PC Engine - mine, all mine!

[Spector]

The postman came this morning with a medium sized padded envelope. I wondered what it was, and to my shock it was a PC Engine!
I knew they were small, but I had forgotten just how small they were. So I set it up, and got out the flash card, which I only worked out how to use 10 hours before, and started playing Xevious. Not everyone's first choice to introduce yourself to the world of PC Engine, but it was the first ROM on the card. I also played a bit of Galaga 88, and it was funky.
Since 1990, I've wanted one of these beauties, and now finally, I have it, and I just can't believe it. It's Christmas in February, and I'm lovin' every moment.
I'd also like to thank you guys for the helpful advice in setting this up, because I wasn't sure about controllers and power supplies, and my questions were all answered here. I couldn't have done it without you

So finally, give me a recommendation as to what game I should play from the early days ie 1987-88. There weren't too many big games from that time, so I'll give your opinions serious consideration. See ya later - I'm off to play more Galaga! 

[Black Tiger]

The postman came this morning with a medium sized padded envelope. I wondered what it was, and to my shock it was a PC Engine!
I knew they were small, but I had forgotten just how small they were. So I set it up, and got out the flash card, which I only worked out how to use 10 hours before, and started playing Xevious. Not everyone's first choice to introduce yourself to the world of PC Engine, but it was the first ROM on the card. I also played a bit of Galaga 88, and it was funky.
Since 1990, I've wanted one of these beauties, and now finally, I have it, and I just can't believe it. It's Christmas in February, and I'm lovin' every moment.
I'd also like to thank you guys for the helpful advice in setting this up, because I wasn't sure about controllers and power supplies, and my questions were all answered here. I couldn't have done it without you

So finally, give me a recommendation as to what game I should play from the early days ie 1987-88. There weren't too many big games from that time, so I'll give your opinions serious consideration. See ya later - I'm off to play more Galaga! 

At least you didn't get a Duo sent in a padded envelope. 


There are a bunch of great games from the early days.

Makyo Densetsu/Legendary Axe
Alien Crush
The Kung Fu/China Warrior
Youkai Dochuki
R-Type
Dragon Spirit


Games that are a few months/weeks younger(1989)-

Side Arms
Gunhed/Blazing Lazers
Final Lap Twin
Neutopia
Dungeon Explorer
Ordyne
Pac Land

[elnino]

Don't forget Gradius! The PCE version came in 1991 but it's a port from the 1985 arcade game so you can definitely consider it being from the early days! And a classic as well!

[Black Tiger]

Don't forget Gradius! The PCE version came in 1991 but it's a port from the 1985 arcade game so you can definitely consider it being from the early days! And a classic as well!

Well, if we're going by PCE ports of games that originally came out before 1989, then there are a ton more. 

[Spector]

Well, since you mention that, I wouldn't mind hearing about PC Engine arcade ports, but only ports of arcade games from before 1987. I know about Out Run, Space Harrier and Pac Land, but what else is there?

[elnino]

Don't forget Gradius! The PCE version came in 1991 but it's a port from the 1985 arcade game so you can definitely consider it being from the early days! And a classic as well!

Well, if we're going by PCE ports of games that originally came out before 1989, then there are a ton more. 

You're right but I wanted to mention it anyway because of its classical value!

[elnino]

Here are some more games to check out:

Victory Run
Fantasy Zone
Vigilante
Kyuukyoku Tiger
Mr. Heli No Daibouken

[Black Tiger]

Here are some more games to check out:

Victory Run
Fantasy Zone
Vigilante
Kyuukyoku Tiger
Mr. Heli No Daibouken

Man, I'll never forget the good ole times of plugging quarter after quarter into Victory Run at the local arcade.

I mastered the arcade on a dare from a friend who swore it couldn't be beat on a single quarter. Boy did I show him.

As great as the PCE port is though, nothing beats the sit arcade cabinet with stearing wheel.

[nat]

For other arcade ports where at least the original arcade was out around '87, you've also got Afterburner II, Gradius, Salamander, Altered Beast (maybe ?), Fantasy Zone, Wonderboy 2 (in Monster Land), Street Fighter (Fighting Street, though this is on CD), and surely many more.

[Keranu]

Congratulations on receiving your PCE, enjoy! I recommend checking out Dodge Danpei - it's a really weird and unique dodgeball RPG that's a blast to play and no one talks about it .

