It’s like a multicolored version of Ikaruga in some ways. That’s how I came to terms with it. It’s also a freaking technical showcase, same as most Treasure games.
I really wish they were still a going concern putting out a new game every so often. Their games were always an event for me. There are fewer and fewer developers that have that event feel for me in 2024.
For me, while treasure games were very good looking, the gimic that all of their games gave would often ruin the game for me.
For example, the switching colours in Shillouette Mirage or Ikaruga. Or the overly complex weapon system in Radiant Silvergun. Or even the dash mechanic in Alien Soldier. There is very often something that just ruins the game for me.
It’s by design and a consistent theme of Treasure games.
Make the game control and play differently from others on the market, and push you to your limits in learning those controls and unique systems.
I do get that but for me they’re more frustrating than fun.
Finished Gate of Thunder for the first time in many years. The last few stages are brutal, had to use almost all of my continues on the final stage. But now that I know how to deal with the worst of the enemy placements I’m fairly confident that I can get a 1CC next time.
[edit, sorry @AgentUnknown , I didn’t mean to reply to your post]
Devil Blade Reboot has been getting good reviews (currently 99% on steam). It’s a remake from the PS1 game (Devil Blade) from a Vanillaware developer.
I’ve been looking to get into some shooters and this one appears, per reviews, to be a little easier which is great for me, lol.
Playing some V.V. aka Grindstormer on my Astro City Mini V. I hadn’t put much time into the game until tonight and am really enjoying its Gradius style gauge based power up system.
Also love that the Sega Astro City Mini gamepad is fully compatible with the Mini V as the joystick is nice but a game pad is just so much more comfortable for long playing sessions on this type of mini unit.
Finally got around checking Devil Blade Reboot. It’s awesome guys, I love how it offers something for players of every skill level. I think I’ll sink my teeth further in this one.
No pix for now, but I have been exploring the PC Engine library via the Analogue Pocket and finally got to play Gunhed and Image Fight. Both are a damn good time. Gunhed is definitely easy right up to when it isn’t. Image Fight is a treat. Big ol sprites, but looks and plays really good.
Put up better scores in Outzone and Slap Fight on one credit in the Steam versions of those Toaplan games. Outzone especially is just plain slick. Slap Fight is tough as nails.
Tonight’s game is Cotton for the PC Engine, not quite arcade perfect but it still looks and plays great plus it has a lovely CD arranged soundtrack and voice acted cut scenes:
I’ve recently change my Tate arcade emulation set up.
I was originally using a Pi 4 but it just wasn’t powerful enough for many of the newer and surprisingly some of the older game too.
So, a while back Ayaneo sent over one of their mini PCs for review. It’s been sitting on the shelf doing bugger all for about 6 months so finally it was put to good use.
It runs a very clean Windows 11 in 4K resolution but I’ve knocked that down for this set up as the monitor can’t do 4K but can go higher than 1080p.
The speakers are cool Creative Pebble speakers with the optional Sub Woofer (below on the floor). These small yet powerful speakers are great for arcade gaming. I fully recommend them but be sure to get the woofer pack - https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B0849PQFTJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The stick I’ve shown before. It’s the one I made with he Brook hardware inside and fully Sanwa parts.
Looks awesome with the CRT filers on
Don’t sit on Mushihimesama for Switch if you haven’t gotten it yet:
Released 20 years ago today, still have my import copy. Really nice video in link below:
Treasure took Konami’s timeless arcade shooter and added refined level design along with the (literally) explosive set pieces and intense and relentless numbers of boss fights that their games are so well known for. Amazing game and easily one of the best in the series.
I’ve had Zero Gunner 2 Minus sitting on my Switch since it came out, but only briefly played it after hearing it’s a reconstruction of the game in Unity engine, rather than a faithful conversion.
…Am I glad I waited until I picked up a Dreamcast copy as it’s quickly become one of my favourite shmups ever. Psikyo takes the idea of piloting a helicopter and runs with it.
You’ve got your typical vehicle movement seen in practically every scrolling shooter, but the magic happens when you hold down a button to set an anchor point by which your helicopter can pivot around.
This adds a new layer of strategy to attacking, avoiding bullets, and maneuvering around the skies, and it’s simply fantastic. Positioning feels more important than it does in other games mostly because the simplistic scoring system never feels like it needs more going on. You have to be quite economical with your approach to attacking and moving.
It does have some of the issues other Psikyo titles have, in that the most testing parts tend to involve bullets that fly too fast for you to take in the first few goes. A practice mode would have gone a very long way, I feel, as it just takes too long to get through those initial four stages each time, even if the random stage order does mix things up.
this is where the modern ports come in handy, for the training modes. I typically do the main runs on the original games (unless it’s an M2 port), because they’re usually better either in terms of visuals or typically input lag
Exactly, it’s good to be able to just jump straight to a level that you want to improve on or challenge. Probably a bit harder to implement with Psikyo stuff due to the use of level rank and randomisation of stage order…but for a game this old exposing the inner workings via a dull menu is a worthy trade-off.
The modern version of Zero Gunner 2 doesn’t offer that, though, and it’s not a great version to practice on as it features so many inaccuracies it may as well be a different game. It’s significantly easier, for one, and once you’re the least bit familiar with the original it plays like an inferior imitation as it’s hard not to notice the dozens of changes.
To Zerodiv and City Connection’s credit they called the new version “Zero Gunner 2 Minus”, so at least they are honest about selling a downgraded version.
I started Mars Matrix last weekend too, that has some cool unlockables that let you effectively do a stage select. But the 480i output sure is ugly…
Zero Gunner 2 is one of my top 3 Dreamcast games. Like you said, the scoring is simple but it lends to an overall semi-relaxed yet challenging experience which is very refreshing when coupled with the 360 degree aiming mechanic and lovely Naomi 3D visuals/aesthetics. Cannon Spike is also great if you haven’t played it and want another Psikyo game taking advantage of the DC/Naomi hardware with free roaming shooting gameplay, unfortunately it’s really expensive now (actually, getting import an import copy isn’t too bad as they average $150-200 but NA/U.S. copies are now around $400-500).
Between Gunbird 2, Cannon Spike and Zero Gunner 2, the Dreamcast was a great time for Psikyo content, it’s a shame DC didn’t also get a Strikers 1945 collection. DC was also where the company peaked before it stopped developing games in house in 2002. At least they went out with a bang.
