AL82 Retrogaming Longplays | Double Dragon II: The Revenge Longplay (PC Engine CD) [QHD] @AL82RetrogamingLongplays | Uploaded 1 year ago | Updated 1 day ago
Game Info
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Developer: Technos
Publisher: Naxat
Year of Release: 1993
Game Review & Impressions
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The first Double Dragon arcade game is one of my favourite side-scrolling brawlers of all time, and its sequel, isn't half bad either. Like it's parent, Double Dragon II received conversions to just about every computer and console available at the time, including the PC Engine CD, a far more niche format. Arriving roughly four years after the coin-op, it's pretty late to the party, with Double Dragon 3 already launching in 1991.
Right off the bat, it's worth noting that nothing has changed significantly in terms of overall design. You move around the screen, duffing up bad guys and gals with fists, feet, plus assorted weapons that include a shovel, chain whips, and a steel wrecking ball. However, this isn't really a conversion of the arcade, more an amalgamation of features from other DD II ports released over the years. The art style is closer to Super Double Dragon on the SNES, although many of the character designs have been taken from the NES port. Levels are also redesigned, also borrowing heavily from the NES, albeit with the advantages of a 16-bit colour palette to give the environmental art and backgrounds an overhaul.
The other notable feature of this particular port are the anime-style cutscenes and audio dialogue, which break up each of the game levels. Sadly, there's no English dub or subtitles available, but I would guess most folks already know the game's backstory via the arcade and other media coverage. These scenes are almost certainly part of the game data, given the absence of noise an macro-blocking that would plague any actual FMV from this era. I assume the CD is actually hosting Redbook audio for music and dialogue, rather than any video.
Overall, the PC Engine CD version of Double Dragon II is a competent beat 'em up; it looks cool, plays well, and the cutscenes at least differentiate this from all the other versions out there. That said, it feels a little behind the curve, given that even the cartridge-based Sega Genesis and SNES consoles both feature games which exceed this in presentation and technical nuance, without the need for an expensive CD drive; I would argue Streets of Rage 2 and 3 are better brawlers, and Super Double Dragon does everything this does and more. I think most people who play this will have a good time, but the niche format and lack of standout features means it struggles against the competition.
Chapters
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00:00 Intro
04:28 Stage 1
09:15 Stage 2
13:58 Stage 3
18:14 Stage 4
23:18 Stage 5
29:54 Stage 6
32:19 Stage 7
36:34 Stage 8
40:59 Stage 9
42:36 Ending
#doubledragon #pcengine #retrogaming
Game Info
---------------------------------------------------
Developer: Technos
Publisher: Naxat
Year of Release: 1993
Game Review & Impressions
---------------------------------------------------
The first Double Dragon arcade game is one of my favourite side-scrolling brawlers of all time, and its sequel, isn't half bad either. Like it's parent, Double Dragon II received conversions to just about every computer and console available at the time, including the PC Engine CD, a far more niche format. Arriving roughly four years after the coin-op, it's pretty late to the party, with Double Dragon 3 already launching in 1991.
Right off the bat, it's worth noting that nothing has changed significantly in terms of overall design. You move around the screen, duffing up bad guys and gals with fists, feet, plus assorted weapons that include a shovel, chain whips, and a steel wrecking ball. However, this isn't really a conversion of the arcade, more an amalgamation of features from other DD II ports released over the years. The art style is closer to Super Double Dragon on the SNES, although many of the character designs have been taken from the NES port. Levels are also redesigned, also borrowing heavily from the NES, albeit with the advantages of a 16-bit colour palette to give the environmental art and backgrounds an overhaul.
The other notable feature of this particular port are the anime-style cutscenes and audio dialogue, which break up each of the game levels. Sadly, there's no English dub or subtitles available, but I would guess most folks already know the game's backstory via the arcade and other media coverage. These scenes are almost certainly part of the game data, given the absence of noise an macro-blocking that would plague any actual FMV from this era. I assume the CD is actually hosting Redbook audio for music and dialogue, rather than any video.
