Share your hidden gems and insider tips

thelostsoul · 1 Aug 2018, 10:19

@mediamogul @VictimRLSH This is exactly why so many console games ported to pc sucks today. They are just optimized for that specific hardware and then poorly ported. Demon Attack is one of the best aged games for this console and feels great to play. I learned about it since several month ago. The sound effects adds much to the atmosphere.

VictimRLSH · 1 Aug 2018, 23:12

There are some very clever programming tricks at work in that game too. The sprites maintain a solid and colorful appearance even with the 2600's flickering because no two enemies occupy the same horizontal band. EXCEPT when a new target warps in, where the flickering is actually used as an effect to show the two parts 'ghosting' on their way in. Only the enemy lowest and closest to you fires, this avoids flickering of the other enemy sprites or the shot, and also makes for a very challenging game.

Clyde · 2 Aug 2018, 11:31

@victimrlsh I just played Demon Attack yesterday for the first time in my life, and while I noticed some of those quirks you describe, I failed to recognize their technical reasons. Kudos to the developers!

thelostsoul · 8 Mar 2018, 02:09

Its not over yet.

GBA (6)
I never had a Game Boy Advance. So, some games maybe not really hidden gems to you.

• DK - King of Swing
Ok, never heard of this game. This is like an action game tactical puzzle or some sort of.
I am not able to progress. I don't know if this is something to do with emulated controls or me.

• Dynasty Warriors Advance
Some sort of mixup with tactical map progress and fights as a hack 'n slash type. While Dynasty Warriors is not much hidden, but this specific game is probably.

• Gekido Advance - Kintaro's Revenge
Very stylish anime styled scrolling brawler. The animations and cut scenes are so cool. Its worth checking out, if you never heard about this game. Also the music is wonderful.

• It's Mr. Pants
This is your daily crazy stuff you need to live. A usual puzzle game, with a very unique and "let me say", interesting style. In fact, the game mechanic itself is very uninspired and boring.

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Can't say much about, didn't play it long. It is your platforming Turtles game, what do you need more to know?!

• Wings
This was a surprise to me. I just learned about this game for the original Amiga system. This is such a cool idea to remake it on the GBA.

Mame 2003 (6)

• searchar - SAR - Search And Rescue
A top down action walk and shoot style gameplay, similar to Ikari Warriors. Gorgeous animations.

• boomrang Boomer Rang'r
From top down persective, like a walk and shoot game. But the protagonist have a boomerang and needs to coordinate his shooting, as the enemies are fast. Not the newest type of gameplay, but the twist with boomerang lets feel it different.

• gbusters Gang Busters
Another top down action walk and shoot game. This time with a cute style.

• galmedes Galmedes
I have never seen this vertical shmup from Visco before. It looks and feels quality and you can change your weapon on the fly.

• demonwld Demon's World
An old side scrolling jump and shoot. Graphically not very impressive, but stylish demon world with interesting enemy and background design.

• shackled Shackled
A Gauntlet like gameplay, where you must find keys and the exit each level. There are even bosses.

Mame 2010 (1)

• nslasher Night Slashers
A scrolling brawler gameplay. The setting is in a world full of zombie like creatures and the animations are fantastic! The graphic is so detailed and its so fun to watch.

FBA (1)

• martmast Martial Masters
I never heard about this traditional Fighting game, like those from SNK. Looks good, feels normal. If you just want a new fighting game, this could be for you.

MattyL42 · 8 May 2018, 12:04

Arcade
Blade master- 90's Brawler
The king of Dragons- 90's Brawler
Carrier air wing -Side shooter
Knights of the round -90's Brawler

These are fun but not as well known

thelostsoul · 5 Aug 2018, 09:18

@mattyl42 It should be noted that these are Arcade games. Most of them have console ports btw.. I am aware of all of them, besides Blade Master. It is yet another brawler. Carrier Air Wing is also known as Area '88 or UN Squadron on the SNES. Knights of the Round and The King of Dragons also got a SNES port I think.

