Unsung

[runinruder]

Okay, the idea here is to champion games you like that seldom come up in discussion and that many people may not have considered purchasing or might not even know about.  So, it's not about underrated games.  It's about games that, well, aren't often "rated" to begin with.

Here are some of my picks:

Bazaru de Gozaru
Granted, one reason it isn't mentioned all that much is that it's extremely hard to find.  But it's a super-fun trial-and-error puzzle game with an amusing main character, and I think some people here (mainly Steve and Keranu) would really get a kick out of it.

Tenshi no Uta
Well, on a system with so many brilliant RPGs, it's easy to get overlooked.  This is one of the best, though, with fast gameplay, well-designed dungeons, and an excellent soundtrack.

Kiaidan 00
A must if you liked any sort of "giant robot" show when you were a kid.  Very cool stage concepts and enemy designs, and lots of enormous mecha to fight. 

Private Eye Dol
A cool combination of digital comic and RPG elements.  It's mystery solving with lots of wacky characters and some fun puzzles to figure out.  Plenty of humor, but plenty of shocking moments as well. 

Efera & Jiliora
Dark action-RPG with cool music.  Like an Ys with sword swinging.  In fact, Mr Fulci rates it higher than Ys!  (Note: Never mind that Mr Fulci isn't a big Ys fan.)

Sotsugyou Shashin * Miki
Two digital comics on one disc.  To be honest, the Miki part sucks, but Sotsugyou Shashin is an endearingly corny love story with some very nice music. 

Asuka 120%
It's amazing that the mediocre Advanced V.G. is mentioned fairly often and actually receives occasional praise, while this FAR superior girl fighter receives little attention.  Very fast, very enjoyable game. 

[SignOfZeta]

I agree regarding Bazaru de Gozaru. I just "discovered" it a year or two ago. Its really cool. Someday I plan on owning a legit copy, but damn its expensive. I'm stuck really far into the game. I bet when I pay $100+ for it though, I'll have the motivation to figure it out.

Fray CD: is pretty great, although it isn't that unknown. Basically its Ikarai warriors meets magical girl in SD with comedy elements. Super CD.

Hanatakadaka!?: is f*cking awesome. A super colorful shooter where you play as a Tengu that kicks ass all over rascally tanuki that had kidnapped a kitsune's girlfriend. Its like Tanuki Ponpoko never happened, I swear. Everyone around here seems to use the translated name, "Long Nosed Goblin!?" around here, although I'm not thinking that's very accurate. It seems more like, "Long Nose!?", or maybe "Its Long Nose!?" since I don't see "goblin" in there anywhere. HuCard.

Short Stories For A Sleepless Night: This is the translation used at the PC Engine Bible. The actual name is a bit beyond me for now. Its a mouse based point and click (can be used with d-pad, obviously) much like the Put Put or other games aimed at really little kids. This was also availible on other CD ROM systems at the time, I think. I seem to remember seeing it for 3D0, or Pippin, or something like that. Probably some sort of computer system also. Basically, its a lot of watching the then-impressive CD elements. Its cute. Its funny. Its the sort of game that is virtually absent from the later PC Engine catalog: its aimed at actual children instead of socially retarded, perverted otaku. Its really super remedial though, so adults are going to be kind of bored with it. Its a lot more interactive than most digital comics. The narrator of the game (think of how PBS kids shows have narrators that explain the obvious when non-talking characters are on screen) is evidently a famous woman, I assume, since her picture is on the back of the case. Basically this is a good game for little kids (like, 4-6) that speak Japanese, but if you are learning yourself its not a bad piece of practice. I like all of the little cat characters, especially the one that is always hurting himself, but in the end turns out OK. I like how when the school bus breaks down they all get out and push. Stuff like that. If anyone knows more about this title, and if its a series of kids books, or a TV show or something, please let me know. Super CD. Here is a link to the PCEB entry:

LINK

[Keranu]

Wi-wi-wild and crazy game! Pure Japanese hence pure wackiness. Humor apart, the game is a lotta fun to play as well, though it's extremely easy. I think it's the title name of this game that throws it off the awareness chart, though it seems to have gotten a little attention around here lately. It's known for having a cheap price tag too, so pick it up!

