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NEC TG-16/TE/TurboDuo => TG-16/TE/TurboDuo Discussion => Topic started by: nat on December 20, 2006, 04:50:21 PM
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I played through Space Harrier today for the first time in a while.
Anyone else here think the TG-16 port of Space Harrier is highly underrated? When I got my first TG in 1990, the only game I got other than Keith Courage was Space Harrier. Since then, it's always been one of my favorite games. What Space Harrier pulls off on the hardware is impressive, even today. I've always found it funny that SEGA's sequel, Space Harrier II released exclusively for the Genesis is technically inferior to the TurboGrafx port of the original. SH II features clunky scaling and sub-par graphics, but it's still a fun game. No match for the first one, however. Space Harrier II just feels like it's missing something. If I ever get a Wii, though, I'll still download it.
Space Harrier on the TG-16 is a near perfect port of the arcade. The only differences one might notice, without comparing them side by side, are the horrible muffled "voice" clips (why did they bother?) and the lack of the venerable checkerboard floor. Some of the spirtes, including the Harrier, are a bit smaller on the 'Grafx but you may not notice that without a side-by-side comparison.
On the plus side, the sprite handling and effects are (IMHO) unmatched. There is virtually no sprite flicker/clash. There is a bit on the Bonus levels, but that's about it. There is not a TRACE of slowdown anywhere in the game regardless of what's on screen. The TG handles the sky-ceiling levels without a glitch despite the frenzied pace it throws things at you. The 3D rotation effects on some of the bosses are fluid and cool looking (stage 2, 8, 9?). Scaling is handled like it's supported by the hardware, especially the bosses in stages 6 & 13. It could fool anyone. Best of all, the graphics are detailed and beautifully colorful. Many really are beautiful!
The music is a faithful reproduction of the arcade, though I don't care for NEC Avenue's "standard" white-noise drumbeats. They could've done better. Still, some of the songs sound extremely good (the song for the boss dragon "Barda" and the one for "Godarni" for instance). There are some cool stereo effects when you play it through the home theater HiFi.
Space Harrier is mindless blasting fun, but mindless blasting fun at it's absolute best.
It took me 8 years before I beat SH for the first time, but now it's no issue. I can fly through on a good day without losing a single life. Playing Space Harrier with the TurboStick (the closest you can get to the original analog joystick of the arcade) on the bigscreen is about as good as it gets. Unless you own one of the cabinets with the moving chair. (Playing it with the standard TurboPad is a betrayal to the game.)
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The Turbo version is actually the only Space Harrier I've ever played. I had lots of fun with it when I bought it a few years ago. I'll probably play it again soon since I've been revisiting a lot of my TurboChip games recently. My TurboStick is getting a little long in the tooth, but I'll see if it can handle one last run through SH. :)
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OK I am a huge Space Harrier-o-phile and have been since Jesus programmed the game, so I have to comment.
I have just about every version of Space Harrier you can get on US released machines, and that includes the Turbo version. I think the Turbo version could be much better given the hardware. It doesn't look anywhere near as good as Space Harrier 2 does. Space Harrier 2 has a cleaner look, whereas the Turbo version looks mighty fuzzy and everything is much smaller. I agree with all of your comments about Space Harrier 2, though... not as good as the original. The Turbo version is faithful to the way the arcade plays, meaning the structure of the stages and whatnot. But it also has clunky sprites. They don't become as big on the screen as they do in Space Harrier 2, but by no means does it look like either hardware or software scaling. Also, the checkerboard floor is missing, and the Turbo version is the ONLY version not to have it. Instead we get horizontal stripes, and fashion designers warn against horizontal stripes like no tomorrow. The game sprites seem so small to me.
The music is pretty good but could be so much better even on a HuCard. The voices are pretty bad. You wouldn't know what they are saying if you didn't know beforehand. I really wish Hudson handled this game. Also, I don't remember any boss, enemy or stage in the game called "Barda". I've beaten all versions (except Space Harrier 3D). Do you mean "Valda"? Personally I like the Sega Master System version more than the Turbo version, it does so much more with the hardware, everything is much bigger. You'd expect more from the Turbo.
And if you want the true arcade experience, get the Saturn version and get a Sega Mission Stick. It is exactly like the arcade right down to the way the stick controls. Or you could get the Sega 32X version which is exactly like the Saturn version except it is letterboxed, has a bit of slowdown, and no mission stick.
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great game though, but in comparison to its arcade pendant, no chance in terms of technical, visual and audio issues. it's like day and night.
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Good thread, there are a lot of things I agree and disagree with. The Turbo version was actually the first version I played (I think) and I have thoroughly enjoyed it ever since. It doesn't look quite as nice as the arcade version, but I enjoy the music most in the Turbo version and the controls feel even a little better on the Turbo version to me.
I think the Turbo version could be much better given the hardware.
I think most would agree with this. Maybe it would be a cool project in the future for a programmer (I'm pointing at you, Malducci) to try making a closer-to-arcade conversion.
Space Harrier 2 has a cleaner look, whereas the Turbo version looks mighty fuzzy and everything is much smaller.
I completely agree here and this was one of the first things I noticed when I first played Space Harrier 2. However I also completely agree with what nat wrote:
SH II features clunky scaling and sub-par graphics...
I have always found the scailing in SHII to look very choppy and I tend to prefer the graphics of the TG16's Space Harrier over it because of that.