MattyL42 · 8 May 2018, 12:15

@thelostsoul I don't understand the tone of your post-you listed Nightslashers and Tmnt in the post above? Both arcade and brawler style games. I am aware of these already. I've listed some games I had fun rediscovering not on listed here incase other people might enjoy them too. Thoughts that what this thread is for?

thelostsoul · 8 May 2018, 13:05

@mattyl42 said in Share your hidden gems and insider tips:

@thelostsoul I don't understand the tone of your post-you listed Nightslashers and Tmnt in the post above?

I discovered them and wanted to share these. Don't understand the question.

I've listed some games I had fun rediscovering not on listed here incase other people might enjoy them too. Thoughts that what this thread is for?

It is and there is no problem with it. I don't know what you mean. This thread is for sharing your findings and recommendations of these games. I just added some additional information about Carrier Air Wing other titles and the console ports. Btw, I missed the first line of your posting saying its Arcade. Edit: Sorry if my above posting was misleading. I didn't try to disrespect it! I would be happy if you still post such findings.

Clyde · 5 Aug 2018, 14:28

@thelostsoul said in Share your hidden gems and insider tips:

Btw, I missed the first line of your posting saying its Arcade.

It may have not been there at the time of your post, as Matty's post was edited after that.

@MattyL42
I think @thelostsoul meant that you should mention the version of the games you recommend here, as many games were published for many different systems, and not every version of a game is recommendable.

Just trying to help untangling your conversation. 😇

thelostsoul · 5 Aug 2018, 15:18

@clyde I think there must be just a small misinterpretation. Everything is fine and resolved. Thank you for the positive intention.

I am currently testing out some new findings on the PC Engine / TurboGfx-16. As this system never got a release in Europe and I never played it, all of these games are Hidden Gems to me. So, I will not post anything from it. But man, what a console I missed.

Clyde · 5 Aug 2018, 16:16

@thelostsoul The PCE/TGX-16 has two of the best Flipper games I know, Alien Crush and it's successor Devil's Crush (Devil Crash in Japan). Another Flipper game, Time Cruise II, doesn't come near those two, but has an interesting multi-screen layout.

The system also has some nice Shoot'em Ups like Gunhead, Paranoia, PC Denjin / Punkic Cyborgs, and Super Star Soldier.

Finally, if I'd known back then that the Shinobi port for this system was that close to the Arcade version that I could play as a youngster in a nearby video rental shop, I'd have done my utmost to get that console. I just love that game up to this day.

So much for the gems I found for this system … yet. You're very welcome to share your own findings.

thelostsoul · 5 Aug 2018, 16:37

@clyde said in Share your hidden gems and insider tips:

@thelostsoul The PCE/TGX-16 has two of the best Flipper games I know, Alien Crush and it's successor Devil's Crush (Devil Crash in Japan).

I am aware of those too, off course. Because they got so much recommendations. There is even a third game of this series released on the SNES, Jaki Crush.

The system also has some nice Shoot'em Ups like Gunhead, Paranoia, PC Denjin / Punkic Cyborgs, and Super Star Soldier.

This is crazy how many good shmups are on this system. I excluded (almost) all Arcade ports. The system have its own superb original shmups. For the CD titles, I only could just include some of them, because storage and I also have Playstation and Mega CD games.

So much for the gems I found for this system … yet. You're very welcome to share your own findings.

Ok then, I think I will do this for this system too.

thelostsoul · 8 Aug 2018, 18:04

PC Engine

First of all, I want to say this system never came out officially in Europe/Germany and so every game of it is somewhat hidden gem to me. That makes it hard to me to decide and I just include popular games as well (which I tried to avoid in this thread, but whatever). Nevertheless, I want to share my findings. In my hand selected virtual collection are almost 90 games included, only 4 of them are CD titles. For the CD titles, I have not more space. Even if I would have, the need for manually editing files makes me reluctant to add more games. I will leave out many titles here. Generally arcade ports aren't included and if, then there is a reason for it.

I also don't make a difference between TurboGrafx-16 and TurboDuo games - if they run on the emulator. Whenever I can, I play the US version of the games. Strangely, some US versions didn't work, so I had to search for a different rom. Some games are friendly in Japanese versions, even with text they are still playable I think. And be aware that the US titles are often completely different.

There will be some mediocre games too, just because they are not very well known or have unique style or ideas in it. Some of them are excluded anyway, for not flooding. For the must have needs (just my opinion), I marked those titles with bold <Must Have>.

