Shop
Here we have all the games in the Shop Section.
Switch
Shoot Em Up
Happy days are here again with this sublime compilation full of awe and thunder as Taito raids its back catalogue and pulls Rayforce, Raystorm, Raystorm Neo HD, Raycrisis and Raycrisis HD out of the hat. The originals fit like a nice par of slippers whilst the HD versions demonstrate the raw power of the Taito tech heads with retina burning lasers looking truly stunning.
Sony Hardware
Controller
The real king of kings with spacious layout and vast size compared to the more compact Fighting Sticks – almost harking back to the days when SNK and Hubba Bubba ruled the arcades. A dream for fight fans with a very comfortable layout but Genki can’t see an opponent allowing such an advantage in two player mode without blaming the lack of stick for their defeat themselves. Features Turbo modes.
Sony Hardware
Controller
A real work of ergonomic art, such is Hori’s achievement that it has hardly changed throughout the decades. A real must for fight fans of a certain vintage.
Playstation
One on One Beat Em Up
An excellent version – moving backgrounds such as the underground station (and outdoor scenarios with appropriate sunshine in the day and lights at night plus interactivity where you can send your opponent through the stage barrier to meet their maker), blood will please the SNK fans of uncensored Japan version gaming and intelligent AI that seems to not take too kindly to a pummelling. Add to this the tight control aspect and you have a winning formula.
Neo Geo AES
One on One Beat Em Up
Plays with the second fighting plane, so attacks can be averted by leaping up the screen. Also includes ring outs so you can smash your opponent into a glass lift or even onto a departing train.
Sega Saturn
A Bit Special
A real curiosity in that its a game with no graphics having been released after Warp’s president Kenji Eno san received letters from blind gamers requesting some of his D inspired magic. A love story set in Tokyo.
Sega Saturn
A Bit Special
Demo version of a real curiosity in that it’s a game with no graphics having been released after Warp’s president Kenji Eno san received letters from blind gamers requesting some of his D inspired magic. A love story set in Tokyo.
Playstation
Sports
Utilising the guide of Pilotwings, pilots follow the trail of balls in this super fast plane racing game which would no doubt be sponsored by Red Bull if it was released now. The guide helps to avoid a wrong turn on the ravines and caves as shooter stable Xing dabbles in a bit of break neck speed.
Dreamcast
Sports
Zippy bike game that does without the unforgiving bike physics and in doing so takes an arcade approach to racing. The weather effects and courses are very nicely drawn with no slow down and it brings us ample evidence of the raw processing power of the DC. The tunes are also relentless making it hard to let go of the throttle at times.
PS2
Rhythm
Konami’s initial RPG for the PS2 sees you playing as young vagabond called Mouse. The story begins with Mouse, having composed music for a royal wedding, being inruiged as to why the bride looks so glum. Compatible with the ‘Guitar Freaks’ guitar (not supplied.)
Super Famicom
RPG
Dripping with atmosphere: be it the fogged over, damp, mushroom kingdom or the dank depths of underground cavernous warrens lit up by the cosy, warming naked torch. Captures the Japanese spirit of community with its friendly character interactions.
Playstation
A Bit Special
Japan exclusive that was followed up on the PS2 with player friendly front end to ease you into controlling a friendly robot. It soon becomes second nature to control the robot and gameplay is full of the delight a mechanised friend would bring. Innovative and enjoyable, a refreshing title.
Playstation
A Bit Special
Japan exclusive that was followed up on the PS2 with player friendly front end to ease you into controlling a friendly robot. It soon becomes second nature to control the robot and gameplay is full of the delight a mechanised friend would bring. Innovative and enjoyable, a refreshing title.
PS2
Side Scrolling Beat Em Up
So many games owe so much to Renegade, yet Kunio is held with the respect he deserves in Japan, despite being a ‘yankee’ style high school scrapper. True to the original arcade co-op all the way, even down to the pulverising sound effects and tough nut difficulty. Still sitting on your adversaries whilst giving them a good biffing helps relieve some of the tension. Proper Japanese title: Nekketsu Kouha Kunio Kun. Part of the ‘Ore Tachi Gamesen Zoku’ series (We are the game centre gang – sounds tougher in Japanese!)
