[blog] Retroscope: Memories Alive V5

NiGHTS into Dreams... (ナイツ) by Sonic Team / 1996 on Sega Saturn

Despite first playing in 1996 at a kiosk, then buying it complete with 3D controller only to play through half of the game. Honestly I did not understand the requirements in order to make a A let alone B rank, and would end up with C rankings or lower. Today I kept my original US/North American release and also have a Japanese NTSC-J import of a game I've never completed! That all changed tonight, where I finally understood the rules and finished both stories (Elliot, Claris).

Hard to put in words how whimsically unique this genre-defying SEGA masterpiece is. Everything from the original gameplay, in vivid dreamlike courses, with each lap different than the other. To the music, sound effects, animation, story, characters, bosses, stage design, FMVs, nothing else like it- and it all worked seamlessly.

Klonoa: Door to Phantomile (風のクロノア) by Namco / 1997 on PlayStation

Fantastical immersion into a dream world complete with unique atmosphere, enemies, allies, and bosses. Original stages that bend and curve seamlessly due to the 2.5D perspective. Interacting with the background, and foreground at times as well. Sharp controls which adds to the replay value. Creative large bosses that use the engine perfectly to navigate around in order to defeat them. Engaging simple story with minimal cut scenes. Also worth mentioning fun optional side quests of recusing all the natives in each stage. Overall an excellent exclusive (at the time) game!

Uchuu Race: Astro Go! Go! (宇宙レース アストロゴー！ゴー！) by KAZe / 1994 on Super Famicom

Graphically sweet like cotton candy from overall presentation including character designs. Courses stay at a steady speed of lightening, with varied player controls depending on which vehicle you choose. More of a Mode 7 hardware showcase than full game, with limited courses to race on and no multiplayer options. Fun game in short bursts but don't expect anything more.

Darius II (ダライアスII) by Taito / 1990 on Mega Drive

Genuine attempt to retain the arcade original gameplay unfortunately reduced in a few areas due to hardware limitations. On it's own it is a solid horizontal shoot'em up that plays better than several others on the system, but doesn't push any boundaries either.

Sengoku Blade: Sengoku Ace Episode II (戦国ブレード) by Psikyo / 1996 on Sega Saturn

You want a challenge? You want detailed sprites? You want large bosses? Rock solid gameplay complete with 2-player co-up. Nearly arcade perfect with only tiny slow down at times. Difficulty ramps up even on easier settings. Surely will bring you back for more.

Dinowars: Kyouryuu Oukoku e no Daibouken (ダイナウォーズ 恐竜王国への大冒険) by Irem / 1992 on Super Famicom

Super Darius II (スーパーダライアスII) by Taito / 1993 on PC Engine Super CD-ROM²

On one hand it is a step up from other 16-bit ports with more colorful detailed sprites, and a fantastic re-recorded soundtrack. The downside is the screen is now closer making the sprites appear larger- which changes the overall feel from the arcade original that took three televisions of screen. Sound effects are also notably weak and the Easy mode is possibly the simplest out the ports.

Love & Destroy (ラブアンドデストロイ) by Inti Creates / 1999 on PlayStation

Presentation fueled cinematic experience. Aesthetically straight from the late 90s complete with beautifully drawn animated scenes depicting a dystopian future. Futuristic navigation system with 3 distinct pilots to choose from with their own unique mecha to choose from. You can alter paths in the story with choosing a response after stages. Gameplay puts you in the perspective of taking on large alien life forces, if not larger than your mecha that really draws you in the magnitude of the situation. That being said each mission is only a boss battle, albeit all unique, the game is on the short side.

Kidou Soukou Daion (機動装甲 ダイオン) by Jorudan / 1992 on Super Famicom

Average shooter with slow time at times. Fast vertical scrolling gameplay with boss battles at the end. Nowhere near the best shoot'em up on the system but far from the worst.

Gunbird (ガンバード) by Psikyo / 1995 on Sega Saturn

Perfect short cooperative shoot'em up with a large cast of characters to choose from all with their own abilities; from charge shots, bombs, and bullet patterns. Beautifully drawn world from detailed environments, obstacles, and enemies in the background running into their next vehicle of destruction to try to stop you. Another nearly arcade perfect port with tiny slow down if any.



Terra Cresta II: Mandler no Gyakushū (テラクレスタII マンドラーの逆襲) by Make Software / 1992 on PC Engine

Fast and compelling gameplay with the use of additional helper ships that act as weapons which more fire-power and defense.

Puzzle Bobble 3 (パズルボブル3) by Taito / 1997 on Sega Saturn

Chō Jikū Yōsai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie (超時空要塞マクロス スクランブルバルキリー) by Winky Soft / 1993 on Super Famicom

Fausseté Amour (フォーセット アムール) by AIM / 1993 on PC Engine Super CD-ROM²

Patient platform console exclusive complete with cut scenes and audio dialog.

