is "Fourth Generation Games". We are playing video games released during the fourth generation of the video game medium. The "fourth generation" is roughly defined as occurring from 1989 through 1994. Fourth generation gaming platforms (according to GameFAQs):
Acorn Archimedes Amiga CD-I Game Boy GameGear Genesis HyperScan LaserActive Lynx Neo Geo Neo Geo CD OS/2 Sega 32X Sega CD Sega Pico Sharp X68000 Super A'Can Super Nintendo SuperVision Turbo CD TurboGrafx-16
If you want genre or platform recommendations just ask we got 'em.
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Post by toei on Apr 28, 2023 21:03:02 GMT -5
I really want those who haven't played Atomic Runner on the Genesis to play it. It's such an underrated gem, and very representative of the Genesis action style.
As for me, I've got The Immortal lined up, and others if I find the time.
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Post by Xeogred on Apr 28, 2023 22:17:35 GMT -5
I'll put Atomic Runner on my list! Nice reminder. I have a pretty interesting list of ideas for this theme and myself. Mostly just Genesis/SNES stuff again, but yeah. Excited for this theme. Still might knock out another SMS game or two this weekend though.
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Post by Ex on Apr 28, 2023 22:18:16 GMT -5
I really want those who haven't played Atomic Runner on the Genesis to play it. I haven't and I will. May or may not finish it, but I will give it a shot. I appreciate you're going to give The Immortal a fair try. Because you were smart and read Immortal's manual, you've got a fighting chance. - Here's some lesser known (or at least you likely haven't beaten yet) fourth gens Ex recommends:Aquales X68000 | Mecha-Action-Platformer
Battle Arena Toshinden GB | Fighter Bloody Wolf TG16 | Beat/Shoot/Stab 'em up
Brandish 2: The Planet Buster SFC (English patch available) | Action-RPG Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge GB | Action-Platformer
Chikyuu Kaihou Gun ZAS GB | Shmup Choujikuu Yousai Macross 2036 PCECD | Shmup Flash Hiders PCECD | Fighter
Fray: Shuugyouhen GG | Shmup Fray in Magical Adventure PCECD | Shmup
GG Aleste GG | Shmup
Hyper Iria SFC (English patch available) | Action-Platformer Keio Flying Squadron SCD | Shmup Kishin Douji Zenki GG | Action-Platformer
Light Crusader Genesis | Action-RPG Marvelous: Another Treasure Island SFC (English patch available) | Action-Adventure Night Slave PC98 (English patch available) | Mecha-Action-Platformer
Pop Breaker GG | Puzzle-Shmup Power Strike II GG | Shmup
Return of the Ninja GBC | Action-Platformer Rusty PC98 (English patch available) | Action-Platformer similar to Castlevania Steam-Heart's PCECD | Shmup
Tails Adventure GG | Action-Platformer
Tougi Ou: King Colossus MD (English patch available) | Action-RPG I pulled those from my HLTB that covers games I've beaten from 2013 to 2023.
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Post by Xeogred on Apr 28, 2023 22:23:01 GMT -5
Return of the Ninja GBC looks awesomely weird.
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Post by toei on Apr 28, 2023 22:43:15 GMT -5
I've beaten some of those, quick commentary:
Brandish 2 - The original hardcore third-person dungeon crawler series, before Vagrant Story and Dark Souls. Plays just like the SNES version of the first game, so if you liked it you'll like this one. The one thing that's weird at first is that it controls like a first-person game despite being third-person; press left and the "camera" turns left 90 degrees, even though it's 2D. You can strafe to avoid this, though, and you can also get used to it, if you give it a try. The first made a stronger impression on me because I'd never played a game quite like this, and it's quite hardcore; the second is probably just as good though, maybe even better. It has more open outdoor areas as part of the dungeon. Brandish's concept is that you're thrown down to the lowest floor of a dungeon and have to climb back up to freedom, so the entire game takes place there. You're not quite alone, though. I think 2 had more town-like areas, as opposed to a few isolated stores/NPCs. I also remember it as easier, but that could be due to experience.
Fray in Magical Adventure PCECD - Haven't beaten that one, but it has towns and dialogue and story and isn't translated, being a spin-off from a RPG series.
GG Aleste - Fun, fast-paced shooter, super impressive to see on a 8-bit system. Very accessible difficulty.
Hyper Iria SFC - This is a cool platformer with adventure elements based on the Zeiram / Iria franchise. Unlike a standard Metroidvania, it consists of several missions in separate areas, but they're large and have side-paths, with weapons, ammo etc. to find. It's really an action-adventure game in 2D, almost like the early survival horror games without the horror.
Kishin Douji Zenki GG - Best action-platformer on the Game Gear, with some light adventure elements (permanent upgrades, side-paths, areas you can only access later on) adding a little depth and an actual storyline (based on the anime's).