Overall, the PC Engine CD version of Double Dragon II is a competent beat 'em up; it looks cool, plays well, and the cutscenes at least differentiate this from all the other versions out there. That said, it feels a little behind the curve, given that even the cartridge-based Sega Genesis and SNES consoles both feature games which exceed this in presentation and technical nuance, without the need for an expensive CD drive; I would argue Streets of Rage 2 and 3 are better brawlers, and Super Double Dragon does everything this does and more. I think most people who play this will have a good time, but the niche format and lack of standout features means it struggles against the competition.
Chapters
---------------------------------------------------
00:00 Intro
04:28 Stage 1
09:15 Stage 2
13:58 Stage 3
18:14 Stage 4
23:18 Stage 5
29:54 Stage 6
32:19 Stage 7
36:34 Stage 8
40:59 Stage 9
42:36 Ending
#doubledragon #pcengine #retrogaming
![Double Dragon II: The Revenge Longplay (PC Engine CD) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qcm3y8Fb1is/hqdefault.jpg "Double Dragon II: The Revenge Longplay (PC Engine CD) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Technos
Publisher: Naxat
Year of Release: 1993
Game Review & Impressions
The first Double Dragon arcade game is one of my favourite side-scrolling brawlers of all time, and its sequel, isnt half bad either. Like its parent, Double Dragon II received conversions to just about every computer and console available at the time, including the PC Engine CD, a far more niche format. Arriving roughly four years after the coin-op, its pretty late to the party, with Double Dragon 3 already launching in 1991.
Right off the bat, its worth noting that nothing has changed significantly in terms of overall design. You move around the screen, duffing up bad guys and gals with fists, feet, plus assorted weapons that include a shovel, chain whips, and a steel wrecking ball. However, this isnt really a conversion of the arcade, more an amalgamation of features from other DD II ports released over the years. The art style is closer to Super Double Dragon on the SNES, although many of the character designs have been taken from the NES port. Levels are also redesigned, also borrowing heavily from the NES, albeit with the advantages of a 16-bit colour palette to give the environmental art and backgrounds an overhaul.
The other notable feature of this particular port are the anime-style cutscenes and audio dialogue, which break up each of the game levels. Sadly, theres no English dub or subtitles available, but I would guess most folks already know the games backstory via the arcade and other media coverage. These scenes are almost certainly part of the game data, given the absence of noise an macro-blocking that would plague any actual FMV from this era. I assume the CD is actually hosting Redbook audio for music and dialogue, rather than any video.
Overall, the PC Engine CD version of Double Dragon II is a competent beat em up; it looks cool, plays well, and the cutscenes at least differentiate this from all the other versions out there. That said, it feels a little behind the curve, given that even the cartridge-based Sega Genesis and SNES consoles both feature games which exceed this in presentation and technical nuance, without the need for an expensive CD drive; I would argue Streets of Rage 2 and 3 are better brawlers, and Super Double Dragon does everything this does and more. I think most people who play this will have a good time, but the niche format and lack of standout features means it struggles against the competition.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
04:28 Stage 1
09:15 Stage 2
13:58 Stage 3
18:14 Stage 4
23:18 Stage 5
29:54 Stage 6
32:19 Stage 7
36:34 Stage 8
40:59 Stage 9
42:36 Ending
#doubledragon #pcengine #retrogaming")
![Hayatos Journey Longplay (Sega Genesis) [Homebrew] [2024]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qz6McI2kJEc/hqdefault.jpg "Hayatos Journey Longplay (Sega Genesis) [Homebrew] [2024]
Game Info
Developer: Master Linkuei
Year of Release: 2024
Download: https://master-linkuei.itch.io/hayatos-journey
Game Review & Impressions
One of the most prominent homebrew developers for the Genesis in recent years, Master Linkuei (https://twitter.com/masterlinkueibr) has finally released Hayatos Journey for the classic Sega console. Powered by Erik Hogans (Earok) Scorpion Engine, the game is a love letter to the classic Shinobi arcade and home console releases, plus a few sprinkles of Ninja Gaiden for good measure.