At least you didn't get a Duo sent in a padded envelope.

Hahahaha!

[Spector]

Congratulations on receiving your PCE, enjoy! I recommend checking out Dodge Danpei - it's a really weird and unique dodgeball RPG that's a blast to play and no one talks about it .

I sure am enjoying it - I've been playing Galaga 88 a lot, and even though this is hardly the visual-fest of other PC Engine games, it blows me away. The little opening tune and some of the other music later on is so damn good. The PC Engine had a great sound chip too, it wasn't just the graphics 
Volfied, the update of Qix, has a shivery drone sound in the background while you draw your lines. Really atmospheric. And Xevious, in its harder mode, deserves more than the one star that the PC Engine Software Bible gives it. Maybe I'll write a second opinion and post it to the editor! Kung Fu must have floored people at the time due to the size of the sprites. On closer inspection, not much to this game, but enjoyable nonetheless.
I'm not going to go crazy and start playing 30 or 40 games, as these are to be savoured, a bit like a bottle of champagne. 
I still can't believe I'm playing this machine. Sixteen and a half years looking at screenshots, and now I have it. Yes! 

[esteban]

Congratulations on receiving your PCE, enjoy! I recommend checking out Dodge Danpei - it's a really weird and unique dodgeball RPG that's a blast to play and no one talks about it .

I sure am enjoying it - I've been playing Galaga 88 a lot, and even though this is hardly the visual-fest of other PC Engine games, it blows me away. The little opening tune and some of the other music later on is so damn good. The PC Engine had a great sound chip too, it wasn't just the graphics 
Volfied, the update of Qix, has a shivery drone sound in the background while you draw your lines. Really atmospheric. And Xevious, in its harder mode, deserves more than the one star that the PC Engine Software Bible gives it. Maybe I'll write a second opinion and post it to the editor! Kung Fu must have floored people at the time due to the size of the sprites, even if they are jerky. On closer inspection, not much to this game, but fun nonetheless.
I'm not going to go crazy and start playing 30 or 40 games, as these are to be savoured, a bit like a bottle of champagne. 
I still can't believe I'm playing this machine. Sixteen and a half years looking at screenshots, and now I have it. Yes! 

Yay, you don't hate Kung Fu / China Warrior! I think it can provide you with some enjoyment, despite what the naysayers would have you believe.

You might not like it, but I really dig Genpei Toumaden Kannoni (Samurai Ghost in North America). It's a 90's sequel to the 1986 Namco arcade game, Genpei Toumaden (I don't think it was released outside of Japan). It might not be your cup of tea (many folks find it clunky), but I like the variety of attacks (sword) and parrying + the challenge + the theme and atmosphere (spooky!).

So, despite being released in 1992, its heart is in 1986.

I could list many more games, but I'll stop there...

[Keranu]

I sure am enjoying it - I've been playing Galaga 88 a lot, and even though this is hardly the visual-fest of other PC Engine games, it blows me away. The little opening tune and some of the other music later on is so damn good. The PC Engine had a great sound chip too, it wasn't just the graphics 
Volfied, the update of Qix, has a shivery drone sound in the background while you draw your lines. Really atmospheric. And Xevious, in its harder mode, deserves more than the one star that the PC Engine Software Bible gives it. Maybe I'll write a second opinion and post it to the editor! Kung Fu must have floored people at the time due to the size of the sprites. On closer inspection, not much to this game, but enjoyable nonetheless.
I'm not going to go crazy and start playing 30 or 40 games, as these are to be savoured, a bit like a bottle of champagne. 
I still can't believe I'm playing this machine. Sixteen and a half years looking at screenshots, and now I have it. Yes! 

Volfied is a really fun game and I know exactly what you mean about that shivering sound effect! Scares the hell outta me! Also I really love to play the PCE Xevious every now and then too, mainly for this song that pops up that really gets you into the game.

[Ninja Spirit]

Get Operation Wolf homey! Also, the game named after myself <<< , and the Ninja Warriors

It's not Capcom's Black Tiger, but there is a game called "Son Son II" that plays identically to it.

[Spector]

Played Alien Crush tonight, and yet again, there's memorable music in an early PC Engine title, in particular during one of the bonus stages. It just keeps getting better