How's Your Sega MegaDrive/Genesis Gaming Going On?

[alienjesus]

I picked up Chiki Chiki Boys from eBay yesterday...

It's a really, really fun game.

I played some of the Arcade version on a PS2 collection once. It was fun, but difficult. Is the home version very different do you know?

The art style and gameplay seem like an arcadey evolution of the Monster World games, and I adore those. Also, I realise those were originally arcade games, but I feel my point is still valid.


Also, damn Shinobi III is surprisingly pricy. Wasn't expecting that.


Is Shadow Dancer any good if I'm more of a fan of the Revenge of Shinobi style gameplay over the arcade original?

[Luke]

I picked up Chiki Chiki Boys from eBay yesterday...

It's a really, really fun game.

I played some of the Arcade version on a PS2 collection once. It was fun, but difficult. Is the home version very different do you know?

The art style and gameplay seem like an arcadey evolution of the Monster World games, and I adore those. Also, I realise those were originally arcade games, but I feel my point is still valid.


Also, damn Shinobi III is surprisingly pricy. Wasn't expecting that.


Is Shadow Dancer any good if I'm more of a fan of the Revenge of Shinobi style gameplay over the arcade original?

A few thoughts from me from the 2013 Games Beaten List:

If you've never heard of Chiki Chiki Boys, you aren't alone. I first found out about the game only a couple of years ago. Not sure why I had never heard about it, as it is one cute and fun game. Chiki Cute Fun!

Obviously if you are reading this you are also capable of googling the game if you've never played it, but C.C Boys has the aesthetics and difficulty of Sonic the Hedgehog, level designs reminiscent of Ghosts n' Goblins, and the feel of Wonderboy III.

As it is with Sonic, the game does provide a challenge near the end of the game, but most of the stages are relatively simple. Gorgeous, but simple. I beat CC Boys on my first try and it took me about a solid hour to do so.

I have a fondness for this game that I doubt will wain. More than likely it's a game I'll play every year. It reminds me a bit of Little Nemo for the NES in the fact that the game is just so darned endearing, and I do love a cute game.


____________________________

I have an extra cart only copy of Shinobi III, which isn't in the best condition. I need to send some stuff out for the charity auction, so PM me your address if you'd like it.

[Gunstar Green]

Shadow Dancer is a lot of fun and like ESWAT I greatly prefer the Genesis game to the arcade one of the same name. I think it's the most underrated of the three Shinobi games on the console. It's not very long but it's a fair challenge and has some really attractive graphics. I have no issues recommending it.

Shinobi 3 is a must have, it's included on a lot of different collections and digital download markets. I don't know what the price of the PAL cart is but it's not too expensive in the US.

I totally agree with everything Luke said about Chiki Chiki boys. It's one of my favorite Capcom titles on the Genesis along with Mercs (both were ported to the Genesis by Sega themselves which probably helped). It's one of those games I like to play when I need something colorful and non-stressful. I'm also amused that the characters are references to Mega Man and Protoman respectively.

As for other recommendations:

One that shouldn't run you much is Ranger X. Gorgeous graphics though the control scheme takes some getting used to and six buttons is a must. It's got a lot of interesting gimmicks like support vehicles and your robot being solar powered. It's really unique so it's hard for me to compare it to anything else.

Landstalker is another great game you might enjoy since you liked Story of Thor/Beyond Oasis. It's an isometric action adventure game. The view is frustrating sometimes but the art is cute and the story and gameplay are pretty decent. It gets overlooked more than it should.

I also really love Mega Turrican, it's really a battle between that and Gunstar Heroes as my favorite run 'n gun on the Genesis. It's more straight forward action than Turrican 1 and 2 but I kind of like it that way. I also prefer it to the SNES Turricans but I love them as well. A lot of people don't seem to like the grappling hook but I never had a problem with it. As a bonus it hands down has my favorite box art.

[pierrot]

Is Shadow Dancer any good if I'm more of a fan of the Revenge of Shinobi style gameplay over the arcade original?

Like GG said, Shadow Dancer's a really good game. It's based on an arcade game, but is possibly better than it's parent version. The level design might not be quite as good as Revenge, or Shinobi III, but it's all right. The dog partner adds a little more to the gameplay, I suppose.

