『 謝意 / SamとMax 』

The time has finally come. Sam & Max: Season One is out and I got it. In the previous Sam & Max post I complained about the DRM solutions used to distribute the separate episodes. I also said that I refuse to buy separate episodes and I'll wait untill the disc version comes out. The disc version is here [well, almost] and as soon as it leaves the factory I'll be getting my copy, along with the bonus DVD.

Buying the whole season not only gives you the disc version and the bonus DVD delivered to your doorstep. It also lets you download all six episodes, nice and activated so you can enjoy the game before you get the actual CD. I couldn't resist and the episodes are already installed on my computer.


You've probably noticed the image at the top of this entry. That's Telltale Games expressing their gratitude. It's nice to see the humor even in the emails confirming the purchase. Oh, and one more thing. Does anyone remember Sam & Max: Freelance Police [you can watch the trailer at the bottom of this message] that LucasArts started to develop? They eventually abandoned the project in favor of a new Star Wars Lego Barbie crap. Well up yours Lucas! Now someone else is getting my cash!

『 新しいゲーム! New Oldschool Titles! 』

『 サムライスピリッツ零 / Samirai Shodown V 』


Two new titles join my ever growing collection. This time some classics, or semi classics at least, when you think about the Samurai Shodown.

I must say that Samurai Shodown V was somewhat of a dissapointment when I tried it out on Neo Geo a while back. Compared to titles such as Garou: MotW, the game looked unfinished to say the least. The lack of polish or noticable graphical improvements made it to a moderate success at best.


Despite this, it is still the old Samurai Shodown you remember [if you ever played it, that is]. Some prefer the series never to change, never to improve, and this is pretty much what you get when you buy Samurai Shodown V for the PlayStation 2.

So does the console port improve on anything, not being bound by Neo Geo limitations? Arranged soundtrack aside, no. The game offers a somewhat changed introduction sequence, arranged version of the soundtrack and incredibly long and annoying loading times. Samurai Shodown V is one of the few games released on CDs instead of DVDs. I guess that's something, right? Who doesn't like the CD blue?


Is the game worth buying then? Let me put it this way. If you're a Samurai Shodown fan, you'll get it. If you're a Neo Geo / SNK fan, you'll probably get it. If you're relatively new to 2D fighting games, you might end up dissapointed. You're better off with Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike.

Extra content is what the console version needs, and sadly it fails to deliver not only that, but any kind of improvement that would make this title into something more than just another 2D fighting game ported directly from Neo Geo. Ignition can do so much better than this. Give me "The making of", give me a gallery, give me new modes, give me SOMETHING!

『 テクモクラッシックアーケード / Tecmo Classic Arcade 』


Appearing on Xbox, Tecmo Classic Arcade is exactly what it claims to be. A simple compilation of old arcade classics such as Bomb Jack, Pleiads or the immortal Rygar. Most people pass by these compilations. They go for the new and fancy titles, the best sellers and hyped smash hits. If you're on a tight budget and have to choose your games carefully, go for something new. But if you have some change to spare, do not hesitate and give Tecmo's arcade classics a chance!


I've been a die hard Solomon's Key fan ever since this game came out. The game made its way into this compilation and if you're looking for a great logic / action game, you just have to try it. This game will appear in both your dreams and your nightmares. It's nearly impossible to beat, but it somehow makes you want to try once more.

Not a fan of logic games? Fine. Do you like shoot 'em up's then? If you do and you've somehow managed to miss Strato Fighter, which by chance can also be found here, take it for a spin NOW! Strato Fighter is a horizontal shooter and it's one of the best. Great gameplay, great sound, great graphics. The game starts off easy and evenly distributes the difficulty over the levels. All in all, Tecmo Classic Arcade is worth getting just for the sake of these two titles. If you're looking for some more info, check out the official webpage by clicking HERE

『 新しいゲーム私はこの月を買った。 』

<
～PCエンジン～

01 - ブライ八玉の勇士伝説
02 - ドラゴンボールZ偉大なる孫悟空伝説
03 - ふしぎの海のナディア
04 - 魔物ハンター妖子　遠き呼び声
05 - めぞん一刻

～メガシーディー～

01 - ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグCD
02 - ファイナルファイトCD
03 - 餓狼伝説スペシャル
04 - 精霊戦士フェイエリア

～メガドライブ～

01 - シャイニング＆ザ・ダクネス

～ゲームボーイ～

01 - ONI Ⅴ 隠忍を継ぐ者

<

Another month, another shopping spree. I started this entry with a complete list of items, so we'll have that out of the way. This time it's mostly PC Engine games followed by some Mega CD titles. Nothing too unusual or rare. Either unknown and thus cheap, or well known and mass produced.



Majority of the titles, and all of the Mega CD ones, are brand new, spines included. Since I'm a gamer first and collector second I destroyed all the shrinkwraps to test run each title. I know the games loose their value but I buy them to play them, not to resell them.



Due to a small mixup I got two Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water [ ふしぎの海のナディア ] games, instead of getting the second Lunar title for the Mega CD. I was also supposed to recieve Garou Densetsu for the SFC. All of this has been already taken care of, so I should be recieving the missing games soon.



I must say, it's been ages since I played Final Fight. The last time must have been around the Final Fight One release for the GameBoy Advance. Back then I beat it in every way possible and haven't played it since. Final Fight CD must be the best home platform port ever made. It features the smoothest character animation since the arcade release, revamped soundtrack in audio CD format, extended intro and endings and additional Time Attack.

