AL82 Retrogaming Longplays | Atomic Robo-Kid Special Longplay (PC Engine) [QHD] @AL82RetrogamingLongplays | Uploaded 1 year ago | Updated 11 hours ago
Game Info
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Developer: UPL
Publisher: UPL
Year of Release: 1989
Game Review & Impressions
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I've covered a few versions of Atomic Robo-Kid on my channel over the years, but it wasn't until recently I discovered a port existed for the PC Engine (TurboGrafx). As far as I can tell, it was released exclusively in Japan and, given it's rather hardcore sensibilities, it's probably for the best.
It's mostly identical to the arcade version in most regards, although there are some features specific to the PC Engine release. Each of the available weapons can be upgraded up to 6 times, increasing destructive power with each additional level. The weird little techno-dinosaur characters found secreted around the various stages can be used to access a shop of sorts, where remaining lives can be traded in exchange for weapon upgrades or shields that offer a few seconds of protection when hit. Finally, there are also weird little critters that earn you extra lives when collected, provided you can find their hiding places.
In terms of positives, the Atomic Robo-Kid Special does at least feature some decent graphics. The background art and parallax scrolling aren't up to the standard of the original arcade version, but it's looks close enough, at least for a home console conversion.
Sadly, the list of complains far outweighs anything positive I have to say about the game. Issues are numerous, the most egregious of which has to be the infuriating control system. Pressing and holding the weapon select button and fire is supposed to allow you to back-peddle whilst firing in the opposite direction, but it's so fiddly to pull off that it's not worth bothering with. It's far too easy to mistime your button presses, which results in you cycling through weapons when you had no intention of doing so, and is just a complete pain in the backside. There's also the boss fights, which are even more difficult than their coin-op counterparts, not to mention the weird insect-like sentry towers which spew a plethora of near-unavoidable projectiles in your general direction.
I'm afraid to say this port really isn't much fun at all. The arcade release wasn't exactly a classic to begin with, but at least it didn't make me want to my gnaw my own arm off. Some of you might think I'm being unfair on the game, but it just frustrated me to no end, and it's not something I'm keen to revisit any time soon.
Chapters
---------------------------------------------------
TBC
Game Info
---------------------------------------------------
Developer: UPL
Publisher: UPL
Year of Release: 1989
Game Review & Impressions
---------------------------------------------------
I've covered a few versions of Atomic Robo-Kid on my channel over the years, but it wasn't until recently I discovered a port existed for the PC Engine (TurboGrafx). As far as I can tell, it was released exclusively in Japan and, given it's rather hardcore sensibilities, it's probably for the best.
It's mostly identical to the arcade version in most regards, although there are some features specific to the PC Engine release. Each of the available weapons can be upgraded up to 6 times, increasing destructive power with each additional level. The weird little techno-dinosaur characters found secreted around the various stages can be used to access a shop of sorts, where remaining lives can be traded in exchange for weapon upgrades or shields that offer a few seconds of protection when hit. Finally, there are also weird little critters that earn you extra lives when collected, provided you can find their hiding places.
In terms of positives, the Atomic Robo-Kid Special does at least feature some decent graphics. The background art and parallax scrolling aren't up to the standard of the original arcade version, but it's looks close enough, at least for a home console conversion.
Sadly, the list of complains far outweighs anything positive I have to say about the game. Issues are numerous, the most egregious of which has to be the infuriating control system. Pressing and holding the weapon select button and fire is supposed to allow you to back-peddle whilst firing in the opposite direction, but it's so fiddly to pull off that it's not worth bothering with. It's far too easy to mistime your button presses, which results in you cycling through weapons when you had no intention of doing so, and is just a complete pain in the backside. There's also the boss fights, which are even more difficult than their coin-op counterparts, not to mention the weird insect-like sentry towers which spew a plethora of near-unavoidable projectiles in your general direction.
I'm afraid to say this port really isn't much fun at all. The arcade release wasn't exactly a classic to begin with, but at least it didn't make me want to my gnaw my own arm off. Some of you might think I'm being unfair on the game, but it just frustrated me to no end, and it's not something I'm keen to revisit any time soon.
Chapters
---------------------------------------------------
TBC
![Atomic Robo-Kid Special Longplay (PC Engine) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Os6lOkEvgGQ/hqdefault.jpg "Atomic Robo-Kid Special Longplay (PC Engine) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: UPL
Publisher: UPL
Year of Release: 1989
Game Review & Impressions
Ive covered a few versions of Atomic Robo-Kid on my channel over the years, but it wasnt until recently I discovered a port existed for the PC Engine (TurboGrafx). As far as I can tell, it was released exclusively in Japan and, given its rather hardcore sensibilities, its probably for the best.