Shmups (13)

I start with the strength of this system, the Shoot'em Ups. CD titles aren't covered here.

Air Zonk (USA) / PC Denjin – Punkic Cyborg <Must Have>
A horizontal Cute'em Up shooter, which parodes the Bonk character and other shooters for this system.
Barunba (J)
A bit of average horizontal shooter, with the twist of rotable gun. Yes, you can rotate it, but sadly only in one direction.
Cyber Core (U)
A standard vertical shooter with bugs as theme. Awesome! Some compare it with Dragon Spirit.
Gunhed (J) / Blazing Lazers <Must Have>
One of the legendary classic top vertical shmups! This is just a must have. There is also a special edition called Gunhed Taikai for specifically made for highscore runs.
Metal Stoker (J)
A top down multi directional shmup in a maze like area. Not the usual stuff, but fun.
Override - Mission Code -Override- (J) <Must Have>
A good and solid vertical shmup recommended by many people.
Psycho Chaser (J)
A nice top down vertical shmup where you can change your weapon on your will. It is represented as a run and gun, but it is still a typical shmup.
Psychosis (U)
Horizontal shmup. Did you ever want play R-Type with 2 satellites? This game have a similar gameplay feel to it, but it comes with an original interesting story - for its time.
Sinistron (U)
A slower paced horizontal shmup. You can open the ships "mouth" to shoot in more directions. And charged up, your ship does damage everything surrounding it with a shield like weapon. Plays mediocore, but somewhat unique.
Soldier Blade (U) <Must Have>
STOP everything now! I mean everything, stop breathing, stop thinking! Get this vertical shmup and play it for the rest of your life! Ok, that was a bit dramatic, but this game is so good. Played it twice in my life. I know, I get a bit giggly. There is a Special Edition too, known as Caravan Stage, specifically for highscore runs only.
Super Star Soldier (U) <Must Have>
Another system defining and highly praised vertical shmup for this system.
Terra Cresta II - Mandrer no Gyakushuu (J)
A solid and less known vertical shmup. There is an editor for the formations you can setup, if you collect them ingame.
W Ring - The Double Rings (J)
A less known and more or less "nothing special about" horizontal shooter. It plays solid and everything seems to be fine. Why not, if you need more shmups?!

Other genres (31)

There are a lot of other type of games which you should definetely try out. CD titles aren't covered here.