You must hack and slash through multiple levels of non-stop action, rescuing hostages and taking down end-of-level guardians before proceeding to the next zone. Its all remarkably impressive, runs almost flawlessly, and aside from some ill-fitting and occasionally unaligned level scenery tiles, you wouldnt necessarily know this wasnt an original title. It also has some suitably fitting music by Edmo Caldas, which sounds really cool.
What makes the game even more interesting is the way combines assets from other classic games and repackages them into a a new form which, if you werent familiar with the source material to begin with, you probably wouldnt realise. Some backgrounds are clearly taken from Revenge of Shinobi and Shinobi III on the Genesis, while others and I cant be 100% sure about this look similar to The Astyanax. Leave comments if you recognise which games the sprites and other art assets are from - it would be cool to figure it all out.
Overall, this is a really solid release and a lot of fun. My only complaint is the collision detection on some of the bosses feels a little bit off, but this is seriously impressive stuff - definitely worth checking out.
Information & Trivia
- Developed using Earoks Scoprion Engine
Chapters
TBC")
![Sword of Destiny Longplay (Commodore 16 Plus/4) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sDAEa8asbcU/hqdefault.jpg "Sword of Destiny Longplay (Commodore 16 Plus/4) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Micro Projects
Publisher: Gremlin Graphics
Year of Release: 1985
Coding: Jason Perkins
Game Review & Impressions
My cousin owned a Commodore 16 and I remember Sword of Destiny being among the collection of cassette tapes in her collection. Although I never got to play it back then, I remember being fascinated by the cover - the Grecian-style Myrmidon with gleaming sword looking mightily impressive, or at least it did to my three year-old self.
37 years later, I decided to finally check out the game for myself and, as Ive found with a number of C16 titles, actually pretty smart, in spite of the machines limitations.
The objective of the game is to help Kelok, a fallen warrior, find piece in the afterlife. Kelok was killed by the evil warlock Xorphas, who decided to add insult to injury by stealing Keloks heart, before casting him into the underworld.
Taking control of Keloks spirit, you must traverse the Abyss of Death in search of sanctified objects which will unlock the way to salvation, finally allowing Kelok to rest in piece. The abyss is divided into multiple screens, some of which are blocked off by temporary walls. To remove the wall, youll need to find a glowing object in one of the screens nearby, but knowing where to look and actually reaching said item are two different things.
Kelok has limited amount of energy Astral Power in which to complete his quest, and this is consumed by attacking, using air vents to propel himself through the air, as well as coming into contact with enemies which inhabit the abyss. The deeper Kelok descends into the abyss, the more damage monsters will do. Energy can be regained by destroying monsters, but their erratic movement patterns can often result in you losing additional energy through squandered attacks.
To complicate matters further, jumping into anything - monsters or scenery - will cause Kelok to change direction mid jump. This mechanic means youll need to be extra careful when navigating platforms, else its all too easy to find yourself at the bottom of yet another deep pit from which youll need to escape.
The game might look simplistic, but Sword of Destiny is actually a pretty cool title. Allowing the player to top off their health by destroying enemies is quite innovative for the time, and although it might seem like youre navigating a maze, its actually quite linear. If you owned C16 or a Plus/4 machine, this isnt a bad little arcade platformer to get your teeth into.
Information & Trivia
- Game restarts after completion on a higher difficulty level
Video Notes
- Played through the game once to completion then stopped
Related Longplays & Videos
Chapters
TBC")
![Varth: Operation Thunderstorm Longplay (Arcade) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sh2Q3v0Sst4/hqdefault.jpg "Varth: Operation Thunderstorm Longplay (Arcade) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Year of Release: 1992
Game Review & Impressions
Released in 1992, this vertical shooter from Capcom is cut very much from the same cloth as the studios earlier 194X series of shooters. The switch to Capcoms more powerful CPS arcade hardware means Varth benefits from a big upgrade in the audio-visual department; it looks fantastic!