I picked up Chiki Chiki Boys from eBay yesterday, and some other games I'm lookign at getting include:

Alisia Dragoon
Rocket Knight Adventures
Sonic 3
ToeJam and Earl
Soleil
Wonder Boy in Monster World
Gunstar Heroes (probably as part of Classics Collection - Gunstar, Flicky, Alex Kidd and Altered Beast)

I'm also looking at the Castlevania and Probotector (Contra) games for the system, but they seem pricy so we'll see.

Are there any must haves not on my list or my backlog that you guys think I should pick up?

I would recommend getting both Sonic 3, and Sonic & Knuckles at the same time, and playing them locked together for the first time. It's how the games were originally intended to be played, and it makes for one of the best Sonic experiences available.

As for other recommendations, if you like B'mups:

-Alien Storm
-Adventures of Batman and Robin
-Comix Zone
-DJ Boy (If the EU version was censored, also, then you might want the JP version)
-TMNT The Hypersone Heist


platformers, run-n-guns, rpgs, etc:

-Bonanza Brothers
-Castlevania Bloodlines (EU version is censored out the ass)
-Probotector (absolutely worth it)
-Decap Attack
-Disney's Toy Story
-Dynamite Headdy
-Ghost Busters
-Herzog Zwei
-Jewel Master
-Kid Chameleon
-Landstalker
-Light Crusader
-Marvel Land
-McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure (No, seriously)
-Mickey Mania
-Monster Lair (Wonder Boy III)
-NBA Jam
-NHL '94
-Phantasy Star(s)
-Ristar
-RoboCop vs the Terminator
-Shining Force I & II
-ToeJam and Earl: Panic on Funkotron
-Vectorman
-World of Illusion
-Atomic Runner
-Crackdown
-Dragon Ball Z
-Dragon's Fury
-Gauntlet IV
-Havoc
-Mystic Defender
-Ranger X
-Splatterhouse 2
-Super Fantasy Zone

If imports are an option:

-Jerry Glanville's Pigskin Footbrawl
-Great Circus Mystery Starring Mickey and Minnie
-Magical Taruru~to kun
-Monster World IV
-Mystical Fighter (Mou Renjishi)
-Valis III
-Arcus Odyssey
-Dahna Megami Tanjou
-Devilish
-El Viento
-Exile
-Socket
-Splatterhouse 3


If your pockets are feeling particularly deep:

-Alien Soldier
-Megaman the Wily Wars


I left out shmups because I'm not sure how big a fan you are, and they tend to run expensive.

[alienjesus]

Shadow Dancer is a lot of fun and like ESWAT I greatly prefer the Genesis game to the arcade one of the same name. I think it's the most underrated of the three Shinobi games on the console. It's not very long but it's a fair challenge and has some really attractive graphics. I have no issues recommending it.

Shinobi 3 is a must have, it's included on a lot of different collections and digital download markets. I don't know what the price of the PAL cart is but it's not too expensive in the US.

I totally agree with everything Luke said about Chiki Chiki boys. It's one of my favorite Capcom titles on the Genesis along with Mercs (both were ported to the Genesis by Sega themselves which probably helped). It's one of those games I like to play when I need something colorful and non-stressful. I'm also amused that the characters are references to Mega Man and Protoman respectively.

As for other recommendations:

One that shouldn't run you much is Ranger X. Gorgeous graphics though the control scheme takes some getting used to and six buttons is a must. It's got a lot of interesting gimmicks like support vehicles and your robot being solar powered. It's really unique so it's hard for me to compare it to anything else.

Landstalker is another great game you might enjoy since you liked Story of Thor/Beyond Oasis. It's an isometric action adventure game. The view is frustrating sometimes but the art is cute and the story and gameplay are pretty decent. It gets overlooked more than it should.

I also really love Mega Turrican, it's really a battle between that and Gunstar Heroes as my favorite run 'n gun on the Genesis. It's more straight forward action than Turrican 1 and 2 but I kind of like it that way. I also prefer it to the SNES Turricans but I love them as well. A lot of people don't seem to like the grappling hook but I never had a problem with it. As a bonus it hands down has my favorite box art.

Ranger X looks interesting, but I was concerned that it might be one of those games thats not as good in execution - it looks like a bit of a confusing clusterfuck at times.