Also, the checkerboard floor is missing, and the Turbo version is the ONLY version not to have it. Instead we get horizontal stripes, and fashion designers warn against horizontal stripes like no tomorrow.
Agreed, what was up with the Turbo version not having the checkered floor? If the Master System could handle it, certainly the Turbo could. For an interesting side note, I think multiplayer mode on Final Lap Twin also only had horizontal lines while single player mode had a checkered floor. I can't remember if that was exactly the case, but I know there was some difference in the graphics between those modes.
The game sprites seem so small to me.
Agreed again, but I kind of liked the small sprites. It certainly takes away the arcade feel, but there is something I strangely like about them.
The music is pretty good but could be so much better even on a HuCard.
I think the music probably could've been a little better too on the technical side, but I still love music in it and as I already mentioned, I prefer the music in the Turbo version the most :) . I also agree with what nat said regarding the drum beats:
The music is a faithful reproduction of the arcade, though I don't care for NEC Avenue's "standard" white-noise drumbeats. They could've done better.
And I think we can all agree that the voices were awful in the Turbo version :lol: . Certainly they could've done a much better job on them though.
Despite a few technical draw backs the Turbo version has, I still love it and I possibly consider it my favorite version. Shooting down trees, mushrooms, and ice skating robots just never felt so good after using a Turbo pad.
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OK I am a huge Space Harrier-o-phile and have been since Jesus programmed the game, so I have to comment.
Greetings, fellow Harrier-o-phile.
I have just about every version of Space Harrier you can get on US released machines, and that includes the Turbo version. I think the Turbo version could be much better given the hardware. It doesn't look anywhere near as good as Space Harrier 2 does. Space Harrier 2 has a cleaner look, whereas the Turbo version looks mighty fuzzy and everything is much smaller.
Size of the sprites aside, I stand by my belief that the Turbo version looks better than SH II. As Keranu does, I kind of like the smaller sprites. To me, it feels like they took a "step back" and were able to fit "more" on screen. Plus, playing on the big screen, nothing is small at all. It's quite an engaging experience. I suppose I could see how things might look a little small on a 13" TV.
We all know the Turbo could've handled a bit more graphically, but remember this was a late '80s port released early in the life of the console. Imagine if we had seen a 1993/94 ACD port? Or a 1990/91 SuperGrafx port? For the vintage of the game, I'm still very impressed with the way it came out. Surely the best of the SEGA "Super Scaler" games that made their way to our console. Outrun was really good, and Afterburner II is good as well but suffers from a mild case of sprite flicker. Power Drift never grabbed me....
And I'm not sure I understand how things look fuzzy... They look pretty sharp to me! Are you playing using RF? :wink:
I agree with all of your comments about Space Harrier 2, though... not as good as the original. The Turbo version is faithful to the way the arcade plays, meaning the structure of the stages and whatnot. But it also has clunky sprites. They don't become as big on the screen as they do in Space Harrier 2, but by no means does it look like either hardware or software scaling.
I don't think they are all that clunky. Space Harrier II, for sure, has far worse "scaling" than Space Harrier on the Turbo does.
But I was actually referring to some of the bosses (the boss in "Drail", the Tomoth (?) boss in "Minia", and the stage 6 boss for instance) who zip in and out of the foreground very very fluidly.
Also, the checkerboard floor is missing, and the Turbo version is the ONLY version not to have it. Instead we get horizontal stripes, and fashion designers warn against horizontal stripes like no tomorrow.
Yeah, I miss the checkerboard too. The stripes aren't all that bad, though. They grew on me over the years.
The music is pretty good but could be so much better even on a HuCard. The voices are pretty bad. You wouldn't know what they are saying if you didn't know beforehand. I really wish Hudson handled this game.
I *didn't* know what they were saying for like three years or something. Those "voices" were the running household joke. Then I played Space Harrier for the first time in my local arcade and I was forever changed. To this day, I still wonder if they actually used real voice clips or if they simply tried to use white noise to simulate the voice. I wish they had an option on the Turbo version to turn them off.
Also, I don't remember any boss, enemy or stage in the game called "Barda". I've beaten all versions (except Space Harrier 3D). Do you mean "Valda"?
Valda, Barda, what's the difference? But my Space Harrier manual says the dragon's name is "Barda". So there. :D
Personally I like the Sega Master System version more than the Turbo version, it does so much more with the hardware, everything is much bigger. You'd expect more from the Turbo.
I think here we are going to have to agree to disagree.
If we are talking technical good use of a console's resources, perhaps the SMS version takes the cake. But that merit aside, you can't even compare the SMS version to the Turbo version. It's like apples and oranges. The SMS version lacks so much color & detail. Plus all the sprites have those horrible boxes around them. See above for my feelings on large sprites vs. slightly smaller ones.
Have you played/do you own Space Harrier 3D and do you have the glasses for it? This is the one SMS game that actually intruiges me. I might buy a SMS just to get it. I've never played it, but the concept is fascinating. How does it stack up? Is the 3D effect convincing? More importantly, is the game fun?
Anyone here played Planet Harriers? It's an arcade-only sequel to the series. I saw a video somewhere of it and it doesn't look as fun as the originals. Lacks the Fantasy Zone color schemes and surreal feel.
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Oh so much Space Harrier love! Great to hear as it has always been my favourite coin-op forever.