Light Crusader Genesis - Solid Western-style action rpg/dungeon crawler by a Japanese company, with a somber atmosphere, puzzles and some nice discoveries to be made in the dungeon.
Marvelous: Another Treasure Island SFC - Cool third-person adventure game. More adventure than action, but not menu-based. Refreshing.
Power Strike II GG - Aka GG Aleste 2. I think I liked the first one a little better, but this is very solid.
Tougi Ou: King Colossus - Often-overlooked fan-translated action RPG for the Genesis, made as a joint project between Sega and mangaka Makoto Ogino, who passed away in 2019. I always mention that the first weapon sucks (short range), but is replaced before long. One of the better 16-bit action RPGs. Not super long, like most 16-bit ARPGs, so if you a RPG that's manageable time-wise...
Maybe I'll throw in some more recommendations beyond Atomic Runner later.
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Post by Sarge on Apr 28, 2023 23:35:19 GMT -5
There's going to be a lot more from this era that will be new to me. Plus, on the console and handheld side, there's way more system variety - Nintendo's dominance in the third generation was pretty overwhelming, but Sega really put up a fight, and PC Engine obviously has some great stuff, too. Of the stuff that Ex posted, my thoughts on some of them: Aquales - Very enjoyable. Not as good as Bionic Commando in terms of grappling action, but still very fun overall. Battle Arena Toshinden GB - Quite a bit better than the PSX version! Brandish 2: The Planet Buster - I really should go for beating this one at some point. I loved the original (via Dark Revenant). Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge - A little chunkier than the NES games, but plays so much better than Adventure and has a killer soundtrack. Recommend. GG Aleste - Might be better than the sequel on GG in some ways. Really fun. Hyper Iria - I didn't fall in love with this one, but it's still a solid time. Definitely recommend if you want a more adventurous platfomer. Keio Flying Squadron - Certainly not worth the money it commands on the aftermarket, but a solid shooter for the Sega CD. Kishin Douji Zenki - Absolutely. This is a good one, it became one of my favorite Game Gear games. Just solid, well-executed action with some light adventure elements. Light Crusader - This one gets better as you go. Not as zany as Treasure's other stuff, but still worth some run. Marvelous: Another Treasure Island - I really should get back to this one, too! Was really enjoying what I'd played of it. Power Strike II - Compile strikes again. Excellent GG shmup. Rusty - While not nearly as good as Castlevania, it's still worth some run. Tails Adventure - Solid exploratory platformer. Definitely worth a look. Tougi Ou: King Colossus - Don't judge this one by the early game - once you get a better weapon or two, the game really takes off and is a fun ARPG jaunt.
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Post by Ex on Apr 29, 2023 1:15:56 GMT -5
Xeogred - gamefaqs.gamespot.com/gbc/579227-return-of-the-ninja/reviews/171350toei - IIRC it was you who convinced me to play King Colossus, ended up being a very good rec. SEGA of America blew it not bringing that one over. Sarge - I think you would seriously enjoy Brandish 2 if you took it on. It only took me about 15 hours to finish, not a big investment. My plan right now is to beat shorter games in May while I finish up Risen*. Then try to take out a couple 4th gen RPGs in June. *I was under the impression this was gonna be a 30 hour RPG, may end up being a 50 hour one for my play.
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Post by bonesnapdeez on Apr 29, 2023 9:44:57 GMT -5
Love this generation. I'll try to get to something during these next two months (insert obligatory "I'm very busy" comment). Fray in Magical Adventure is so awesome. Sorry I retired you as my userpic, Fray. I was just playing the MSX2 version of the game last night, in fact, though I guess that's the third gen variant. I must stress that the mainline (I, II, III) Xak titles are much better games though, and III can certainly be played as a standalone if anyone is eyeing that. Really, really good stuff. And a comparatively "easy" ARPG which I always appreciate. I have yet to give Gazzel a fair shake; I've just derped around with it. Oh, and anyone who likes Fray should check out Marchen Maze, Valkyrie no Densetsu, and Kiki Kaikai games.
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Post by Xeogred on Apr 29, 2023 11:53:41 GMT -5
I gotta get to Brandish II one of thesedays myself. But for these two months, my long game focus will be on Phantasy Star II and perhaps III if I'm up for it (it looks so different, it won't be deja vu at least). For now I'm wanting to knock out the new Xenoblade 3 DLC expansion. After this I can probably juggle PSII in between other stuff. Seems like it'll be awesome, though I'm still not sure about the dungeons haha. Here's my real plans for May/June though: - Replay Mega Man X - Replay Mega Man X2 - Replay Mega Man X3 - Replay Mega Man 7 - Replay Mega Man & Bass - 1CC Mega Man Soccer - Replay FF4 - Replay FF5 - Replay FF6 - Replay Super Metroid - Replay Link to the Past - Replay Donkey Kong Country - Replay Donkey Kong Country 2 - Replay Donkey Kong Country 3 - Replay Super Mario World - Replay Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island PLEASE BE EXCITED!!!
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