Do You Have Any Unpopular Gaming Opinions?

[Retronomy]

Despite how foreign the concept is compared to later consoles, I actually really like the msx's use of transparency for details in sprites. It's such a unique look that you just don't get elsewhere.

I don't know if any of you have played it, but La-Mulana (the original freeware one, not the wiiware remake) is a throwback to the msx, and although it takes some liberties with the actual limitations, it's a really neat game nonetheless.

[Krejlooc]

Despite how foreign the concept is compared to later consoles, I actually really like the msx's use of transparency for details in sprites. It's such a unique look that you just don't get elsewhere.

I don't know if any of you have played it, but La-Mulana (the original freeware one, not the wiiware remake) is a throwback to the msx, and although it takes some liberties with the actual limitations, it's a really neat game nonetheless.

Oh yeah I love La-Mulana, it's basically a spiritual successor to Maze of Galious. For those who are uninformed, here's a quick look at the original that also touches on La-Mulana:



That show, called Splash Wave, is probably my favorite Youtube channel, btw. Great stuff on there.

[Hazerd]

I will admit I have not played the MSX versions, as I don't own an MSX. Maybe someday...

Can't recommend one enough. Terrific machine, essentially what the Colecovision could have been had the market not crashed. The Konami support on it is outstanding. I personally believe Konami's output on the MSX is superior to that of their output on the NES, with incredible games like Space Manbow, Snatcher, SD Snatcher, Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2, Treasure of Usas, an entire, exclusive Gradius series, Penguin Adventure, Castlevania, Contra, and so forth.

Actually, I saw someone above say that Castlevania 2 is a good sequel despite it being "different." It's not really all that different - Castlevania 2 is basically a mix of the NES Castlevania and the MSX Castlevania. The MSX version - released a few days after the NES version - is a completely different game that is exploration based, sort of like castlevania 2 or symphony of the night. It still has levels, but the goal isn't simply to get to the end of the level. There are no bottomless pits - instead each stage is open and free flowing and pits simply lead to lower parts of the level. There are shops and currencies, different weapons (the Axe, for example, is permanent), keys to collect. It was a really different game.

For those in the US, Castlevania 2 seemed to be such a drastic departure, but for those familiar with the MSX version, it seemed like a good blend of the two versions of the game.

Here's a good video on the awesomeness that is the MSX version of Castlevania (called Vampire Killer in europe):



Virtually any game which is on both the NES and MSX are very different. Contra, for example, is twice as long on the MSX, featuring levels not seen in either the NES or Arcade version. It also is much more difficult, with no continues and only 3 lives, but a long life bar. It lacks the spreader, but has a few exclusive weapons, like the shot gun. The Gradius games are the most different - only the first is an arcade port (and a pretty good one). All the other gradius games are exclusive to the system - Gradius 2 on the MSX is a completely different game from the PCE, Arcade, and NES Gradius II (note the roman numerals), and Gofer no Yabo Episode II (aka Nemesis III) is actually an MSX-exclusive sequel to the arcade Gradius 2.

Terrific system, Konami's output really makes it worth picking up. Even beyond Konami, it has excellent conversions of games like R-type, and the Aleste series was birthed on the system. It goes for quite a bit, however, but it's definitely my 2nd favorite 8-bit system. I have a Sony HitBit HB-F1 II, this model:



EDIT: I should also mention that Konami MSX games usually have much better music than the average NES game because they featured Konami's arcade SCC chip inside virtually every released. This sound chip was superior to even the VRC-3 in the japanese version of Castlevania 3. For Snatcher and SD snatcher, the chip was even expanded as the SCC+, probably the single greatest sound processor ever produced by Konami.

I want a MSX now, where do i start, which one should i get, which one is most affordable?

[BoneSnapDeez]

If I ever snagged a x68000 the first games I would start with are the Xak titles. Amazingly underrated JRPGs.

But yeah, the prices are frightening.

[aaron]

quite a bit. The actual hardware itself isn't that expensive, but given that the games themselves come on 5 1/4" floppies, finding working copies is tough and very pricey. As in, pricier than the average Neo Geo AES game. Of all the systems I own, from what I've seen, the Marty and the x68k have the most expensive average games. Which is partially why my library for those two system is lacking.

There exists CF kit solutions, though. But my personal feelings on CF kits is that I'll only install games if I actually own the real deal. My CF Kit in my Amiga, for example, only contains back ups of the games I own.

yeesh. maybe emulation is the way to go for me, then. i get queasy thinking about spending more than $50 for any game ever.

[Krejlooc]

I will admit I have not played the MSX versions, as I don't own an MSX. Maybe someday...

Can't recommend one enough. Terrific machine, essentially what the Colecovision could have been had the market not crashed. The Konami support on it is outstanding. I personally believe Konami's output on the MSX is superior to that of their output on the NES, with incredible games like Space Manbow, Snatcher, SD Snatcher, Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2, Treasure of Usas, an entire, exclusive Gradius series, Penguin Adventure, Castlevania, Contra, and so forth.