Strangely I have to agree about the Master System version being better - but I think for me it is because that is the version I learned the game with, and it made a big impact on me, the music especially was fantastic. It's certainly not technically better but it shifts a lot of big stuff around at quite a speed for the little SMS.
But the Engine version is a very admirable effort, especially given that the scaling is a lot better than Space Fantasy Zone which had no excuse because of the extra CD storage (being unfinished isn't an excuse either). There's something a little wrongish that I can't put my finger on but all in all a very fine attempt by NEC Avenue.
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I forgot to mention in my post that I didn't like the Master System version of Space Harrier. Unlike nat though, I thought the details in the graphics for the Master System version were awesome and actually closer to the arcade than the Turbo version if I recall. However what prevents me from playing the Master System version is the awful choppiness. For me, this really ruins the high speed, fluid fun of the original Space Harrier and it's ports. I don't blame it on the hardware though because I think they could've easily made the Harrier move less choppily.
Have you played/do you own Space Harrier 3D and do you have the glasses for it? This is the one SMS game that actually intruiges me. I might buy a SMS just to get it. I've never played it, but the concept is fascinating. How does it stack up? Is the 3D effect convincing? More importantly, is the game fun?
I haven't played Space Harrier 3D for the actual Master System, but a couple times for fun I have played it on an emulator (Meka) and wore my Master System 3D glasses with my Master System turned on so I could experience the 3D. I'm not sure if it's any better on the actual Master System, but it wasn't as cool as I was expecting, though it was ok. Certainly not nearly as 3D looking as some of the other 3D games. but definitely cool to watch.
But the Engine version is a very admirable effort, especially given that the scaling is a lot better than Space Fantasy Zone which had no excuse because of the extra CD storage (being unfinished isn't an excuse either). There's something a little wrongish that I can't put my finger on but all in all a very fine attempt by NEC Avenue.
I don't understand why people think Space Fantasy Zone (specifically the scailing) looks so bad. To me it always seemed to look just as good as the Space Harrier HuCard, except with better graphics. I think it's a really cool game, but I also agree with you that they should've utilized the extra RAM on the Super CD format.
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OK first of all the Sega Master System version of Space Harrier doesn't use sprites except for Harrier himself and his gunshots. That's it. There are no other sprites in the game. Have you noticed how much is on the screen, how large everything is and how nothing flickers?
Have you played/do you own Space Harrier 3D and do you have the glasses for it? ... How does it stack up? Is the 3D effect convincing? More importantly, is the game fun?
Yes, I have all 3D games for the SMS and I have the glasses. Space Harrier 3D is very much like the first SMS game, but now it has backgrounds, all new stages and enemies. The music was redone and most of it is pretty good. The 3D effect is pretty damn good on a real SMS hooked up to a CRT TV (needed for the 3D effect). Nothing beats Maze Hunter 3D's 3D effect, though. Space Harrier 3D is DAMN HARD! If it took you 8 years to beat the first game, it will take you 34 years to beat this one.
Anyone here played Planet Harriers?
It is a piece of crap and not a true Space Harrier game in my opinion. Even the redone original Space Harrier for the PS2 is better.
And I'm not sure I understand how things look fuzzy... They look pretty sharp to me! Are you playing using RF?
What do you think I am, rich? No way could I afford such luxuries like RF. Instead I use the next best thing... component video. The detail in Space Harrier 2 is better, though the colors in the TG-16 are MUCH better.
Valda, Barda, what's the difference? But my Space Harrier manual says the dragon's name is "Barda". So there.
You should have known your manual is wrong since if you've truly beaten the game, Valda's name appears onscreen right before you fight him since he is the final boss as well. And since we are talking about final bosses, the SMS version has an extra final boss after Valda called Hiya Oh, and it has really cool music that's not in any other SH game! It's two glowing dragons moving around simultaneously VERY fast... no time to be choppy.
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You should have known your manual is wrong since if you've truly beaten the game, Valda's name appears onscreen right before you fight him since he is the final boss as well.
You got me, I haven't really beat it. :roll:
Actually, there are quite a few differences between what the manual says characters names are and what rolls by in the end credits. "Dom"/"Doom" and "Vinzvean"/"Binsbean" come to mind. "Stanlay"/"Stanray" seems to ring a bell as well. I memorized most of the names from the manual when I was younger so that's what I generally remember 'em by.
And since we are talking about final bosses, the SMS version has an extra final boss after Valda called Hiya Oh, and it has really cool music that's not in any other SH game! It's two glowing dragons moving around simultaneously VERY fast... no time to be choppy.
I played the SMS version again today (inspired by this thread) via emulation and an SFX gamepad I have hooked up to my computer. Better than I remember, but not much. The choppiness combined with overlapping enemy graphics make it harder and take some getting used to. I've never played through the SMS versioin, but maybe I will to see this Hiya Oh you speak of...
The 3D effect is pretty damn good on a real SMS hooked up to a CRT TV (needed for the 3D effect).
Does this not work via emulation for some reason?
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Barda is how the Japaners would spell Valda(kinda like 'Baris' series).
Maybe the PC Engine version or it's manual used Barda and it got translated straight across.
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That sounds likely.
[Space Harrier 3D's 3D mode] Does this not work via emulation for some reason?