Landstalker put me off with isometric perspective. Havent found a game I like that uses it yet.

Shinobi 3 seems to got for about 10-20 quid, but rarely appears on eBay - doesnt seem that common.

Shadow Dancer looks a little like the original shinobi, which im not a fan of. It's cheap enough to take a gamble on though at least.

[Gunstar Green]

Shadow Dancer is a lot better than the original Shinobi, but has a similar level structure. It's more like Shinobi and Revenge of Shinobi had a baby. And you have a pet dog that bites the crap out of people for good measure. I end up going back to this game a lot more than its siblings because it's a good quick ninja fix.

Ranger X really isn't so bad if you're willing to give it more than ten minutes. Once you have the controls down it's a very satisfying and unique title. I can remember not liking it at first, but once I understood the controls were simpler than I was making them out to be and the missions had specific objectives to fulfill everything clicked and I really fell for the game.

As for Landstalker I'm kind of with you on the isometric view, it's seriously the only game of its type that's ever worked for me. It's worth trying if you ever get the chance.

[alienjesus]

I would recommend getting both Sonic 3, and Sonic & Knuckles at the same time, and playing them locked together for the first time. It's how the games were originally intended to be played, and it makes for one of the best Sonic experiences available.

I own Sonic 1, Sonic 2 and Sonic & Knuckles already, strangely enough.

As for other recommendations, if you like B'mups:

-Alien Storm
-Adventures of Batman and Robin
-Comix Zone
-DJ Boy (If the EU version was censored, also, then you might want the JP version)
-TMNT The Hypersone Heist

I've played Alien Storm, it's alright, maybe I'll pick it up eventually. Its not a priority though. I dont like Comix Zone. Batman and Robin looks interesting, but really tough. I've never even heard of DJ Boy. TMNT is a little pricy, but I'll keep an eye out for it. I like the TMNT arcade games, but they aren't my favourites.

My comments in red
platformers, run-n-guns, rpgs, etc:

-Bonanza Brothers Urgh no, cant stand this game
-Castlevania Bloodlines (EU version is censored out the ass) Is Mega Drive region free? This game is pricy though right? Apart from blood, what else is censored in the PAL version?
-Probotector (absolutely worth it) Yup, price is a concern here though
-Decap Attack Like Alien Storm I've played this and its OK. Not a huge fan
-Disney's Toy Story I have good memories of this game, but worried that I was remembering it wrong. I'll look it up.
-Dynamite Headdy I like this game, but it's not a priority for me
-Ghost Busters Really? I'll have to look this one up too
-Herzog Zwei I think this didn't come out here. It looks good.
-Jewel Master This game always looked a bit mediocre to me. Probably cheap though, so I can take a gamble
-Kid Chameleon I hate this game, it's awful
-Landstalker Depending on price I'll take a gamble. The gameplay is my kinda thing, but isometric....urgh
-Light Crusader Is this the Treasure game? It looks odd for them. Isometric game again right?
-Marvel Land Something about this game looks very Turbografx to me. It looks a little unpolished control wise too. I might pick it up though.
-McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure (No, seriously) I know it's Treasure. I've heard it's alright. There are higher priorities for me though.
-Mickey Mania I own the PS1 version of this
-Monster Lair (Wonder Boy III) You're the first person I've EVER heard recommend this game. I might pick it up for completion of my WB set, but I hear the Turbo CD version is insane amounts better
-NBA Jam - Haha, no. Sorry, I don't do sports games, especially retro sports game, and particularly retro American sports games. Even is they're a little crazy like this.
-NHL '94 - see above
-Phantasy Star(s) - I'm unsure about these. I adore PS1 on SMS, but 2 looks mazey and grindy and annoying and no-one seems to like 3. 4 I want, but you have to pay through the nose for it.
-Ristar I don't like this game as much as most, and it's rare and pricy over here. Will probably sstick to the VC version.
-RoboCop vs the Terminator One on my list for further down the line. I enjoyed it as a kid.
-Shining Force I & II I want these, but they're a little pricier than most Mega Drive games. Eventually I'll pick them up
-ToeJam and Earl: Panic on Funkotron I've heard such mixed stuff about this, I kinda want to try it before I buy it. It's really cheap though, and more common than the original.
-Vectorman Unfortunately, this is alongside Kid Chameleon in the 'Mega Drive classics I think are fucking terrible' list.
-World of Illusion - On my list already.
-Atomic Runner - This looks interesting. I think I saw it on Game Center CX once?
-Crackdown - I never liked the look of this one.
-Dragon Ball Z - ?? I know nothing about this
-Dragon's Fury - Would rather get the superior TG16 version.
-Gauntlet IV - Doesnt interest me.
-Havoc - Had to look this up, never heard of it. It looks surprisingly interesting and good for a game I've never heard of before.
-Mystic Defender - This is a sequel to a master system game right? The original kinda sucked.
-Ranger X - Definitely tempted by this one.
-Splatterhouse 2 - Maybe? I kinda want to pick up the first before this one.
-Super Fantasy Zone - One of my highest priorities I hadnt already listed.