Actually, I saw someone above say that Castlevania 2 is a good sequel despite it being "different." It's not really all that different - Castlevania 2 is basically a mix of the NES Castlevania and the MSX Castlevania. The MSX version - released a few days after the NES version - is a completely different game that is exploration based, sort of like castlevania 2 or symphony of the night. It still has levels, but the goal isn't simply to get to the end of the level. There are no bottomless pits - instead each stage is open and free flowing and pits simply lead to lower parts of the level. There are shops and currencies, different weapons (the Axe, for example, is permanent), keys to collect. It was a really different game.

For those in the US, Castlevania 2 seemed to be such a drastic departure, but for those familiar with the MSX version, it seemed like a good blend of the two versions of the game.

Here's a good video on the awesomeness that is the MSX version of Castlevania (called Vampire Killer in europe):



Virtually any game which is on both the NES and MSX are very different. Contra, for example, is twice as long on the MSX, featuring levels not seen in either the NES or Arcade version. It also is much more difficult, with no continues and only 3 lives, but a long life bar. It lacks the spreader, but has a few exclusive weapons, like the shot gun. The Gradius games are the most different - only the first is an arcade port (and a pretty good one). All the other gradius games are exclusive to the system - Gradius 2 on the MSX is a completely different game from the PCE, Arcade, and NES Gradius II (note the roman numerals), and Gofer no Yabo Episode II (aka Nemesis III) is actually an MSX-exclusive sequel to the arcade Gradius 2.

Terrific system, Konami's output really makes it worth picking up. Even beyond Konami, it has excellent conversions of games like R-type, and the Aleste series was birthed on the system. It goes for quite a bit, however, but it's definitely my 2nd favorite 8-bit system. I have a Sony HitBit HB-F1 II, this model:



EDIT: I should also mention that Konami MSX games usually have much better music than the average NES game because they featured Konami's arcade SCC chip inside virtually every released. This sound chip was superior to even the VRC-3 in the japanese version of Castlevania 3. For Snatcher and SD snatcher, the chip was even expanded as the SCC+, probably the single greatest sound processor ever produced by Konami.

I want a MSX now, where do i start, which one should i get, which one is most affordable?

If you're going to get an MSX, make sure you get at least an MSX2, preferably an MSX2+. MSX2+ machines typically come with a built in floppy drive and a bit more ram. You're going to want likely 128k ram and 128k VRAM. MSX machines and MSX2 machines are a bit cheaper, but they have compatibility problems. I have an HB-FBII which is an MSX2 but I've expanded it to MSX2+ compatibility with an external floppy drive and an FM PAC sound cartridge.

The Sony Hit Bit line of MSX machines is cheap enough and have a good aesthetic. I'd recommend against my own HB-FBII, because it's not an MSX2+. I hadn't done my research when I picked it up and kinda regretted not buying an MSX2+. But there are hit bit models that are MSX2+.

The machines themselves are not too expensive. You shouldn't pay more than $150 for one, depending on the model and features. The computers really are basically consoles - just pop in the cartridge, turn the thing on, and it boots the game, no command line required. My Hit Bit model has built in rapid fire and slow mo, which is cool, and not very commonly seen.

Controllers is tough. The MSX is actually technically not compatible with the Master System/Atari controllers, because the 2nd button and a spare pin are swapped. You can very easily mod a controller to be compatible very easily - without even a soldering gun if you want to do it sloppily - but a better option is to pick up a compatible controller. The FM Towns controllers are compatible with the MSX. I use a pair of thin grey controllers which I can't seem to find pictures of. I'll snap a photo later on.

[Krejlooc]

If I ever snagged a x68000 the first games I would start with are the Xak titles. Amazingly underrated JRPGs.

But yeah, the prices are frightening.

I'm actually playing through Xak III on the PC Engine Duo right now. I agree with your assessment!

[Fragems]

1. I actually like the MoH Reboot. Although Warfighter was garbage.
2. I think Halo: Combat Evolved PC is the best game in the series.
3. I thought Indigo Prophecy was a great game.
4. Warrior Within is my favorite game in the Prince of Persia series.
5. The Walking Dead was okay but not great. Mainly dislike the game because it acts like your choices are important, but in reality nothing you do really has a huge effect in the story overall. My opinion of the game severely dropped when they executed a character in front of me for no freaking reason and without giving an option to at least try and prevent it.

[lisalover1]

I thought Shadow the Hedgehog was a good game if you don't think of it as a Sonic game.

Also, as I said in my signature, I loved Metroid: Other M, and I think people who have a problem with the story are just throwing hissy fits because Samus isn't exactly who they thought she was.

[Luke]

I thought Shadow the Hedgehog was a good game if you don't think of it as a Sonic game.

Also, as I said in my signature, I loved Metroid: Other M, and I think people who have a problem with the story are just throwing hissy fits because Samus isn't exactly who they thought she was.

How much time should I set aside if I want to beat Other M?

I really enjoyed the first few levels, but then got sidetracked.