A good shooter needs a robust and diverse set of weapon upgrades to succeed, and Varth has those in spades. Main weapons include screen-clearing multi-shot and focused laser cannon, whilst R-Type inspired satellites can be collected during gameplay, which orbit the players fighter, bestowing a variety of missiles that will seek out enemies and generally do extra damage. Youre also given a choice as to whether the satellites should be located in fixed positions to the left and right of your craft, or whether you want the ability to rotate them. Rotation affords far more tactical options, and would be the option Id plump for, but it adds an extra level of complexity to a game thats already rather hectic to begin with.
The final weapon in players arsenal is the Mega Crash, or smart bomb to you and me. The type of MC unleashed is dictated by the type of main weapon held by the player when activated, but all variants are typically explosions or conflagrations of a size designed to clear the screen of enemies, providing some much-needed breathing space. Youre limited to a maximum of 3 MCs at any given time, but these recharge periodically after use; the fact youre not reliant on collecting tokens to restock these bombs means youre actively encouraged to use them, not stock pile them for precisely the right moment as other games do.
In most respects, Varth is an excellent game. It has all the ingredients necessary for a top-notch blaster, and the gameplay is as compelling as it is tough. My one criticism is the fact its so darned long; with 30 stages, youll need to sit at the machine for an hour if you hope to actually complete it. Other than that, this is a great game from Capcom, one definitely worth checking out.
Chapters
TBC")
![Gun.Smoke Longplay (NES) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sxJRZyx4Qfo/hqdefault.jpg "Gun.Smoke Longplay (NES) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Year of Release: 1988
Game Review & Impressions
The NES conversion of Capcoms six-gun shootin arcade game is excellent. Everything from the original is present and correct, and plays as well as can be expected. The objective is the same as most shoot em ups: blast through waves of enemies, taking down an end-of-level boss, then progressing to the next stage. Capcom worked around the limitation of the NES controllers two-button limit by having the player tap A and B buttons to shoot diagonal right and left, while tapping both simultaneously shoots straight ahead. Its a solution which works well enough, and I had no real complaints.
As with other NES arcade conversions, theres a sprinkle of new features and added value to warrant the price tag. This includes the ability to purchase additional weapons and power-ups from friendly townsfolk, including shotguns, a magnum revolver and, somewhat curiously, a fully automatic machine gun. You also cant fight the end-of-stage boss until you collect a wanted poster, either through finding one hidden in the current level, or buying one from the shop. These changes arent ground-breaking, but welcome nonetheless.
Theres not much else to say about Gun.Soke, other than its a great home conversion. Its simple, easy to pick up and play, and feels just like the arcade. If you enjoyed the coin-op, this is worth checking out.
Chapters
00:00 Attract mode
01:12 Stage 1
04:25 Stage 2
07:43 Stage 3
12:49 Stage 4
17:07 Stage 5
20:20 Stage 6")
![Pop n TwinBee Longplay (SNES) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/t3mEnkHzrkE/hqdefault.jpg "Pop n TwinBee Longplay (SNES) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Palcom Software
Year of Release: 1993
Game Review & Impressions
I recall seeing clips of Pop n TwinBee on TV and in magazine previews at the time of its release, and even then, I was struck by just how gorgeous the game looked. The pastel colour palette, cutesy art style, not to mention the plethora of sprite warping and transformation effects on show, make for one of the best looking video games on the SNES, at least in my opinion. The game was only released in Japan and Europe at the time, with no official U.S. release at all. Quite why one of the better shooters on the system didnt get a release Stateside seems rather odd to me - maybe Konami figured it wouldnt find an audience.
I suppose this is a possible theory, given how weird it is. Blasting wandering pineapples and bunches of grapes is a far cry from aliens, monsters, and the typical kind of enemies you usually see in this kind of game, but despite its quirkiness, this is a very cool shooter. Each stage involves blasting legions of both air and ground-based enemies with an assortment of weapons, with various power-ups and upgrades on hand to give you the edge. Shooting those fluffy white clouds found throughout the levels causes a bell to be jettisoned into the air, and these changes both the colour of the bell, as well as which power-up youll receive once collected. For example, green bells equip you with an additional follower/side-shot, while pink bells grant a damage shield, which both damages enemies on contact and allows you to soak up some extra hits.