Imports are not necessarily something I wouldnt consider, but I might aswell plumb the depths of the PAL library first.

If your pockets are feeling particularly deep:

-Alien Soldier
-Megaman the Wily Wars

Sigh. I wish.

I left out shmups because I'm not sure how big a fan you are, and they tend to run expensive.

I like me some shmups, although I'm not obsessive about them. Thunder Force, Super Fantasy Zone, Phelios, Elemental Master, Truxton, Gynoug, Zero Wing, Aeroblasters and Biohazard battle are all on my considerations list.

Another question: Is Risky Woods any good? I remember quite liking it as a kid.

[Erik_Twice]

The Mega Drive port of Truxton is nice if you want an easier version of the original so I recommend it.

[Gunstar Green]

Castlevania Bloodlines: Not sure what else is censored, I've never played The New Generation but I do know Bloodlines might just be the goriest Castlevania out there. It has gotten pricey unfortunately which is stupid because there was a Majesco re-release and it's pretty common.

Ghostbusters: It's a surprisingly fun action platformer. It's almost Mega Man-ish if I had to compare it with anything. I really loved it when I was younger and I still find it enjoyable today. It likely won't blow you away but unlike all other Ghostbuster games before 2009 it doesn't suck probably because Sega developed it. I have a way-too-long review of it here: http://segascrutiny.blogspot.com/2011/01/genesis-game-reviews-ghostbusters.html

I think I ultimately gave it a pretty mediocre score whilst trying to judge it without bias, but the game is pretty dear to me personally.

I like me some shmups, although I'm not obsessive about them. Thunder Force, Super Fantasy Zone, Phelios, Elemental Master, Truxton, Gynoug, Zero Wing, Aeroblasters and Biohazard battle are all on my considerations list.

All good choices. I was going to suggest Whip Rush as a good, inexpensive one but it unfortunately didn't come out in Europe. You guys got Super Fantasy Zone and Zero Wing though so we'll call it even.

Thunder Force 3 and 4 are a must. I'd recommend some more but so many were brought out over here by small publishers that came and went in the early 90's so I'm not sure which ones did or didn't come out in Europe.

[pierrot]

My comments in red
platformers, run-n-guns, rpgs, etc:

-Bonanza Brothers Urgh no, cant stand this game
-Castlevania Bloodlines (EU version is censored out the ass) Is Mega Drive region free? This game is pricy though right? Apart from blood, what else is censored in the PAL version?
-Probotector (absolutely worth it) Yup, price is a concern here though
-Decap Attack Like Alien Storm I've played this and its OK. Not a huge fan
-Disney's Toy Story I have good memories of this game, but worried that I was remembering it wrong. I'll look it up.
-Dynamite Headdy I like this game, but it's not a priority for me
-Ghost Busters Really? I'll have to look this one up too
-Herzog Zwei I think this didn't come out here. It looks good.
-Jewel Master This game always looked a bit mediocre to me. Probably cheap though, so I can take a gamble
-Kid Chameleon I hate this game, it's awful
-Landstalker Depending on price I'll take a gamble. The gameplay is my kinda thing, but isometric....urgh
-Light Crusader Is this the Treasure game? It looks odd for them. Isometric game again right?
-Marvel Land Something about this game looks very Turbografx to me. It looks a little unpolished control wise too. I might pick it up though.
-McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure (No, seriously) I know it's Treasure. I've heard it's alright. There are higher priorities for me though.
-Mickey Mania I own the PS1 version of this
-Monster Lair (Wonder Boy III) You're the first person I've EVER heard recommend this game. I might pick it up for completion of my WB set, but I hear the Turbo CD version is insane amounts better
-NBA Jam - Haha, no. Sorry, I don't do sports games, especially retro sports game, and particularly retro American sports games. Even is they're a little crazy like this.
-NHL '94 - see above
-Phantasy Star(s) - I'm unsure about these. I adore PS1 on SMS, but 2 looks mazey and grindy and annoying and no-one seems to like 3. 4 I want, but you have to pay through the nose for it.
-Ristar I don't like this game as much as most, and it's rare and pricy over here. Will probably sstick to the VC version.
-RoboCop vs the Terminator One on my list for further down the line. I enjoyed it as a kid.
-Shining Force I & II I want these, but they're a little pricier than most Mega Drive games. Eventually I'll pick them up
-ToeJam and Earl: Panic on Funkotron I've heard such mixed stuff about this, I kinda want to try it before I buy it. It's really cheap though, and more common than the original.
-Vectorman Unfortunately, this is alongside Kid Chameleon in the 'Mega Drive classics I think are fucking terrible' list.
-World of Illusion - On my list already.
-Atomic Runner - This looks interesting. I think I saw it on Game Center CX once?
-Crackdown - I never liked the look of this one.
-Dragon Ball Z - ?? I know nothing about this
-Dragon's Fury - Would rather get the superior TG16 version.
-Gauntlet IV - Doesnt interest me.
-Havoc - Had to look this up, never heard of it. It looks surprisingly interesting and good for a game I've never heard of before.
-Mystic Defender - This is a sequel to a master system game right? The original kinda sucked.
-Ranger X - Definitely tempted by this one.
-Splatterhouse 2 - Maybe? I kinda want to pick up the first before this one.
-Super Fantasy Zone - One of my highest priorities I hadnt already listed.

I can kind of understand your feelings on Kid Chameleon and such (I like them, but they aren't truly the best) but not liking Bonanza Bros is insanity. I can not endorse that.

Anyway, yes, NBA Jam is kind of a staple of early 90's US nostalgia, I guess. I still think it's a great game. Have you actually played it at all?

Pretty much everything remotely violent in Bloodlines was removed from the EU release: Harpies losing their heads, the first mini-boss crumpling into a heap of organs and fur, Eric being skewered by his own spear upon death, the fountain in the beginning of stage 5 overflowing with blood, the subtitle, all the blood in the title screen, etc, etc. Doesn't really affect the gameplay at all, though.

Toy Story is slightly rougher these days than it was at release, but reminds me a lot of Clockwork Knights. Decap Attack isn't marvelous, but you may be more interested in the Japanese version: Magical Hat no Buttobi Turbo! Daibouken. Herzog Zwei was supposedly released in Europe. Marvel Land looks rough, but that's just because it's a late 80s Namco arcade game. It's pretty fun. Atomic Runner was on GCCX as Chelnov. That version is stupid expensive. Jewel Master looks pretty mediocre, but I think it's a pretty good action platformer. Reminds me of Castlevania, and has some bangin' music. Mystic Defender is kind of the same way. Definitely try before you buy.

DBZ Buyuu Retsuden is the Japanese title. It's a 2D fighting game, and supposedly released in Europe.

The isometric view bothers me a bit in Landstalkers. I have a hard time making jumps in that one, and I feel like it requires a little too much precision. The isometric view in Light Crusader didn't bother me at all. The controls work really well with it, I think. It's also a fantastic game, so between the two, I would recommend Light Crusader over Landstalkers.

I think Panic on Funkotron holds up better than the original, today. It's a good platformer, with some mild adventuring mixed in. Maybe not for everyone, but worth a shot. Havoc is a little known Data East platformer that plays pretty well. Won't set the world on fire, but it's a fun game.

I prefer the Mega Drive version of Monster Lair, personally. Most people seem to prefer the TG16 version because of the soundtrack. I think it sounds better on the Mega Drive, honestly. (Even better than the Arcade soundtrack.) Especially stage 2. The TG16 version looks a little closer to the arcade version, in terms of detail, but I still prefer playing the Mega Drive version. They both basically play the same way.

Also, I forgot about Mr. Nutz. You should get that one; or just send a copy my way.