Of course not, you need the LCD glasses which are powered by the SMS itself and switch eyes in sync with the onscreen image. If you have an emulator and external glasses like Keranu talked about, the effect still wouldn't work very well because the glasses are not in sync with the image and if your refresh rate is not set to 59.94Hz it will be wrong.
I want to go and play through the Turbo version now.
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I had no idea the glasses had to be powered by the SMS. For some reason I was under the impression they were just glorified red/blue 3D glasses.
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Space Harrier:Still a classic.
Space Harrier II:Hmm ok but kind of meh.
Planet Harrier:Never played since it was arcade only.... damn you sega for not porting it :evil:
http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?letter=P&game_id=9038
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And since we are talking about final bosses, the SMS version has an extra final boss after Valda called Hiya Oh, and it has really cool music that's not in any other SH game! It's two glowing dragons moving around simultaneously VERY fast... no time to be choppy.
I played the SMS version again today (inspired by this thread) via emulation and an SFX gamepad I have hooked up to my computer. Better than I remember, but not much. The choppiness combined with overlapping enemy graphics make it harder and take some getting used to. I've never played through the SMS versioin, but maybe I will to see this Hiya Oh you speak of...
OK, I might as well chime in, since this was one of my favorite games on tg-16 back in the day (some of you might know the uber-nerdy things I did concerning Space Harrier).
Anyway, I love SMS Space Harrier... but if I had to choose my favorite, it would be the tg-16 version. The reason is simple: the tg-16 version plays so damn nice. It is a pleasure to play, truly. The SMS does not feel as polished; the controls are not as tight.
Forget about the graphics, the colors, etc. etc.: Which version allows you to become "one with the game" and offers a zen-like experience?
Also, one thing that no one has mentioned yet is that Space Harrier has, IMO, incredible replay value. I've played this game (and many other installments) a zillion times... and yet, I really don't get sick of it. While there are many games that I have played obsessively for relatively short periods of time, there are few titles that I routinely go back to. Space Harrier is that rare breed.
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OK, I might as well chime in, since this was one of my favorite games on tg-16 back in the day (some of you might know the uber-nerdy things I did concerning Space Harrier).
Anyway, I love SMS Space Harrier... but if I had to choose my favorite, it would be the tg-16 version. The reason is simple: the tg-16 version plays so damn nice. It is a pleasure to play, truly. The SMS does not feel as polished; the controls are not as tight.
Forget about the graphics, the colors, etc. etc.: Which version allows you to become "one with the game" and offers a zen-like experience?
Also, one thing that no one has mentioned yet is that Space Harrier has, IMO, incredible replay value. I've played this game (and many other installments) a zillion times... and yet, I really don't get sick of it. While there are many games that I have played obsessively for relatively short periods of time, there are few titles that I routinely go back to. Space Harrier is that rare breed.
Thank you! You just summed up everything I've been trying to say. Space Harrier on the Turbo really does let you immerse yourself in the game like no other.
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I agree, Space Harrier is a true gem in almost any form.
Well I played the TG-16 version again and I think the control is a bit twitchy compared to the Saturn and 32X versions which are the ones I usually play (since they're pretty much 100% arcade perfect). It's funny that there is even a true debate over the SMS vs the TG-16 version... there shouldn't be. But yeah, the SMS version is a lot slower.
Here's a fun comparison I did. I took each picture from my TV with my digital camera just for fun, trying to capture each in a similar state:
(http://pixelcraze.film-tech.net/crap/SpaceHarrier.jpg)
Also, here is a cool MP3 comparing the scream and "Get Ready!" sounds in each of those versions, and it is presented in the same order as the pic above as well (from top to bottom):
http://pixelcraze.film-tech.net/crap/getready.mp3
- 960K or something like that.
Enjoy.
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I played the SMS version again today (inspired by this thread) via emulation and an SFX gamepad I have hooked up to my computer. Better than I remember, but not much. The choppiness combined with overlapping enemy graphics make it harder and take some getting used to. I've never played through the SMS versioin, but maybe I will to see this Hiya Oh you speak of...
OK, I might as well chime in, since this was one of my favorite games on tg-16 back in the day (some of you might know the uber-nerdy things I did concerning Space Harrier).
[/quote]
Oh yes, I can't forget that awesome artwork you (or one of your bros?) made and submitted to TurboPlay of Space Harrier!
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Hey, that's a cool comparison. I've never seen that Playstation 2 "port" before. It's like Space Harrier Remix.
Look at the ridiculous scoring on the TG-16 version compared ot all the other versions. It's like they added an extra digit for no reason. Even the "TOP" score has an extra zero tacked on the end. As if for some reason the original scoring method wasn't adequate.
Did you play it with the TurboStick, Joe? :wink:
Space Harrier alone might be make it worthwhile for me to get a Saturn.
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Hey, that's a cool comparison. I've never seen that Playstation 2 "port" before. It's like Space Harrier Remix.
It's one of those Sega Ages remakes. It's not too bad, but I hated the new age style to the game and the awful PS2 emotion engine blur effects. There are some power ups you can get in this version too that were kind of cool if I remember. This version is also a lot easier than the others.
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Did you play it with the TurboStick, Joe?
No, because I detest the TurboStick (even though I own one). There is nowhere to rest the side of my left palm and the whole thing is just so small and cheap-feeling. Now if I could play with my Sega Arcade Stick (for the Genesis) that'd be a different story. That's by far the most comfortable joystick released by a first-party ever.