Despite its cute n cuddly aesthetics, Pop n TwinBee can be a fiendishly tough game at times. Later levels literally swarm you with enemies, so youll need speedy reactions if you hope to survive, something the sometimes garish colours and cycling background animations can make particularly difficult. Theres so much going on at times that its quite easy to lose sight of your own craft in the ensuing chaos.
Pop n TwinBee is an excellent shoot em up that looks amazing, so if youre up for a challenge, definitely give this a shot.
Chapters
TBC")
![Crisis Force Longplay (NES) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tmRX_rvUeow/hqdefault.jpg "Crisis Force Longplay (NES) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Year of Release: 1991
Game Review & Impressions
Released in 1991, Crisis Force is an impressive arcade shoot em up which really shows what the NES is capable of.
At its core, Crisis Force is fairly typical in terms of core mechanics, but its the weapon system which sets it apart. Essentially, there are two weapon configurations available to the player, which can be upgraded or alternates between by collecting red or blue tokens dropped by enemies. The active weapon system then dictates which shot patterns and configurations are available for use, which can be cycled at will. Its a neat system, adding variety to the gameplay, as well as allowing the player to choose weapons which suit their play-style.
In addition to regular guns, collecting 5 special tokens will cause the ship to transform to a superior form, with shield barrier and upgraded weapons for a limited period. Taking damage will reduce the length of time this form is in effect, so make use of it while you can.
Overall, the game has excellent presentation, boasting top-notch visuals. If you enjoy a good shooter, be sure to check it out.
Chapters
TBC")
![Super Contra Longplay (Arcade) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uGuheX3fYC8/hqdefault.jpg "Super Contra Longplay (Arcade) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Year of Release: 1987
Game Review & Impressions
Contra, or Gryzor as we in the UK would have known it, became the template for the modern run-and-gun shooter. Although it started life in the arcade, the NES home conversion was really the catalyst that cemented the legacy of the series; in short, its a classic.
What I didnt know was there was arcade-based follow-up. Super Contra released somewhere between 87 and 88, and its a genuinely excellent sequel to the original game.
The overall game design hasnt changed much. You still run, shoot and somersault your way through a series of levels, collecting different weapons as you go, before transitioning to a Commando-esque top-down section that replaces the third-person corridor stages from the original.
Thanks to some top artwork, decent sound, not to mention some of the meatiest and most satisfying explosions to grace a coin-op cab, Super Contra is a great romp. Its only problem is that its so darned short!! With only a handful of stages, the game is over before its really begun.
Regardless, Super Contra is great fun and definitely worth a few quarters!
Chapters
TBC")
![NEXZR longplay (PC Engine CD) [QHD] [JP]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uQRt3JU0DXg/hqdefault.jpg "NEXZR longplay (PC Engine CD) [QHD] [JP]
Game Info
Developer: Naxat, Inter State, Kaneko
Publisher: Naxat
Year of Release: 1992
Game Review & Impressions
TBC
Chapters
TBC")
![Horror Zombies From the Crypt Longplay (Amiga) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uvTw-9La6p4/hqdefault.jpg "Horror Zombies From the Crypt Longplay (Amiga) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Astral Software
Publisher: Millennium
Year of Release: 1990
Coding: Stuart Gregg
Graphics: Jason Wilson
Music: Charles Callet
Game Review & Impressions
One of the first Amiga games I ever played, Horror Zombies From the Crypt is a typically average platform game. As some unwitting hero, you must brave the terrors of a haunted mansion and strike down the undead terrors that dwell there.
The objective in each of the levels is to collect the requisite number of skulls, then find the exit. Reaching some skulls requires use of items found around the mansion grounds, and there will be numerous traps and hazards to navigate en route.
Those coming to HZFTC fresh probably wont play for long. Its overly difficult, too easy to die, and the ending, for all your hard work, is virtually non-existent.