Its mostly identical to the arcade version in most regards, although there are some features specific to the PC Engine release. Each of the available weapons can be upgraded up to 6 times, increasing destructive power with each additional level. The weird little techno-dinosaur characters found secreted around the various stages can be used to access a shop of sorts, where remaining lives can be traded in exchange for weapon upgrades or shields that offer a few seconds of protection when hit. Finally, there are also weird little critters that earn you extra lives when collected, provided you can find their hiding places.
In terms of positives, the Atomic Robo-Kid Special does at least feature some decent graphics. The background art and parallax scrolling arent up to the standard of the original arcade version, but its looks close enough, at least for a home console conversion.
Sadly, the list of complains far outweighs anything positive I have to say about the game. Issues are numerous, the most egregious of which has to be the infuriating control system. Pressing and holding the weapon select button and fire is supposed to allow you to back-peddle whilst firing in the opposite direction, but its so fiddly to pull off that its not worth bothering with. Its far too easy to mistime your button presses, which results in you cycling through weapons when you had no intention of doing so, and is just a complete pain in the backside. Theres also the boss fights, which are even more difficult than their coin-op counterparts, not to mention the weird insect-like sentry towers which spew a plethora of near-unavoidable projectiles in your general direction.
Im afraid to say this port really isnt much fun at all. The arcade release wasnt exactly a classic to begin with, but at least it didnt make me want to my gnaw my own arm off. Some of you might think Im being unfair on the game, but it just frustrated me to no end, and its not something Im keen to revisit any time soon.
Chapters
TBC")
![Coryoon: Child of Dragon Longplay (PC Engine) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PAiM6y5lEVE/hqdefault.jpg "Coryoon: Child of Dragon Longplay (PC Engine) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Naxat
Publisher: Naxat
Year of Release: 1991
Game Review & Impressions
Naxat clearly knew their stuff when it came to the PC Engine/Turoagrafx. Although the gameplay might not be particularly inspired, this horizontal shooter for the consoles CD add-on unit is absolutely stunning to behold. The sheer number of sprites, general art quality and animation are genuinely impressive and, dare I say it, one of the best-looking games on the console.
Chapters
TBC")
![Renegade Longplay (Sega Master System) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PZRr0wLWy7A/hqdefault.jpg "Renegade Longplay (Sega Master System) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Natsume
Publisher: Sega
Year of Release: 1993
Game Review & Impressions
Given recent disappointments with other Master System games, I wasnt holding out much hope for this conversion of Technos classic arcade brawler. The original arcade release would have been around 6 years old by this point, and its spiritual sequel, Double Dragon, had already come and gone on the Master System.
Getting past the ominously silent attract sequence and into the game proper, I was pleasantly surprised to discover what a roaringly excellent conversion this is! It features everything from the arcade release and more.
As with the arcade, the objective is to slug your way through the various thugs and foot soldiers of a local crime syndicate, culminating in a showdown with the big boss himself. You can punch, kick, grapple and ground-slap enemies, just like in the arcade, and the controls and collision detection are sufficiently robust and reliable that they rarely get in the way of the action. The animation and general presentation is also top-notch throughout, and the animation sequence showing the player getting chucked unceremoniously into a dumpster when beaten is a neat touch - be sure to check out the sequence when losing to the final boss because Im pretty sure something went wrong with the translation!
Although its not a particularly long game, this proved to be an excellent little beat em up for a system which, by 1993, was certainly looking rather forlorn next to its 16-bit rivals. I thoroughly enjoyed playing through this; top marks and hats off to Natsume!
Chapters
00:00 Attract mode
00:57 Stage 1
03:13 Stage 2
06:40 Stage 3
08:59 Stage 4
16:01 Final boss
17:04 Good ending
19:04 Bad ending
#retrogaming #longplay #sega")
![Magical Cat Adventure Longplay (Arcade) [QHD] [JP]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Pw3oSNCSC8I/hqdefault.jpg "Magical Cat Adventure Longplay (Arcade) [QHD] [JP]
Game Info
Developer: Wintechno
Publisher: Wintechno
Year of Release: 1993
Game Review & Impressions
An intriguing arcade platformer that looks excellent, but the gameplay feels somewhat underdone and half-finished. It feels a little like Sonic The Hedgehog, sans rings, but with an emphasis on running to build up speed, at which point you can unleash a powerful jumping dash attack.