Space Harrier alone might be make it worthwhile for me to get a Saturn.
There are many reasons to get a Saturn, and that is a good one. Just get a USA Saturn and Sega Ages by Working Designs (I have no idea how "L@@K RARE!!!!" it is). As a bonus it also comes with the arcade version of Out Run and After Burner II.
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the Saturn and 32X versions look almost identical to each other; the only difference i can see is that the shadow of the dragon is transparent on the Saturn, and not on the 32x.
i actually have the 32x and master system versions. I greatly prefer the 32x version; i find the SMS version painful to look at.
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Damn these game threads! I've never played Space Harrier on the ol' Turbo, but now I have to. I guess the Duo needs Christmas presents too. 8)
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Did you play it with the TurboStick, Joe?
No, because I detest the TurboStick (even though I own one). There is nowhere to rest the side of my left palm and the whole thing is just so small and cheap-feeling. Now if I could play with my Sega Arcade Stick (for the Genesis) that'd be a different story. That's by far the most comfortable joystick released by a first-party ever.
Actually, I feel your pain here.... Although I don't think the TurboStick feels cheap, I *do* have the same issue with the palms. But I've gotten used to it over time... I like it for the fighting games (SF II, Fatal Fury 2, etc) and, of course, the SEGA arcade ports. Everything else I'll stick to the 'Pad.
Speaking of joysticks, are there any third-party joysticks available for the Turbo?
Damn these game threads! I've never played Space Harrier on the ol' Turbo, but now I have to.
Do it!! If you like the original, you'll love it.
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Speaking of joysticks, are there any third-party joysticks available for the Turbo?
I have one of the joysticks with both buttons on the stick (by Quickshot, I think). Kinda awkward, but it leaves the other hand free to hold the damn thing down. There is also the Beeshu - Ultimate Superstick. I've haven't tried that one yet, but it looks sturdy.
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No, because I detest the TurboStick (even though I own one). There is nowhere to rest the side of my left palm and the whole thing is just so small and cheap-feeling. Now if I could play with my Sega Arcade Stick (for the Genesis) that'd be a different story. That's by far the most comfortable joystick released by a first-party ever.
I actually like the TurboStick's compact size. It allows me to hold it in a way similar to how I hold a regular controller (I can still use my right thumb to hit the buttons, which feels much more comfortable to me). On the contrary, I got rid of my Sega Arcade Stick because I found it too big, heavy, and uncomfortable.
For most Turbo games, it doesn't really matter to me whether I'm using the stick or pad, but Shape Shifter was one that really felt good with the TurboStick.
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I pretty much don't like sticks for any game except Ghostbusters on the Genesis for whatever reason. I am a pad man. I use a pad for my Neo Geo as well. I just react faster and far more precisely with a pad.
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I hate all joysticks. They're not as accurate/responsive as a pad. I used the Turbo Stick and Genesis Arcade Stick a lot back in the day, before I figured out that joysticks are no good.
The voice in the SMS Space Harriers sound better than the Turbo version. I rented the Turbo version back in the day and didn't play very far since I wasn't too impressed. We never had a Space Harrier arcade in my hometown, so the game didn't have any kind of extra sentimental value. From what I've seen here though, it looks like a decent port.
I finished the Genesis version as a rental. It was one of the first Genesis games I played through.
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I pretty much don't like sticks for any game except Ghostbusters on the Genesis for whatever reason. I am a pad man. I use a pad for my Neo Geo as well. I just react faster and far more precisely with a pad.
Same here.
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Anyone know how to turn off the 3D mode in Space Harrier 3D? I want to try to play through it but I don't have any sort of 3D glasses.
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Anyone know how to turn off the 3D mode in Space Harrier 3D? I want to try to play through it but I don't have any sort of 3D glasses.
GameFAQs says:
Continue gameplay when game is over
Get to the Gameover screen, and press Up, 2, 1, 2, 1, 1 quickly to start playing the game again from where you left off.
Level Select
Get to the Gameover screen, and get a ranking over 6th. Put in your name as 'Level' on control pad 2.
Play in 2D
Enter ''THREE'' as your intials on the high score screen.
Sound Test
Get to the Gameover screen, and get a ranking over 6th. Put in your name as 'Sound' on control pad 2.
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I don't understand why people think Space Fantasy Zone (specifically the scailing) looks so bad. To me it always seemed to look just as good as the Space Harrier HuCard, except with better graphics. I think it's a really cool game, but I also agree with you that they should've utilized the extra RAM on the Super CD format.
Looking at it closely, the number of steps in the scaling is virtually identical (6 for ground objects, 7-8 for 'tree type' objects). But the tall objects in SFZ seem to 'jump' up a lot more than those in SH which are generally smoother. Possibly the slower pace of SFZ has something to do with this.
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Play in 2D
Enter ''THREE'' as your intials on the high score screen.
unbelievable :mrgreen:
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Yes, remember that you MUST use pad 2 to enter THREE to get the 2D mode in Space Harrier 3D. The letters won't appear as you press the buttons, so don't be concerned. a 3D mode ON/OFF screen will then appear. many 3D games let you select this on the title screen simply by pressing pause, but Space Harrier 3D you must actually play far enough to score 6th or higher! Kudos to anyone who can beat this game. I'm not entirely sure the level select works, though.