Alien Crush (U) <Must Have>
An often recommended and excellent pinball game with Alien theme. Also check out Devil's Crush!!
Batman (J) <Must Have>
A top down maze like type of gameplay with Batman made by the same company (Sunsoft) who made the NES Batman game. This one plays a little like Pac-Man, but evolved and modernized.
Battle Lode Runner (J)
Probably the best version of the game of all time. It even got a 4 player mode, puzzle mode, level editor and some other bonus.
Bomberman '94 (J) <Must Have>
Another classic which does not need any introduction. This version counts as one of the best ever. Or Bomberman '93, but at least one of them is a must have for this console.
Bonk's Adventure (USA) <Must Have>
Actually, this is the mascot for the PC Engine system. A great series of Jump & Runs. You must include all 3 games, Bonk's Revenge and Bonk 3 too.
Busou Keiji Cyber Cross (J)
Side scrolling kick and punch type of game, maybe comparable to Altered Beast. To me not very exciting and a bit of boring gameplay. But got so many recommendations, I had to include. The music is really catchy.
Chew Man Fu (U)
A puzzle like top down maze game, where you have to move balls to right color.
Circus Lido (J)
A cute puzzle like single screen sideview platformer. Take enemies with your tongue and feed them to a plant.
City Hunter (J)
Side scrolling Act/Adventure. Not sure if the Japanese language is a barrier, but the animations and backround graphics are so nice to watch. Based on an anime, not the Jacky Chan movie.
Cratermaze (U) / Doraemon: Meikyū Daisakusen <Must Have>
A top down maze game originally a Doraemon licence. Collect items, dig holes, do oldschool maze stuff.
Die Hard (J)
Top down action game based on the movie. Originally this came out for the NES, but his version is superior to it. Not sure if this is a high quality game.
Doraemon - Nobita no Dorabian Night
Another title where I am not sure about its quality. It's a strange jump and run with cute graphics and so it got me.
Dungeon Explorer (USA)
An Act/Adventure RPG game with classes. Up to 5 players can play this simultaneously! Secret of Mana could only do 3.
Final Lap Twin (USA) <Must Have>
Combine Racing with RPG and you get this. HOW?! Yeah, crazy mix. Seems to be the norm on this system. If you prefer, it have also normal racing game included.
Gekisha Boy (J) [T+Eng] <Must Have>
In this game, you are a photographer with comic graphics. You get points by photographing interesting objects. On this one, I actually got a translation.
Genji Tsuushin Agedama (J)
A side scrolling run and gun shooter with autoscroll. If you like Contra or Gunstar Heroes, this is similar to those games.
Ghost Manor (U)
Side scrolling platformer with horror theme. Maybe gameplay and level design wise its just average, but I like its art style and atmosphere. It feels like playing an Amiga game.
Gomola Speed (J) <Must Have>
Some say its like Snake and Gauntlet mixed up. You have to get all pieces of your worms part and then find the exit. Later stages have scrolling too.
Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu (U)
Another side scrolling platformer. Its about loosely based on jackie Chan.
Legendary Axe, The (U) <Must Have>
Side scrolling action game. As a launch title and with gigantic sprites, this was the answer to Castlevania. This is one of the games defined this system.
Mesopotamia (J) / Somer Assault <Must Have>
An unique side scrolling action game. The main protagonist and its movement is different than anything else.
Military Madness (U) <Must Have>
A turn based strategy game. Another title defined the PC Engine system.
Moto Roader II (J)
This is something like Micro Machines/Rock'n Roll Racing like racing game. I don't like it much, but it gets high praise and is a system defining title.
Neutopia (U) <Must Have>
Practically the answer to Zelda. It's an Act/Adventure and gets good reviews. There is a similar sequel.
Parasol Stars - The Story of Bubble Bobble III (U) <Must Have>
Third game of the Bubble Bobble series. Its kinda like the other games, but with a parasol. A parasol is not an umbrella!
ShockMan (U) <Must Have>
This is your Mega Man on PC Engine. Some stages are normal horizontal shmups. The graphics style and story dialogs are cute and pleasing.
Skweek (J)
A cute action-puzzle game, half puzzle, half action. Walk over all tiles to win the game. About the versions of this game for other systems, I am not sure if this is the best one, but I think it is.
Time Cruise (U) <Must Have>
In case you want more pinball, this is one. The table goes even to the side, its huge. And it got some interesting ideas, so it does not get boring so fast.
Tricky Kick (USA)
Actually not really inventive, its still a solid and cute puzzle game, where you have to put same animal to others to win the game.
Valkyrie no Densetsu (J)
It is somewhat a top down like action, shooter, adventure game. I am not sure right now. Originally an Arcade title, this version have some differences, including a password system. So, I favor this version.
World Court Tennis (USA) <Must Have>
A tennis game with an additional RPG mode. These crazy mixes on the system. Lovely.

CD titles (4)

These are the only CD games included with my collection. There are a lot more games for this, but I don't have enough space for it and just pass on them now. All of the soundtracks from these games are fantastic, alone that is a reason to play them.

Akumajou Dracula X - Chi no Rondo (SCD)(JPN)02.iso <Must Have>
One of the must have titles for this system! It's Castlevania and its one of the best of its kind. And it have CD music! Also known as Rondo of Blood. It is the direct prequel to Symphony of the Night, but game mechanic is still classic Castlevania. I just learned the SNES version Dracula X is based on this game, but changed a lot.
Gate of Thunder (SCD)(JPN)02.iso <Must Have>
Another system defining horizontal shmup. Here is everything spot on. It reminds a bit Thunder Force 3, so if you liked that, you will like this too.
Ginga Fukei Densetsu Sapphire (ACD)(JPN)02.iso <Must Have>
Sapphire for short, a system defining vertical shmup. This game is crazy, it feels like a shmup for the Playstation! Graphics and action everywhere!
Seirei Senshi Spriggan (CD)(JPN)02.iso <Must Have>
Spriggan for short and guess what?! A system defining vertical shmup! This game have a slight Aleste like feeling to it, no wonder, the working title was Aleste. Incredible graphics style.