However, for me (and my parents), coming from the C64 and hearing Prokofievs Dance of the Knights blaring out, this seemed like a complete revelation! Its not a great game, but it remains a favourite of mine regardless.
Happy Halloween!
Chapters
00:00 Attract mode & intro
01:00 Stage 1
03:50 Stage 2
12:20 Stage 3
24:28 Stage 4
30:00 Stage 5
39:10 Stage 6
45:30 Ending
45:47 Bonus: Grisly ending")
![Varia Metal Longplay (Arcade) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vjPsXTdmfKg/hqdefault.jpg "Varia Metal Longplay (Arcade) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Excellent System
Publisher: Excellent System
Year of Release: 1995
Game Review & Impressions
Having delved into the not inconsiderable back catalogue of coin-op shooters, I had high hopes for Varia Shooter. It looked interesting in screenshots, but that myth was dispelled as soon as the first level loaded. Visually, the game looks more like a title from 1990 than 1995, which isnt a great start.
The plot involves some hokum about a couple of pilots sent to destroy some bad guy called Lindwurm, who has been wreaking havoc on the lost city of Atlantis, which is all the set-up one needs for a game like this. Its typical shooter territory, destroying waves of enemies as they pour down from the top of the screen, grabbing power ups, and trying to make it as far as you can.
In terms of abilities, your ship has two modes which you can switch between at will. This changes both primary weapon and function of the power satellites which orbit your craft. This all seemed largely redundant, owing to the fact the spread-shot of the primary mode is more powerful than the bouncing rings of the second, and aside from the ability to activate a barrier shield, there really wasnt much reason to change. Even then. activating the barrier locks you to the secondary ship mode until it expires, and using special attacks consumes one of the satellites in the process.
At best, Varia Metal can only really be described as a functional shoot em up. Its main crime is its just rather dull, with enemies that dont really pose much in the way of a threat, and a bunch of features which just dont gel particularly well, or simply end up feeling redundant. This is the sort of game you play once and forget soon after.
Chapters
00:00 Attract mode
01:30 Stage 1
08:00 Stage 2
13:40 Stage 3
19:00 Stage 4
26:22 Stage 5
35:02 Stage 6
40:00 Ending")
![Last Action Hero Longplay (Sega Genesis) [QHD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wC4rS2rR2BI/hqdefault.jpg "Last Action Hero Longplay (Sega Genesis) [QHD]
Game Info
Developer: Bits Studios
Publisher: Sony Imagesoft
Year of Release: 1993
Game Review & Impressions
Despite being one of big Arnies more divisive movies, I actually quite enjoyed Last Action Hero. Sure, its nowhere near the giddy heights of Predator or Terminator 2, but its a reasonable enough outing for the former Mr. Olympia, despite its flaws. Unsurprisingly, various games based on the move launched about the same time as the cinematic launch, but Id never played any of them until now.
Unfortunately, I wish it could have stayed that way. This has to be one of the worst excuses for a game Ive ever played, and Id have been seriously cheesed off if Id paid good money for this back in the day.
The game is split into a series of sections based on scenes from the movie. These alternate between crap beat em up and crap driving sections, offering absolutely zero entertainment value. In fact, the title should have been Lost Action - Zero, because the action went AWOL, thats for sure. The fighting sections involve little more than repeatedly punching the same 3 enemies over and over until the game decides to let your progress, only to repeat the process. The piece de resistance has to be the rooftop fight where you have to punch PUNCH! rockets back at a helicopter to blow it up. Utter crap!
Just to rub salt in the wounds, the main sprite looks absolutely nothing like Jack Slater/Arnold Schwarzenegger. I would hazard a guess the developers didnt have the rights to use his likeness because you never see Slaters face in any of the cutscenes and his presence is completely absent from the title screen. All we have is some balding dude in a camel-coloured coat and red shirt who looks like a rather sweaty nightclub bouncer instead of the musclebound mega-movie star.
With absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever, this should never have been released. A more fitting title would have been Lost Action - Zero, because this an experience completely devoid of action or fun.
Chapters
TBC")