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Yes, remember that you MUST use pad 2 to enter THREE to get the 2D mode in Space Harrier 3D. The letters won't appear as you press the buttons, so don't be concerned. a 3D mode ON/OFF screen will then appear. many 3D games let you select this on the title screen simply by pressing pause, but Space Harrier 3D you must actually play far enough to score 6th or higher! Kudos to anyone who can beat this game. I'm not entirely sure the level select works, though.
This is because Sega knew that Space Harrier fans are hardcore :).
All of this talk about SH 3D has made me really, really, really want to get this game. More than the Saturn version, even (probably because I'm worried that the Saturn version goes for $$$). With my luck, both of them are $$$.
Realize that this is my fear talking. I haven't a clue as to how much they go for.
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Just for fun I scanned part of the TG-16 manual and filled in the correct names (in red).
(http://pixelcraze.film-tech.net/crap/harriermanual.jpg)
Those crazy Japanese and their mixing of L's and R's.
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Oui Oui Jumbo kicks Wi Wi Jumbo's ass :) .
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I played around with Space Harrier 3D today. I guess all I needed was to enter that code with pad 2 (thanks to Joe). I had tried it in the past with pad 1, since no where online does it say a second pad is needed.
First impressions: Difficult! This game is hard. I think this is mostly due, unfortunately, to choppy animation and graphics. One second an enemy shot is way off, the next frame it's in your face and you're dogmeat. I think this game might be more choppy than the SMS port of the original. The background scenery and landscape look better, though. I like the music. There are a few reprisals from the original game and some new tunes as well. I only got a few stages into it today. I have to say, though, there is something strangely compelling about this game, novelty of the 3D aspect aside (since I can't play it that way anyway). This is the original sequel. I like it better than "Space Harrier II" which is far easier.
Joe, have you beaten this one? How many stages are we looking at?
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I have never beaten it. Too hard. The game runs at half of the frame rate because it is a 3D game based on a previous 2D game. Basically for 3D games the Master System must draw one screen for the left eye and another different one for the right eye, so that means it is basically drawing twice the game info. So yeah, this game is choppier alright, as is Out Run 3D. Most other 3D games are silky smooth thanks to the immense processing power of the Sega Master System (which is even more powerful than the space shuttle).
According to the manual, there are 13 stages. Also the manual says that the "LEVEL" code entered on pad 2 is for difficulty select, allowing an easy mode (which I think is only one more life and no other differences). The manual also says that when the GAME OVER screen appears, enter 2-1-2-1-1 to continue. Then it immediately says that the code must be entered before the GAME OVER screen or it won't work. Take your pick, I guess.
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seems like a japanese did the translation for the engrish manual :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Joe, I love the corrections you made to the TG-16 booklet.
IMO, Oui Oui Jumbo is a MUCH kooler name. I always thought of it as french thing, which made the TG-16 version that much classier than the other versions.
I was just looking at the SMS booklet the other day because I found the cart, but alas I have yet to unpack any of my consoles.
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quickly glanced through this thread.. so those that wanna see the japanese booklet here's a few scans..
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m113/secretsociety1/spaceharrier1.jpg)
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m113/secretsociety1/spaceharrier2.jpg)
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m113/secretsociety1/spaceharrier3.jpg)
I do quite like the pc engine version. although graphically it coulda been much better.. especially that checkerboard flooring thats missing. Sonically the music is pretty good but the sampled speech again coulda been better. Gameplay is pretty tight too.
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"Relcome to da Rantasy Rone,rit Ready!" Say that while gargling water and you have the voice samples for the game.
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LOL, I don't need water, I can do that while gargling spit!
Man, why do the Japanese get all of the cool manuals? They have every page in full color with RGB quality screenshots while we have black and white with crappy drawings. What the hell? They actually hired an artist to redraw the screenshots as poorly as possible!
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once, one thing has to be said. there is absolutely no other system existing, where the gameboxes and manuals were foozled that much as for the TG-16. poorly as possible indeed.
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Yea the USA artwork is laughably ugly as hell before the TTI days.
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once, one thing has to be said. there is absolutely no other system existing, where the gameboxes and manuals were foozled that much as for the TG-16. poorly as possible indeed.
Seriously. Well, the North American SMS booklets were nearly as threadbare as the early TG-16 booklets... but it wasn't until Working Designs (and later, TTi) that we got a handful of nicely done manuals.
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I disagree. I enjoy reading my TG16 manuals much more than my PCE, but that's probably because I don't know Japanese. But still, I love the cheesy text and artwork in the TG16 manuals that it becomes a fun ritual for me to read them as soon as I get them. Also another fun thing about the TG16 manuals is on the back of them when it says "Have you played these other Turbo Chip games?". I like to see which games I own from the games it lists!
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to be honest, the only predestination of TG-16 box/m is making someone laughing at it.
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I agree with Keranu. TurboGrafx-16 manuals are my lifeblood. For me, instead of reading the "Have you tried..." lists I always liked the "Playing tips" section.
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Oh yes, I love the playing tips section as well, even though there were a lot of unusefull tips. A funny tip I read recently was in the Psychosis manual where it said "In Area 2, try pausing the game constantly so you can see where enemies and bullets are going to go." I thought it was funny for the instruction manual to give out such a cheap trick.
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Those "Playing Tips" are great. I know I couldn't have gotten far without the wise tips offered by the game master who wrote them. With tips equivalent to "If there is a ledge you can't reach, try pressing the jump button", it really helps me out in my game.
