Uploaded August 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Back in 1996, Sega made what can be considered the first ever 3D beat 'em up with Die Hard Arcade (aka Dynamite Deka, or Dynamite Cop). To this day, the movement system still makes it feel pretty unique compared to the 3D action games that have come out since, like Devil May Cry or Ninja Gaiden. It feels like you move on a grid, rather than having total freedom to move little by little anywhere. But it works well once you get used to it, and helps it feel more like an traditional beat 'em up than console action games do. You've also got a pretty large moveset, with many different combos, aerial attacks, weapons, and a bunch of grapples. Apparently Bruce Willis is a big wrestling fan, since he's hitting thugs with German Suplexes and Steiner Screwdrivers. This game might have even introduced quick-time events to games... I'm not sure about that. They made good use of them though, unlike most other games.
Sega ported this to the Saturn shortly after its release, but in 2006, they completely remade it for the PS2 in their Sega Ages line. I think it's solely a cosmetic remake, since it seems to play exactly the same, so think Halo Anniversary or Diablo 2. They did a pretty good job with the aesthetics, but I've still got nostalgia for the original blocky look. Thankfully the Saturn version is also included in this release, so I'll upload a clear of that as well.
I loved this game when I was a kid. I'd play it on the Saturn all the time, and I even got to play it in arcades back in the day. It feels a little strange to go back to nowadays, but it's fun once you get used to it. My only issue now is that some parts are pretty annoying because they seem so random and inconsistent, but maybe I just need better strategies. There's just no good way to practice anything in this game besides just playing it from start to finish over and over.
PS. I captured this on a PS2 using component output on a Retrotink 5X. This is my first time using it, so I'm not sure if I have the best settings for optimal picture quality. I need to do a bit of research on that I think.
0:00 Intro
0:56 Stage 1
3:43 Stage 2
8:34 Stage 3
12:14 Stage 4
16:25 Stage 5
20:20 Ending & Credits
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Beat 'em Ups (e.g. Final Fight): youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfI6IYca_kvMhpG1GR9sk8OYiWQMZZTgl
2D Action (e.g. Metal Slug): youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfI6IYca_kvNFjpnJ59Th6N0IU1PSpD3d
STG/Shmups (e.g. Dodonpachi): youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFE6B3779BE759F71
Back in 1996, Sega made what can be considered the first ever 3D beat 'em up with Die Hard Arcade (aka Dynamite Deka, or Dynamite Cop). To this day, the movement system still makes it feel pretty unique compared to the 3D action games that have come out since, like Devil May Cry or Ninja Gaiden. It feels like you move on a grid, rather than having total freedom to move little by little anywhere. But it works well once you get used to it, and helps it feel more like an traditional beat 'em up than console action games do. You've also got a pretty large moveset, with many different combos, aerial attacks, weapons, and a bunch of grapples. Apparently Bruce Willis is a big wrestling fan, since he's hitting thugs with German Suplexes and Steiner Screwdrivers. This game might have even introduced quick-time events to games... I'm not sure about that. They made good use of them though, unlike most other games.
Sega ported this to the Saturn shortly after its release, but in 2006, they completely remade it for the PS2 in their Sega Ages line. I think it's solely a cosmetic remake, since it seems to play exactly the same, so think Halo Anniversary or Diablo 2. They did a pretty good job with the aesthetics, but I've still got nostalgia for the original blocky look. Thankfully the Saturn version is also included in this release, so I'll upload a clear of that as well.
I loved this game when I was a kid. I'd play it on the Saturn all the time, and I even got to play it in arcades back in the day. It feels a little strange to go back to nowadays, but it's fun once you get used to it. My only issue now is that some parts are pretty annoying because they seem so random and inconsistent, but maybe I just need better strategies. There's just no good way to practice anything in this game besides just playing it from start to finish over and over.
PS. I captured this on a PS2 using component output on a Retrotink 5X. This is my first time using it, so I'm not sure if I have the best settings for optimal picture quality. I need to do a bit of research on that I think.
0:00 Intro
0:56 Stage 1
3:43 Stage 2
8:34 Stage 3
12:14 Stage 4
16:25 Stage 5
20:20 Ending & Credits
-----
Beat 'em Ups (e.g. Final Fight): youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfI6IYca_kvMhpG1GR9sk8OYiWQMZZTgl
2D Action (e.g. Metal Slug): youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfI6IYca_kvNFjpnJ59Th6N0IU1PSpD3d
STG/Shmups (e.g. Dodonpachi): youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFE6B3779BE759F71
![[SNES] Pocky & Rocky - No Death Clear (Hard)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qo7kThNmTZM/mqdefault.jpg "[SNES] Pocky & Rocky - No Death Clear (Hard)
Pocky & Rocky, known in Japan as Kiki Kaikai (奇々怪界) is a free-scrolling shooter created by Natsume for the SNES. Its the sequel to the 1986 arcade game from Taito. The series follows the adventures of a young Shinto shrine maiden, Pocky (Sayo-chan), and her tanuki companion, Rocky (Manuke), as they fight through a variety of monsters based on Japanese legends and mythology.
This is a no death clear of Hard mode. The game doesnt change too much between Normal and Hard. It just seems like basic stat increases: enemies movie faster, have more HP, and shoot faster. You start with one less life and less bombs, I think. Its not a hard game either way.
The remake will be out in less than a week, so I had to stop procrastinating and play more of the original games. Im glad I did, because not only is this game pretty great, but it helps you appreciate all of the changes and improvements theyre doing for the remake. I watched the trailers again after playing this, and it makes the new game look even better. I think Natsume was one of the best developers on the SNES, and Tengo Project is one of the best developers around today. These guys dont miss.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:37 Stage 1
6:55 Stage 2
15:30 Stage 3
23:21 Stage 4
31:00 Stage 5
39:10 Stage 6
45:58 Ending & Credits
Beat em Ups (e.g. Final Fight): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfI6IYca_kvMhpG1GR9sk8OYiWQMZZTgl
2D Action (e.g. Metal Slug): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfI6IYca_kvNFjpnJ59Th6N0IU1PSpD3d
STG/Shmups (e.g. Dodonpachi): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFE6B3779BE759F71")