Mega Drive
Action
The title refers to the services of a super hero who can be hired to grapple against Godzilla and Mothra look a likes wherever they may be causing havoc in this gaming equivalent of a B movie. Also has some RPG elements in the setting up of battles between our super hero and the varing kaiju. Except to be truthful our man hasn’t quite obtained super hero nirvana: he is just doing these odd jobs to pay for his lycra suit such as opening a bank account. Followed up on the Dreamcast and Xbox.
Nintendo Hardware
Accessory
Official loose DS stylus that has the advantage of being able to be slipped inside the stylus holder as opposed to the pen type one. Hopefully meaning it wont get lost.
PS3
Action
Western developed first person shooter set in an alternate universe in fifties Britain where WWII never took place. Instead the brainwashing Chimera have seen to the destruction of most the world and their powers over humanity can only be resisted by the few – thats the players cue. In setting the game as such Insomniac cleverly utilises the popular World War II theme but scripts for a few extras that wouldn’t look out of place in War of the Worlds. If War of the Worlds was remade once again utilising the astounding graphical prowess of the PS3. Also features multiplayer mode where you must breach your opponents reactor leading to a few sweaty palms as you leave your core reactor unguarded. But its the co-operative two player mode that really gets the gamers going.
Miscellaneous Hardware
Console
Ten titles from Athena, a dozen from master baker Capcom and sixteen from Coconuts Japan make up the bulk of these forty two pieces of gaming history that could give a lesson to some of todays snowflake software. Strider, 1942, Ghouls and Ghosts, Knights of the Round, Captain Commando, Sword Master, Biometal: the list of big hitters is superior to the World Series Baseball team sheet.
Dreamcast
Simulation
Table top simulator doing a good job of converting the game of Othello to the Dreamcast.
Nintendo DS
Rhythm
Update of the GBA original which became a big hit. The use of the stylus adds an extra dimension to the refreshing concept. Combines the refreshing delights of the Made in Wario series with funky, fly beats therefore taking the gameplay on to a higher plane by combining demands on visual and aural reflexes. With such delightful gameplay its hard to put down but unless you got rhythm you wont see the credits roll.
Game Gear
Sports
Game Gear slug fest with focus on the pugilists from a side on perspective. A fine roster of boxers to select of different nationalities, if not perhaps a little stereotyped in the retro game way.
Playstation
Sports
Captures the baton from the original Ridge Racer and runs on fumes passing the race girl and plenty of other sleek cars even with time for a quick look in the rear view mirror (albeit probably just to check their hair.) Continues the excitement of a new generation of gaming felt at the time.
Sega Saturn
RPG
Quite experimental work coming from Sega, but we can’t expect perfection everytime. Certainly has it’s moments to recommend it to RPG fans. The appearance of Crow man ‘Kuroyasha’ being one of Genki’s favourite.
Sega Saturn
RPG
Quite experimental work coming from Sega, but we can’t expect perfection everytime. Certainly has it’s moments to recommend it to RPG fans. The appearance of Crow man ‘Kuroyasha’ being one of Genki’s favourite.
GameBoy Original
Sports
Does a spiffing job of bringing the arcade coin op, lycra-clad wrestlers to the small GB screen and even die-hard grapple fans will lap it up.
PS3
Action
Gorgeous graphics as the immense dragons swoop down from the skies to attack the hapless foot soldiers. Add to that exquisite audio that shows the degree of Sonys expertise in making the PS3 sound like a mythical sirens call and at last the legend of Panzer Dragoon has some worthy homage.
Super Famicom
One on One Beat Em Up
One on one fighter released in a area of CG effects becoming de rigueur for a CD format release. The clanking robots have good variety and the riffs inspire a bit more perseverance with the fight engine.
PC Engine CD ROM
Simulation
Known in the West as the Lords of the Rising Sun, the game takes us on a trip into Japans feudal past when samurai clashed on the whim of their leader. Here the exiled son must muster all his might to regroup, hold and take back what is rightfully his.
PS2
Sports
Fits into the under populated water sports genre featuring dinghy and kayak rides through Canada, France, New Zealand… The water physics are incredible and the unique control method of rotating the dual shocks works a treat. The translucent water effect looks amazing and the bird song and scenery mean all that’s missing is the spray in the face. Known in the West as Wild Water Adrenaline.
Famicom Cart
Sports
Zippy race game from Konami’s arcade roster with very impressive speeds. Sharp reflexes are required to avoid traffic, oil clicks, bikes that seem to target your car, whilst still trying to collect bonuses. Delays will prevent the players car getting to the check point in time.