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That's why I enjoyed reading them so much. That's the point. Ocassionally there was a worthwhile nugget of goodness to be had, but most of the time they were almost as entertaining as the game itself.
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That's why I enjoyed reading them so much. That's the point. Ocassionally there was a worthwhile nugget of goodness to be had, but most of the time they were almost as entertaining as the game itself.
Seriously, if someone tallied the useful vs. inane tips, I think you'd find possibly four genuinely helpful tips in all of the manuals, combined.
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I remember a couple of them giving level select codes I think? Or maybe I'm thinking of the old Sega Master system manuals that also had a "tips" section.
Back before the internet the "have you tried..." list was one of the few ways I had of finding out about other Turbo games, so I always made mental notes of the names that sounded cool.
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I remember a couple of them giving level select codes I think? Or maybe I'm thinking of the old Sega Master system manuals that also had a "tips" section.
Back before the internet the "have you tried..." list was one of the few ways I had of finding out about other Turbo games, so I always made mental notes of the names that sounded cool.
I like the old Turbografx-16 manuals.
I remember that the manual of SMS Wonderboy III had a screenshot with a password that turned out to be a Hu-Man code.
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I remember a couple of them giving level select codes I think? Or maybe I'm thinking of the old Sega Master system manuals that also had a "tips" section.
I'm not sure if I can remember any level select codes, but I know for the J.J. and Jeff manual, the tip section told you how to continue when you get a game over and this was really useful to me since I had no idea you could even do that since how obscure it was by pressing SELECT + II + I + RUN (I think). They did this for another game too I believe, just can't remember which.
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Space Harrier had a continue code in it, too. That's the single useful tip I remember gleaning from the TG manuals back in the day.
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Speaking of Space Harrier, did anybody ever call the TG game hint line? I did and they gave me the debug screen code for Space Harrier and Keith Courage. Then they sent me a Bonk's Adventure t-shirt. The shirt was so f*cking small I threw it out when I got older. Now, I sooooo wish I had kept it even though there is no way in hell it would fit anyone over 10 years old.
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I've tried calling various TG16 hotlines throughout the past few years, but they aren't available :( . I believe one of them is 1-(708)-FUN-TG16.
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The SMS Space Harrier manual gives you a continue code that lets you continue three times, but if you want the code to continue 9 times you had to call some hottie at Sega of America (1-800-USA-SEGA) who will hit on you. The SMS booklet also gave you the code for the sound test because they knew the music rocked hardcore.
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Man I still love calling 1-800-USA-SEGA til this day. I've been calling that hotline since around 1993 just for fun. It's gotten pretty unexciting for the past seven years though.
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I've tried calling various TG16 hotlines throughout the past few years, but they aren't available :( . I believe one of them is 1-(708)-FUN-TG16.
I've never called, but now I wish I had, just to see what it would have been like. In fact, I wish I called any of the tip lines (i.e. NOA's!) just to experience it.
BIG QUESTION: Did anyone ever record their phone conversations with tip lines? My god, why did I not do this? Well, I didn't want to spend the money, but seriously, I'd love to hear about it.
Unfortunately, it would be incredibly easy for folks to create fake conversations and pass them off as genuine (there's some potential here to get a good laugh or two).
Anyway, I can't believe no one has ever documented this aspect of video game culture. Are the scripts that phone operators read available anywhere? That would be interesting, IMO.
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Man I still love calling 1-800-USA-SEGA til this day. I've been calling that hotline since around 1993 just for fun. It's gotten pretty unexciting for the past seven years though.
Man it was so awesome calling that line in the 80's when the Master System was out. They'd have great recorded info that I'd listen to over and over. That's right, I was actually ALIVE in the 80's. Worship me.
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BIG QUESTION: Did anyone ever record their phone conversations with tip lines? My god, why did I not do this? Well, I didn't want to spend the money, but seriously, I'd love to hear about it.
Unfortunately, it would be incredibly easy for folks to create fake conversations and pass them off as genuine (there's some potential here to get a good laugh or two).
Anyway, I can't believe no one has ever documented this aspect of video game culture. Are the scripts that phone operators read available anywhere? That would be interesting, IMO.
Man that would be so awesome if someone ever did record their hotline conversations. There might be a chance though because it's possible someone recorded the hotline to remember the tips they gave.
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BIG QUESTION: Did anyone ever record their phone conversations with tip lines? My god, why did I not do this? Well, I didn't want to spend the money, but seriously, I'd love to hear about it.
Unfortunately, it would be incredibly easy for folks to create fake conversations and pass them off as genuine (there's some potential here to get a good laugh or two).
Anyway, I can't believe no one has ever documented this aspect of video game culture. Are the scripts that phone operators read available anywhere? That would be interesting, IMO.
Man that would be so awesome if someone ever did record their hotline conversations. There might be a chance though because it's possible someone recorded the hotline to remember the tips they gave.
Ha! I never thought of that. I wonder how many folks had the mini-microphone (or whatever) that would have made it possible to record a conversation. Could answering machines have done it? I've never recorded a phone conversation. OK, looks like I'll have to look this up...
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Ha! I never thought of that. I wonder how many folks had the mini-microphone (or whatever) that would have made it possible to record a conversation. Could answering machines have done it? I've never recorded a phone conversation. OK, looks like I'll have to look this up...