Although the game did receive a Western release, the Japanese version shown here contains additional cutscenes and story elements not present in those versions; probably cut due to time and translation costs.
Chapters
00:00 Attract mode
00:46 Stage 1
03:36 Stage 2
07:50 Stage 3
09:51 Stage 4
14:29 Stage 5
16:45 Ending
#arcade #retrogaming #longplay")
![Lightbringer Longplay (Arcade) [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PxtefKqsodk/hqdefault.jpg "Lightbringer Longplay (Arcade) [4K]
Game Info
Developer: Taito
Publisher: Taito
Year of Release: 1993
Game Review & Impressions
With the release of Rastan in 1987 and Cadash in 1989, Taito was certainly at the forefront of creating coin-op experiences based around Sword and Sorcery and High Fantasy. Lightbringer (also known as Dungeon Magic) represents an evolution of the ideas from those earlier titles, introducing better graphics, audio, and increased depth to a genre which, in my mind, always seemed to be at odds with an industry focused on taking your money as quickly as possible.
For what is ostensibly a beat em up, the game uses a somewhat unconventional isometric viewpoint from which to view the world. The game is divided into three separate scenarios, which I suppose are analogous to D&D campaigns, each of which focus on adventuring through an expansive dungeon with multiple paths to the end goal. Furthermore, there are locations, NPCs and treasure that can only be accessed by certain character classes, so this is definitely a game with longevity.
On the subject of classes, the character you choose has a big impact on your adventure, and these fall broadly within the typical D&D archetypes. Cisty, an elven archer, excels in ranged combat and is the most agile of the group, whereas as Ash can equip a variety of shield to deflect incoming blows and has access to various elemental weapons throughout the game. All four characters have their own unique play-style, special moves and equipment, so there should be something for everyone to enjoy. Your adventurer will increase in power. stamina and combat prowess throughout the course of the game by slaying monsters and looting treasure, so hunting for secrets and loot caches can yield substantial rewards, should you have the time to do so.
Moving on to the combat mechanics, these should be familiar if youve ever played a side-scrolling brawler. Tapping the attack button unleash a series of strikes with your equipped weapon, which can be chained into combos to deal increased damage to the foes youll face. Holding the attack button down will charge up a special attack which generally knock enemies down or have some added utility, and melee-focused characters can also pick up and throw enemies and heavy objects. I dont think the combat is as satisfying as other fighting games, mainly because the enemies are far too prone to blocking and counter-attacking for my liking, but its not bad.
I had assumed, incorrectly as it turns out, that Lightbringer was released after Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom, but the reverse is true. This means that, in my mind at least, the significance of Lightbringer in the evolution and conceptualisation of the action RPG genre is greater than I had supposed. Its a clear step-up in terms of graphical fidelity and sophistication over Golden Axe and Rastan, and features basic puzzles and interactive environments, which would become a staple in future games. Its an impressive game, one I intend to come back to in the future - its impossible to discover everything in a single playthrough, and with the choice of three other characters and alternative routes, Ive only just scratched the surface of this action RPG.
Information & Trivia
- Dungeon Magic (alternative title)
Chapters
0:00:00 Attract mode
0:05:00 Scenario 1
0:23:14 Scenario 2
0:41:18 Scenario 3
1:09:30 Final Boss
1:11:53 Ending")
![Prince of Persia Longplay (Amstrad CPC) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QCDu3hHbChI/hqdefault.jpg "Prince of Persia Longplay (Amstrad CPC) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Microïds
Publisher: Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Year of Release: 1990
Game Review & Impressions
Ive played more versions of Prince of Persia than I care to think about since starting this channel over a decade ago, and yet I keep discovering more platforms the game was written for.
The Amstrad CPC conversion of Jardan Mechners Prince of Persia certainly impresses in still images, but I wasnt prepared for just how awesome this conversion for Alan Sugars 8-bit home microcomputer would actually be. It doesnt just look great, it also plays brilliantly too; running, jumping clambering around Jaffars dungeon is just as good as the 16-bit versions, and it contains practically everything from those versions as well.