I haven't had so much fun ever since the Hyper Final Fight Complete, a Beats of Rage mod done by Mr.Q consisting of two games which I have later compiled into one "complete" DreamCast release.



～ワンダーメガ～


Now it's time to focus on this month's highlight. I finally got my very own Wondermega. And it's not just any Wondermega. It's a Sega Wondermega [hell, that even rhymes].


First of all, let me tell you what a Wondermega platform actually is. It's the most complete and advanced MegaDrive / Mega CD combo you can imagine. It can play both MegaDrive and Mega CD games, aswell as Karaoke CDs, MIDI CDs and of course regular audio CDs.


Aside from being an all in one platform, it's fully loaded with extra features. Wondermega is the only one from the whole MegaDrive lineup that's been fitted with S-Video output. Any other MegaDrive or Genesis put out either composite or RF signals. This is a clear advantage, especially now with everyone buying HD plasma and LCD TVs.


If that wasn't enough, Wondermega also features a MIDI port that combined with MIDI keyboard and software called "Piano Player" turns your console into your own piano teacher. Now this is a bit much if you ask me, but Wondermega has it and nobody says you have to use it.


Another feature worth mentioning are the DAP presets. DAP, or in other words Digital Audio Processing, improves on the sound quality by using advanced digital equalizing. There are three presets to choose from. Game, Ex Bass and Karaoke, each with its own characteristics. You can either turn this feature off completly, or adjust the strenght of the effect manually, with the control next to microphone inputs.


Wondermega is a strange platform. Many have heard or read about it, but its history is still pretty confusing. It's easy to notice if you browse around online forums. People often confuse various incarnations of this system and its features.


The most common misconception adresses rarity of the systems. There are three [ok, four] main Wondermega models. First one being the Victor [also known as JVC] version. This one looks exactly the same as the one you can see on the photos, only difference being a Victor logo. Victor Wondermega was also the first one on the market. Later on Sega bought the JVC design, and made their own version, the one I own.


The Wondermega sold by Sega themselves was a bit cheaper than the Victor original [also known as RG-M1], but it had the exact same set of features and nothing was changed except the logo print. Victor and Sega models are also the only systems with the MIDI output. Sega model was produced in conciderably smaller quantities, which makes it the rarest Wondermega model on the market.


Later on, Victor started selling a redesigned version of the Wondermega. This new version was labeled ワンダーメガM2 or RG-M2. People often claim that alot was stripped down, including the S-Video output. This is not true. Even though the new model did not include a MIDI out, motorized CD tray or the DAP processing, it still featured the S-Video output. Victor also added wireless controller support.


JVC tried to market Wondermega in the US and released the RG-M2 version, stripping the IR controller support. Renamed to X'eye, this version did NOT feature the S-Video output. Due to a huge pricetag and all of its features already supported by other versions of the system, the US X'eye went down in flames.


The video above illustrates how the electrically opened CD-Rom lid works. Bare in mind that Wondermega had its premiere in '92. This feature alone will keep you occupied on a rainy day if you have no games to play. Believe me.

『 2D is pretty much dead now 』

"Unfortunately, 2D is pretty much dead now..." These were the words of Andrew Brazier, the assistant designer on Simon 3D, while he explained why the game went 3D, instead of being a proper and decent 2D point and click adventure. And judging by how things progress, he might have been right.


The good old 2D days are long since passed and every adventure game, of which there are very few this days, must be in 3D. The long awaited sequel to Sam & Max is, of course, a 3D title, but that's not something to complain about. The times are tough for adventure games, and 3D graphics are the least of developers' worries. The hardest task is to market these titles and that alone is a challange, 3D or not.

Still, the games DO get published, even if it takes years and years of developement and finding a publisher who's willing to take the risk. Simon The Sorcerer franchise found itself a new home in Germany and the fourth game in the series is already out. All in german. But hey, at least you can be sure the game is extremly well organised with perfect comedic timing. It's getting translated, so I'm eager with anticipation. For any news on the subject, check out the official site by clicking here



Simon the Sorcerer isn't the only title that's been waiting years for a sequel. If you have lived long enough, you probably know the Goblins series. A slightly different approach to point and click, with tons of humor the adventure games are known for. Every stage in any Goblins game is a huge puzzle you must solve to progress.


It's the year 2007 and Gobliiins 4 is finally approaching. In developement since 2004, the game is basically finished. The only thing missing is a publisher willing to put it out there for us to buy. The official webpage states that the game should be out by the end of this year. I really hope they can make that fly, because a new Goblins game is something I've been waiting for since '93.

『 ScummVM 0.10.0 』

ScummVM 0.10.0 is out and it brings us some of the long awaited improvements. This includes the newly added support for Gobliins 2: The Prince Buffoon and Goblins 3 aka Goblins Quest 3. After adding the first game in the Goblins series, it was only natural that both of the sequels will follow. What I'm particularly pleased with, is the CD version support of Gobliins 2.



ScummVM automaticly recognizes the CD version and allows you to choose any of the supported languages. If you're trying to play the game directly from the CD, it informs you about the possible problems you might encounter and advises you to copy the files over to your HD.



Also added is the support for Simon the Sorcerer's Puzzle Pack. Even though I'd rather see the support for Simon's pinball, any progress is good. The CD version of Gobliins 2 is running flawlessly, making a proper use of the CD audio tracks. Great work ScummVM team. If you haven't tried out ScummVM yet, click here to get your fix.