Well they could've used any recording device really. Check out http://www.lazerdorks.org/quintin/wii.wav
funny phone call my brother made recorded with his MP3 player to get an example. Lets just pray some nerd back in the day recorded hotline phone calls with his cassette recorder :) .
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I had one of those original cord-less phone/answering machine combo sets back in those days. You know, the phones that had those 10 foot long extendable antennas and weighed 10 pounds. That thing had all sorts of funky features including an option to record your conversation to the answering machine tape. Unfortunately, I never used it to record my calls to a game hotline.
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I had one of those original cord-less phone/answering machine combo sets back in those days. You know, the phones that had those 10 foot long extendable antennas and weighed 10 pounds. That thing had all sorts of funky features including an option to record your conversation to the answering machine tape. Unfortunately, I never used it to record my calls to a game hotline.
Yeah, I actually had to spend my own money to convince my dad to get one of the early wireless phones. The antennas! Of course, we didn't have cable and still had rabbit ears on our TV -- so the phone fit right in.
Did I mention that we still had rotary service (and a "party line" where you shared a phone line with a neighbor!). It was an awesome old skool + new skool technology combo.
My parents didn't get an answering machine until I gave them my old one, though :).
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I played through Space Harrier yesterday in Hard mode. I was curious because I've never played on any difficulty but Normal. Not much is different except the projectiles enemies launch at you are a lot faster.
The blue cyber peanuts ("Rolly") at the end of Olisis (stage 6?) handed my ass to me. There are so many of them initially and on hard mode the projectiles come so fast my normal evasion strategy wasn't effective. I got a Game Over at stage 13 and had to continue from there to beat it. I can beat it on Normal mode with one credit, usually. I wonder how easy Easy mode is.
Space Harrier is one game I actually wish utilized the backup memory to save the high score list.
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Space Harrier is one game I actually wish utilized the backup memory to save the high score list.
Same here :( .
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The SMS version of Space Harrier DESTROYS the wimpy underpowered Turbo version when it comes to saving your scores. It's built right in to the instruction manual. If you get a high score that you'd like to save, you just write it down in the space provided in the manual and it is saved FOREVER! You don't even have to worry about the battery dying... it must use some sort of flash ram or something.
I beat the PS2 Space Harrier tonight on normal. It was easy.
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Space Harrier is one game I actually wish utilized the backup memory to save the high score list.
Same here :( .
All PCE games with hi scores should save them. :x
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I beat the PS2 Space Harrier tonight on normal. It was easy.
I've also beat space harrier on sega gameworks for the dc.
Safe to say easy also since the continues are unlimted.
How ever try beating it on, Sega Ages for the saturn no unlimted continues at all.
Far as i got in that version was halfway through the game ](*,)
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The SMS version of Space Harrier DESTROYS the wimpy underpowered Turbo version when it comes to saving your scores. It's built right in to the instruction manual. If you get a high score that you'd like to save, you just write it down in the space provided in the manual and it is saved FOREVER! You don't even have to worry about the battery dying... it must use some sort of flash ram or something.
I beat the PS2 Space Harrier tonight on normal. It was easy.
Agreed.
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I've beaten the Sega Ages Saturn version. That's probably my favorite since it is exactly like the arcade (especially with the Saturn Mission Stick which I DON'T have :( ). Anyway the PS2 version is at the very least interesting since it is a new take on the same old game (with great music). Worth the $20 it cost brand new and it came with a bunch of other remade Sega games as well.
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I've beaten the Sega Ages Saturn version. That's probably my favorite since it is exactly like the arcade (especially with the Saturn Mission Stick which I DON'T have :( ). Anyway the PS2 version is at the very least interesting since it is a new take on the same old game (with great music). Worth the $20 it cost brand new and it came with a bunch of other remade Sega games as well.
Yeah, I like the PS2 Sega Ages for what it is. It's $10 Canadian brand new around here now and is more than worth it.
My favorite is the 3D Fantasy Zone that looks almost exactly like the 2D arcade.
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My favorite is the 3D Fantasy Zone that looks almost exactly like the 2D arcade.
This is my favorite as well. I like the new bonus stages they added where it's in a third person perspective and you fly through holes and such. I don't care much for the other Sega Ages I've played though, but they're not bad games.
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My favorite is the 3D Fantasy Zone that looks almost exactly like the 2D arcade.
This is my favorite as well. I like the new bonus stages they added where it's in a third person perspective and you fly through holes and such. I don't care much for the other Sega Ages I've played though, but they're not bad games.
If you compare the bonus stages to Space Fantasy Zone's boss fights, their actually very similar. :D
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Indeed!
Space Fantasy Zone is an underrated game.
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Anyway the PS2 version is at the very least interesting since it is a new take on the same old game (with great music). Worth the $20 it cost brand new and it came with a bunch of other remade Sega games as well.
I have a copy of it here. Anyone wanna buy it? I'll sell it for half the cost of new plus shipping.
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Anyway the PS2 version is at the very least interesting since it is a new take on the same old game (with great music). Worth the $20 it cost brand new and it came with a bunch of other remade Sega games as well.
I have a copy of it here. Anyone wanna buy it? I'll sell it for half the cost of new plus shipping.
I'll buy it, my good man, assuming the condition of the item is in excellent condition (I'm most concerned about the disc).