Chō Jikū Yōsai Macross 2036 (超時空要塞マクロス 2036) by Klon / 1992 on Super Famicom

Terra Cresta 3D (テラクレスタ 3D) by Nihon Bussan / 1997 on Sega Saturn

Beautiful transition to 3D with detailed textured polygonal player ships, backgrounds, enemies, with little slow down. While retaining the traditional gameplay with similar enemy patterns complete with the Phoenix (which acts as a bomb in this game) to clear the screen. Despite your ship moving at a slower speed enemy bullets patterns are fair. Boss battles take a wild turn having the camera move behind your ship having you maneuver in the background to foreground perspective in order to dodge enemy attacks- which could take several attempts to become familiar with. What would have been a solid eight is bogged down with lack of practice mode regarding boss battles, not keeping track of points or having a high score, and being a relatively short game to complete. Nearly a six but with its solid soundtrack a light seven is applicable.

Spriggan Mark 2: Re-Terraform Project (スプリガンマーク2 リ・テラフォーム・プロジェクト) by Compile / 1992 on PC Engine Super CD-ROM²

An unexpected sequel more focused on cinematic story, audio dialog between characters that features cut scenes, and detailed animated mechas. Unfortunately gameplay took a back seat, having plenty of levels set on a linear horizontal path.

Darius Gaiden (ダライアス外伝) / by Taito / 1995 on Sega Saturn

Spriggan Powered (スプリガン・パワード) by Micronics / 1996 on Super Famicom

Pre-rendered sprites took front a center this time. Despite crafting a quasi-marvel of stage backgrounds, fancy lighting effects, scrolling and small use of Mode 7 it doesn't save the game from being an average shooter in the end. Predictable enemy patterns and less challenge this time around. One cool feature is when you graze a bullet it rewards you. Disappointing showpiece.

Forgotten Worlds (フォゴッテンワールド) by Capcom / 1992 on PC Engine Super CD-ROM²

Underrated classic with distinct player 360° movement. Large sprites, less flicker, excellent music, and decent audio. Would have been a perfect score but this version omits 2-player co-up option. Still one of the best home console ports.

Darius Force (ダライアスフォース) by Taito / 1993 on Super Famicom

Jikkyou Oshaberi Parodius: Forever with Me (実況おしゃべりパロディウス　～フォーエバー・ウィズ・ミー～) by Konami / 1996 on Sega Saturn

Not the groundbreaking 32-bit zany shooter you'd expect with only a gradual upgrade from the 16-bit original. Still has all the wacky enemies, large bosses, and multiple characters, settings and options to choose from.

Super Darius (スーパーダライアスII) by Taito / 1993 on PC Engine Super CD-ROM²

Steam-Heart's (スチーム・ハーツ) by Giga / 1998 on Sega Saturn

Upgrade from the original in every regard- this it the definite version. Fast and frantic vertical shooting with unique options such as sword, and boost mechanic to jet you way out of corners and enemy bullet barrage. Now with plenty of graphically effects, secondary weapons, cooperative 2-Players mode, and still retains the story but with audio dialog & newly rendered illustrations that are very sharp.

Darius Twin (ダライアスツイン) by Taito / 1991 on Super Famicom

Bomberman (ボンバーマン) by Hudson-soft / 1990 on PC Engine

Where it all started, plenty of stages with varied items scattered throughout levels. Some worlds look similar, and the overall bosses are not as creative as later games- still no denying the classic gameplay complete with multiplayer mode.

Phalanx: The Enforce Fighter A-144 (ファランクス) by Zoom / 1992 on Super Famicom

Steam-Heart's (スチーム・ハーツ) by Giga / 1996 on PC Engine Super CD-ROM²

Hyper Dyne Side Arms (サイドアーム) by Capcom / 1989 on PC Engine

Yu Yu Hakusho (幽☆遊☆白書 ) by TOSE / 1994 on 3DO Interactive Multiplayer

Clock Tower: Ghost Head (クロックタワーゴーストヘッド ) by Human Entertainment / 1998 on PlayStation

Hellfire S: The Another Story (ヘルファイアー) by Toaplan / 1991 on PC Engine CD-ROM²

Dossun! Ganseki Battle (どっすん！岩石バトル) by I'Max Corp. / 1994 on Super Famicom

Hellfire (ヘルファイアー) by Toaplan / 1989 on Mega Drive

REAL 3DO Tetris (テトリス) by 3DO HD / 2023 on 3DO Interactive Multiplayer

Chiki Chiki Boys (チキチキボーイズ) by Capcom / 1994 on PC Engine SUPER CD-ROM²

Real Bout Garō Densetsu Special: Dominated Mind (リアルバウト餓狼伝説 SPECIAL : DOMINATED MIND) by SNK / 1998 on PlayStation

JuJu Densetsu (ジュジュ伝説) by Tad Corporation / 1991 on Mega Drive