[Black Tiger]

Neo Metal Fantasy: Its one of the best traditional RPGs on the PC Engine with great Phantasy Star II+ 'mature' graphics and (literally) screen filling bosses. There's an english walkthrough for it, so you have no excuse not to play it.


Super Darius: The game is tough in a cheap way, due to the faithful port of a 3-screens-wide arcade game, but its still a fun shooter with a cool power up system and tons of replay value due to the non-linear path, crazy bosses and multiple endings. Plus you get great layered graphics that only the Genesis can do.


Splash Lake: Fun in the same way as these 'casual' puzzle-like games that are so popular today, but still deep and challenging.


Neo Nectaris: For some reason, this game gets hardly any attention anymore. Even Military Madness isn't talked about enough, but you get both great games on the same disc. Many people are disappointed at first with the change in art style and battle perspective, but its great having something a little different but cool in its own way while retaining the perfect gameplay.

[GUTS]

Sol Moonarge- Awesome RPG for people who don't speak JApanese since it is graphically impressive, fast and easy to play, has lots of cool cinemas, and is fairly linear and easy to figure out.  Great game, I love it.

[Emerald Rocker]

Gambler Jikochuushinha Mahjong Puzzle Collection:
A fun puzzler where you don't actually play mahjong, with amusing cinemas and catchy music interspersed throughout.

[m1savage]

Sol Moonarge- Awesome RPG for people who don't speak JApanese since it is graphically impressive, fast and easy to play, has lots of cool cinemas, and is fairly linear and easy to figure out.  Great game, I love it.

I agree with this completely. Been playing this for the last week or so and it's quickly becoming a favorite.

So many cool games come to mind, but how about...

Break In - really well done billiards, pool, (whatever you choose to call it) game.

[rag-time4]

Wi-wi-wild and crazy game! Pure Japanese hence pure wackiness. Humor apart, the game is a lotta fun to play as well, though it's extremely easy. I think it's the title name of this game that throws it off the awareness chart, though it seems to have gotten a little attention around here lately. It's known for having a cheap price tag too, so pick it up!

Toshi has a new sealed copy of this one for 12.50 on ebay... http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-BAKUSHO-YOSHIMOTO-SHINKIGEKI-PC-ENGINE-SCD_W0QQitemZ300151406467QQihZ020QQcategoryZ4315QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

I've ordered one from him already.. it's on the way. I can't wait to see that wild-west level!

[SignOfZeta]

Awesome! Thanks for pointing that one out. I just bought it.

I'm glad that I managed to buy a copy before the imminent explosion of conversation here drives the price to the moon.

[nat]

Awesome! Thanks for pointing that one out. I just bought it.

I'm glad that I managed to buy a copy before the imminent explosion of conversation here drives the price to the moon.

Dammit, I've been looking for that game since someone here mentioned it a week or so ago.

You bastard.

[rag-time4]

Awesome! Thanks for pointing that one out. I just bought it.

I'm glad that I managed to buy a copy before the imminent explosion of conversation here drives the price to the moon.

Nice!

Tatsujin pointed it out as having a wild-west level, which is how it first came up, I believe. I really want to check out that level!

[SignOfZeta]

Awesome! Thanks for pointing that one out. I just bought it.

I'm glad that I managed to buy a copy before the imminent explosion of conversation here drives the price to the moon.

Dammit, I've been looking for that game since someone here mentioned it a week or so ago.

You bastard.

Yeah, I knew I had to act fast.

[Tatsujin]

yeah, that western level is awesome. prepare you!

as for other unwell known games, give a try to manhole, a p'n'c adventure ported from the macintoshs. just love that game when you in the mood for some nonsense easy game joining. best way with the pce mouse set.

an other funny series are those ultra box 1~7 (i believe) from JVC/victor. some homebrew/PD scene like game compilations with a lot of funny shit on it, but alway a play worth due to its simpleness and hilariousness, especially with some friens and a lot of beer next to.

[nat]

I heard The Manhole was the worst Turbo game ever made.

That is, despite having possibly the funniest title known to man.

[rag-time4]

I heard The Manhole was the worst Turbo game ever made.

... Maybe the people who have given it poor reviews have never tried it with the PCE mouse...?  :