Author Topic: Salamander/Life Force PCE homage (Read 703 times)

esteban · « **Reply #15 on:** June 21, 2006, 06:06:45 AM »

Quote from: "grahf"

I never really got into the Gradius series.. which one should i pick up first? or should i just play them in order?

I actually do own Gradius V on ps2.. I bought it on a recommendation, and I think its great so far. Ive only played the first 3 levels though, since i dont really have my ps2 hooked up right now.

Rolins made great suggestions.

------Disclaimer: If you like 8-bit shooters, then proceed---------------
Gradius II on FC is really awesome and if you are a fan of 8-bit shooters, then you'll love it. It's a shame that it was never released in the States. We really missed out on it. The original Gradius (NES / FC) is still great, IMO, and so is the PCE version (though I like the NES version best).

Lifeforce (NES, I forget the Japanese name) is truly a wonderful game! It kicks ass. One of my favorite games of all time. It is tough, so if you aren't a hardcore shooter fan... well, you'll get frustrated because this game is more demanding than Gradius 1 (i.e. there are high-speed vertical segments that require precise maneuvering of your ship as you dodge environmental hazards and closing walls... towards the end of the game you have only a few pixels of leeway in certain parts!)

Gradius II PCE -- I love it. If you dig the PCE, you should check it out. Lots of folks say they are "underwhelmed" by this game, since some folks (like myself) praise it and hype it up all the time. Ahhhh, they're jaded shooter fans, don't listen to them. Gradius II PCE is a gem.

Salamander PCE -- If you thought the original Gradius needed a little bit more spice and eye-candy to keep you motivated, then try Salamander.

Digi.k · « **Reply #16 on:** June 21, 2006, 10:04:56 AM »

Salamander might give you high blood pressure and you might need some thing to calm the nerves!

Seriously it is ridiculously hard at first but somehow its very rewarding.. but be prepared for many frustrating moments.

grahf · « **Reply #17 on:** June 21, 2006, 10:40:13 AM »

Thanks for the input guys. Ive pretty much decided to pick up Gradius II and Salamander for the PCE, but im undecided about Gradius I. Is the NES version really that much better than the PCE? I would prefer to pick up the hucard copy since I would like to play it on my Turbo Express (region modded), but i will get the famicom copy instead if its much better.

esteban · « **Reply #18 on:** June 21, 2006, 11:12:25 AM »

Quote from: "grahf"

Thanks for the input guys. Ive pretty much decided to pick up Gradius II and Salamander for the PCE, but im undecided about Gradius I. Is the NES version really that much better than the PCE? I would prefer to pick up the hucard copy since I would like to play it on my Turbo Express (region modded), but i will get the famicom copy instead if its much better.

The HuCard version is great, its just that I spent my youth playing the NES version and thus am 100x more familiar with it. I've played throught the PCE version several times, over the years, but I haven't spent more than a few hours with it.

Most folks would probably say that:
PCE Gradius 1 > FC Gradius 1
PCE Gradius 2 > FC Gradius 2
becuase the PCE offers upgraded graphics, somewhat smoother gameplay, less egregious flickering / slowdown (note: the PCE versions have flickering and some slowdown, but if I recall correctly, these problems seemed less likely to impede gameplay on the PCE... I haven't done a proper comparison, though). As for soundtrack and sound, I love 'em both. Yes, the HuCard and CD Redbook kick butt, but I still feel that the chiptunes on the Famicom are classics (in the same way that Double Dragon NES tunes are the definitive soundtrack of the entire series, IMO). Most folks, of course, will say that the PCE offers much more refined tunes than the FC, so you can't go wrong with the PCE.

May I suggest you consider Parodius PCE HuCard? If you don't think the silly, cute stuff will grow stale for you, I think you'll really like it. Just something to think about

. For example, if you can get Parodius really cheap, you might grab it before one of the others on your list.

Bottom line: you shouldn't hesitate to grab any and/or all of the Konami PCE HuCards. You can't go wrong with them.

grahf · « **Reply #19 on:** June 21, 2006, 12:09:05 PM »

Thanks, hucard it is. Well except for Gradius II, thats SCD only correct? I actually already planned on picking up Parodius. I've played Star Parodius, but i dont really like the vertical style shooters in general..It was decent though.

Digi.k · « **Reply #20 on:** June 27, 2006, 07:36:58 AM »

if you still undecided on gradius and salamander u can look at some of these vids..they were captured on a really cheap video capture card and some of the sprites go missing but its not a fault of the pc engine >__<

grahf · « **Reply #21 on:** June 28, 2006, 10:59:00 AM »

Thanks for the vids. Ive ordered gradius 1 and 2 for now, and will probably pick up salamander after i get some play time out of the first two.

esteban · « **Reply #22 on:** June 28, 2006, 02:49:52 PM »

Quote from: "grahf"

Thanks for the vids. Ive ordered gradius 1 and 2 for now, and will probably pick up salamander after i get some play time out of the first two.

Smart move. Build a good foundation first, then explore the other games

grahf · « **Reply #23 on:** July 04, 2006, 03:40:22 PM »

Gradius has been kicking my ass! Even with the 30 life code. Everything is ok up until i hit the stage with the Easter Island heads. This is one game that needs a lot of memorization, as well as quick reflexes. A little frustrating, but rewarding enough to keep me playing it.

Gradius II i only played for a bit, since i wanted to give the first one attention first. Some nice graphic effects in some areas, while others could be a little better. Overall an impressive presentation. The difficulty modes give it a little variety.

Salamander and Parodius will be two of the next games i import.

Digi.k · « **Reply #24 on:** July 05, 2006, 10:22:27 AM »

if gradius is giving you a hard time then salamander will definitely make you screaaaaaammmm!!!!

that level with the maoi heads theres a hidden warp there..
old video showing just that:

Dunno if u wanna check out some of these older salamander videos too:

grahf · « **Reply #25 on:** July 05, 2006, 11:51:53 AM »

Hey, dont get me wrong. Its frustrating, but still great fun. I actually got all the way to the last stage (i think) last night at about 2am, but used my last life at that contraption that traps you with electric beams.

I love watching those videos. Although i fear that i may have to break my salamander hucard once i start playing

Tatsujin · « **Reply #26 on:** July 05, 2006, 04:49:40 PM »

i like the chinese characters konami used for that game: 沙羅曼蛇

there is no real sense in the translation for that name, the closest may would be something like "a sand snake in latin language". but the pronunciation of those characters in combination is "saramanda" > salamander! so konami tried to create a kind of wordplay with it.

same for Contra: 魂斗羅 [kontora]. for which also doesn't exist a proper translation of it! may be "a dose of soul in latin language" would be fitting!

but those kind of names always reflects the creativity as well as innovation of konami as top notch game manufacter, from my feeling!