When it comes to complaints, the only thing which I think could have been improved upon is the sword fighting, specifically the ability to parry and counter-attack, which isnt as fluid or responsive as it could be. It also seems you cant move through your opponent to switch sides in this version, so I wasnt able to force guards into guillotine or spike traps here. Not a huge deal, although the devil in me felt a little bit disappointed.
With that said, Microïds really did go out of their way to do the game justice. It has to be one of the best games on the system, and one Id highly recommend you go check out.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:39 Level 1
04:43 Level 2
08:46 Level 3
12:26 Level 4
15:35 Level 5
20:02 Level 6
21:11 Level 7
24:53 Level 8
29:15 Level 9
33:55 Level 10
38:35 Level 11
42:09 Level 12
44:24 Level 13
45:42 Level 14")
![3 Count Bout Longplay (Neo Geo) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QSUogcPuevY/hqdefault.jpg "3 Count Bout Longplay (Neo Geo) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: SNK
Publisher: SNK
Year of Release: 1993
Game Review & Impressions
The popularity of professional wrestling exploded during the late 80s and early 90s, and its rise to prominence was certainly felt in the video game industry. Despite the lack of any kind of official liencense, 3 Count Bout undoubtedly takes many of its aesthetic cues from what was happening in the WWF (the precursor to WWE) at the time, and does a decent job of capturing the razzmatazz surrounding some of those classic pay-per-view events of yesteryear.
In terms of mechanics, players select from a roster of combatants running the gamut of video game stereotypes (fast-but-weak, powerful-yet-lumbering), then spend the next three minutes attempting to slap, kick and suplex opponents into submission. Each fighter has a series of special moves, plus an assortment of slams, which can only be executed by winning a clinch. These occur when wrestlers attempt to grab each other at close range, which instigates a few seconds of frantic button mashing to build sufficient power to overcome the opponent. If successful, the victor can perform a powerful body slam or piledriver, the most effective means of draining an opponents health. Its also possible to ascend and leap off the turnbuckles, rebound off the ropes, and even take the fight outside the ring itself. Victory can be achieved by pinning a wrestler after exhausting their stamina sufficiently, causing them them to tap out, or force a ring-out; how you win is up to you, just know that the game is going to be constantly working against you, so figure out the strategy which works best and stick to it.
This is all pretty typical fodder as far as this sort of game is concerned, so SNK tried to add some extra spice to the proceedings. As you can see from the video thumbnail, theres a darker side to the proceedings. Each professional bout is followed by either a fight-out in a disused warehouse, or wrestling ring with electrified ropes. These matches include an assortment of weapons to use, including a wire-wrapped baseball bat, stun gun, and the usual array of wooden crates to hurl in the direction of ones opponent. The handheld weapons impose a massively telegraphed wind-up animation whenever you use them, however, leaving you massively exposed to a counterattack, which makes them more trouble than theyre worth.
As far as wrestling games are concerned, 3 Count Bout is pretty good. The graphics are excellent, especially the wrestlers themselves, and the overall presentation is commendable. Winning grapples and slamming your opponent induces waves of palpable excitement, and theres enough variety in the available roster of moves and interactivity with the environment to keep ones interested.
However, the game isnt without its faults. Its not uncommon for coin-ops with grapple systems to simply have the CPU player win every single clinch, regardless of how much you waggle the stick or bash the buttons, a real pet hate of mine. 3 Count Bout is guilty of this; I found myself getting slammed, despite having clearly won the grapple, but its not as egregiously unfair as, for example, King of the Monsters 2. There were also occasional instances where opponents continued to break out of pins, even though their life bar had long since been exhausted, and way the game prevents any kind of pinning next to the ringside proved to be a constant annoyance.
While it might have some issues, 3 Count Bout remains a wrestling game worth playing, especially in multiplayer, where the gripes about the grappling system no longer apply. It looks and sounds great, and while it might lack any kind of official license of endorsements, it remains a compelling choice. If the prospect of muscular men dressed in close-fitting lycra taking turns to stuff each others face into the canvas is your kind of game, you could do worse than this.
Chapters
00:00 Attract mode
01:40 Player select
02:07 Match 1
03:55 Match 2
05:55 Match 3
07:20 Match 4
08:43 Match 5
10:53 Match 6
12:50 Match 7
14:08 Match 8
16:01 Match 9
18:08 Match 10
20:00 Ending")
![Psycho-Nics Oscar Longplay (Arcade) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QhIEqEvyZ3g/hqdefault.jpg "Psycho-Nics Oscar Longplay (Arcade) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Data East
Publisher: Data East
Year of Release: 1987
Game Review & Impressions
One of Data Easts lesser-known coin-op releases, Psycho-Nics Oscar has one of the weirdest video game titles I can think of. Its a run-and-gun fusion of Gradius and Rygar, maybe with a light sprinkling of Xaind Sleena for good measure.