Removed for Arcade (6)

Finally, here are some games I removed in favor of the Arcade version, after some more research before posting here.

Bloody Wolf
Arcade version is based on Battle Rangers. PCE version is only 1 player. Not sure if it is easier, cant tell it now.
Cadash
The Arcade version does look and sound better and is the original version. So there is no reason for PCE.
Don Doko Don
A Bubble Bobble inspired game, but with a hammer and a bearded man.
Genpei Toumaden
Side scrolling samurai/horror theme action game. Very nice style on the graphics.
Marchen Maze
A top down jump and shot like game with cute graphics.
Splatterhouse
A side scrolling brawler with splatter and horror theme. Really fun to play. This version remains excellent, but the Arcade version is told to be better. Part 2 and 3 came out for the Mega Drive/Genesis.

Edit: Added the tennis+rpg mix game, one of the most important titles. Forgot it, I don't know how.

Clyde · 8 Aug 2018, 12:54

@thelostsoul said in Share your hidden gems and insider tips:

Doraemon - Nobita no Dorabian Night

I stumbled upon another Doreamon title for the PCE yesterday: Doraemon: Meikyū Daisakusen (engl. Cratermaze). A simple, not very difficult maze game with cute music and a relaxing pace. I just wanted to test it, but kept playing until after the first boss fight at level 30. Then I made a save state to continue another time.

It should also be suitable for young children because of its cuteness, slow pace, and flat learning curve.

edit: Care to add the japanese Title of Air Zonk, "PC Denjin – Punkic Cyborg(s)", to your list? It may help people like me who use the japanese names to identify the game.

thelostsoul · 8 Aug 2018, 14:14

@clyde said in Share your hidden gems and insider tips:

I stumbled upon another Doreamon title for the PCE yesterday: Doraemon: Meikyū Daisakusen (engl. Cratermaze).

If you give a closer look to the list, that game is already included. ;-)

A simple, not very difficult maze game with cute music and a relaxing pace. I just wanted to test it, but kept playing until after the first boss fight at level 30. Then I made a save state to continue another time.

The game is interesting and fun to play, definitely want try it out. The whole concept seems not to be very new, but it plays and feels great.

edit: Care to add the japanese Title of Air Zonk, "PC Denjin – Punkic Cyborg(s)", to your list? It may help people like me who use the japanese names to identify the game.

I agree and done. I remember wanting doing it in original posting, but just forgot. Thanks for reminding it.

Clyde · 8 Aug 2018, 16:19

@thelostsoul said in Share your hidden gems and insider tips:

If you give a closer look to the list, that game is already included. ;-)

Ah yes, I somehow missed to look for Cratermaze although I mentioned it myself. 😳

I agree and done. I remember wanting doing it in original posting, but just forgot. Thanks for reminding it.

Thanks! *couch* Maybe do the same for Cratermaze? 😇

thelostsoul · 8 Aug 2018, 17:15

Done. ;-)

Btw, I had problems with two of the Arcade games for Mame, so I included them back to PC Engine. Splatterhouse had the wrong orientation and I did not knew how to correct it. But that is ok, as I just install the PCE version. Bloody Wolf had no sound on Mame. So, back to PCE version. I don't want troubleshoot here, just reporting.

mitu · 8 Aug 2018, 18:42

For the Turbo CD - Lords of Thunder is a well regarded shmup with top notch music. Not quite the hidden gem, but in the spirit of your quest for new games on the PC Engine.

thelostsoul · 8 Aug 2018, 17:49

@mitu I read a lot recommendations to this game. Unfortunately I don't have much more space on my Micro SD card here. That's why I missed so many CD games. If you have more of these, you can post them. Do you play Turbo CD games?

mitu · 8 Aug 2018, 19:32

@thelostsoul said in Share your hidden gems and insider tips:

Do you play Turbo CD games?

Besides the Castelvania one (Rondo of Blood), no. I enjoyed very much Blazing Lasers and played the hell out of Bomberman '94 (one of the best Bomberman IMHO).

EDIT: Size-wise, you can compress the CD images to CHD for the TurboCD emulator. For instance, Akumajou Dracula X - Chi no Rondo is about 296 Mb on-disk compressed in CHD format.