It would be a completely inoccuous and forgettable game, save for the fact I reckon this game served as the inspiration for Turrican series, one of the most iconic series of platform shooters on the Commodore 64 and Amiga computers. There are some remarkable similarities between the design of the main character sprites in both games, and the level design and background artwork seem oddly familiar; even the jumping animations for the main sprite are the same!
If youre a fan of the Turrican games, this is definitely worth playing just to see the similarities!
Chapters
TBC")
![Power Drift Longplay (PC Engine) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Qzoy7E-MhbI/hqdefault.jpg "Power Drift Longplay (PC Engine) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Copya Systems/Sega
Publisher: Asmik Ace Entertainment
Year of Release: 1990
Game Review & Impressions
Released in 1988, the arcade release of Power Drift was Segas next big super scaler release, adding various tilting and rotating cleverness to its sprite scaling hardware. A slew of home conversions followed over the next couple of years, most of them doomed to worse-than-mediocrity, thanks to hardware that simply had no hope of recreating the arcade experience.
Right off the bat, the PC Engine version was never going to be perfect, but to give the developers credit, the various concessions and cuts made to the game result in a product that, at a surface level at least, still resembles the source material. The Oversized dirt buggy sprites, stylised racers and tracks made of overlapping scaling sprites are still present and correct, albeit in much more limited fashion; its not a bad looking game, certainly better than the woeful Amiga and Atari ST ports us UK gamers had to endure back in the day.
As to how it plays, this is more of a mixed bag. The cornering mechanics are much closer to a traditional 2D racer, with the cars speed and sharpness of the curve determining how quickly said vehicle slides to the roads edge and into the rough. The fact the track is wider than the visible screen makes it almost impossible to determine the difficulty of the curve, which means youll almost certainly fly off the track because you misjudged the timing on when to brake.
Speaking of braking, its largely redundant mechanic. The rate of deceleration is too slow to be useful, whereas shifting to low gear will kill your speed instantly, making it a much better tactic for cornering. Even then, its impossible to reach first place on a couple of the tracks, thanks to cheating AI which suffers none of the penalties you do, and can take the corners at top speed. Some tracks lack sufficiently long straights for you to claw back the distance to reach the pack leader, so you have to settle for 2nd place.
All of this means that Power Drift on PC Engine is a bit of an odd beast. Its passable facsimile in some respects, but is still too far removed from the arcade to give a strong recommendation. Theres also the fact Power Drift as as a concept pales against OutRun; for all its tilt-scaling grandeur, its just not as a good a game.
Ultimately, the PC Engine port of Power Drift is one of the more technically adept home conversions, certainly when compared to many of the computer-based ports, but the fact remains better racing games than this exist.
Chapters
TBC")
![Road Fighter Longplay (Arcade) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RE7j5MUpGA0/hqdefault.jpg "Road Fighter Longplay (Arcade) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Year of Release: 1984
Game Review & Impressions
Certainly one of the earliest arcade titles Ive played, Road Fighter is a simple premise: drive fast and avoid opposition vehicles and obstacles on the way to the finish line.
Chapters
TBC")
![Trojan Longplay (Arcade) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RZgDgec09h4/hqdefault.jpg "Trojan Longplay (Arcade) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Year of Release: 1986
Game Review & Impressions
One of Capcoms arcade releases with which I was not familiar, Trojan could be perceived as the missing link between Kung Fu Master and Vigilante.
This side-scroller is definitely cut from the same cloth as Items games, albeit equipping the hero with a sword and shield, instead of pure martial arts skills.
Its also not very good. The gameplay is uninspired, the graphics somewhat drab, and possessing a difficulty curve which becomes more of a vertical line in later levels. Trojan is probably worth checking out, but only if youve never experienced it; one you have, you probably wont come back for more.
Chapters
TBC
#capcom #retrogaming #longplay")
![Cool Spot Longplay (Mega Drive/Genesis) [50 FPS]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RjSCoCeG0vI/hqdefault.jpg "Cool Spot Longplay (Mega Drive/Genesis) [50 FPS]
Cool Spot Longplay (Mega Drive/Genesis) [50 FPS]")
