Shop
Here we have all the games in the Shop Section.
Dreamcast
One on One Beat Em Up
Hi-res, mean and moody gritty urban look to proceedings as Playmore gets tough after SNK’s demise. Includes tidy puzzle mode where you can send a special move out to devastate your opponents play field. Love it or loathe it: you have to admire the bold graphical shift to reflect darker street fashion.
Playstation
One on One Beat Em Up
Sequel to the original 94 release and mean fighter, but actually the first conversion to the PSX. Plenty of specials and a guest appearance of Neo Geo Land, Japan as one of the stages. The dark and moody Korean stage with rain lashing down and burning tree gets Genki’s vote though. The game zips along even if the loading times aren’t quite as fast missing the Saturns extra cart.
NEO GEO CD
One on One Beat Em Up
Sequel and mean fighter. Plenty of specials and a guest appearance of Neo Geo Land, Japan as one of the stages. The dark and moody Korean stage with rain lashing down and burning tree gets Genki’s vote though.
Neo Geo AES
One on One Beat Em Up
Sequel and mean fighter. Plenty of specials and a guest appearance of Neo Geo Land, Japan as one of the stages. The dark and moody Korean stage with rain lashing down and burning tree gets Genki’s vote though.
Playstation
One on One Beat Em Up
Sequel to the original 94 release and mean fighter, but actually the first conversion to the PSX. Plenty of specials and a guest appearance of Neo Geo Land, Japan as one of the stages. The dark and moody Korean stage with rain lashing down and burning tree gets Genki’s vote though. The game zips along even if the loading times aren’t quite as fast missing the Saturns extra cart.
Playstation
One on One Beat Em Up
Twenty nine characters of which two are bosses offers plenty of moves and martial techniques to master as the King of Fighters series grew up in this forward thinking incarnation. Lavishly realised stages including the former Osaka HQ of SNK and more frames of animation for the combatants, but its the speeded up gameplay with greater emphasis on combos’ that makes this hard to beat. Projectile attacks have been shortened so they no longer continue endlessly making for tight close combat.
Playstation
One on One Beat Em Up
A real progression point in the series with very fluid controls and some spanking backgrounds such as the Korean concert or the amusement park. Features the power bar that can be charged in Extra mode by pressing the buttons down, or charges itself in Advanced mode by launching attacks on your opponent.
NEO GEO CD
One on One Beat Em Up
The superlatively detailed backgrounds and imaginative combatant design that characterises any quality SNK release are present, as is the power up bar from the 97 version which allows for super moves when full which is preferred by many to the striker system introduced in the sequels from here on in. Just like the real world of martial arts, its takes dedication and hard work to progress with this old school black belt. Today’s crop of beat em ups would take a pasting off this bruiser.
NEO GEO CD
One on One Beat Em Up
The superlatively detailed backgrounds and imaginative combatant design that characterises any quality SNK release are present, as is the power up bar from the 97 version which allows for super moves when full which is preferred by many to the striker system introduced in the sequels from here on in. Just like the real world of martial arts, its takes dedication and hard work to progress with this old school black belt. Today’s crop of beat em ups would take a pasting off this bruiser.
Playstation
One on One Beat Em Up
Survival mode is a real challenge with only one energy bar to defeat all comers, but the true fan wouldn’t have it any other way. A truly vast range of 32 characters – and thats just the starting line up. Being able to call up a comrade in times of need certainly helps as they can launch an assault or restore some well needed health. Fine extras for fans including sound clips and gallery showcasing SNK’s superb design flair.
XBOX 360
One on One Beat Em Up
Despite the fine backdrops such as the intriguing, if not slightly stereotyped, Chinese market in a nod to a Chinese fighting lady in a title that slips my mind; the core gameplay remains true to the combo hungry spirit of the SNK original. The fighters look mightily impressive and move with a fluidity befitting such well honed martial artists, but the true artistry in is the eye of the creator here.
Super Famicom
Sports
Tackling the mammoth Paris to Moscow to Beijing Rally may not be everyone’s cup of tea and plenty of stamina is needed to get through the race. Yet due to the nature of the race, it is compelling to hang on in there like being just off the Play Offs in Football Manager. Good use of Mode 7 and various terrains even mean the screen bumps around on some levels. Just ensure to have a good navigator.
PC Engine HU Card
One on One Beat Em Up
In the immortal words of Master Onion: “Kick, punch – its all in the mind.” Some huge pugalists match up in this traditional kung fu fest. One of the earliest Engine games released at the same time as the PC Engine.
Super Famicom
RPG
The friendly village folk are well represented in the detailed houses of the town. Its a shame they don’t offer more weaponry for free seeing as it is your good self that has to enter the dark dungeon and plough through the creatures and critters that stand in your way. Still free enterprise does bring a good range of merchandise to squander your hard earned currency on.
Famicom Cart
Platform
Genki Gurus will be more than aware of our unhealthy penchant for ninjas. Still at least it doesn’t result in donning ninja suit and heading for the local park to test our skills. Yet few would be able to turn down Kage’s charms as or hero runs through the snow laden forests taking down opponents as you may clearing a path through the bamboo. Indoor levels show off some beautiful screens and more varied adversaries donning big bowled hats of a pilgrim. Yet rescuing the kimono clad princess makes it all worth while.
Soundtracks
Soundtrack
The breath-taking soundtrack to the sold-out concert that was held in Kyoto to celebrate thirty years since the release of the Disk System version of Zelda back in 1986. Many may claim to have been there, like the Caravan gaming events of the Eighties, yet now we can all be taken on a musical voyage that encapsulates the spirit of adventure dreamed up from Miyamoto san’s childhood.
Soundtracks
Soundtrack
Two delightful disks with one hundred and five tracks to stir memories of Hyrule and uplifting moments in the Zelda games and want you to jump bare back onto a horse and ride off on a mission. A Cub Nintendo release making it a little exclusive which is a shame as many would lap up this aural experience of the highest order.
Merchandise
Guide Book
Guide book to the final word in role playing games combining the rich tapestry of the series with outlandish art and outstanding gameplay with the Wii controller proving to be no gimmick. Plenty of illustrations and screenshots to accompany the maps.
Playstation
Rhythm
Classical music conductor simulation that pretty much has the market to itself. But the baton controller makes for a fun, if slightly pompous night in front of the TV. Getting the right tempo as well as volume from the orchestra is strangely compelling and an enjoyable, original experience further developed (albeit without the classy baton controller) in Mad Maestro (aka Lets Bravo Music) also on the Playstation 2.
Playstation
Action
Expands on the Rockman or Megaman series by following the roguish Tron and her army of robots. Charge around towns using mechanical mayhem created by the robots to rob the poor town folk and escape police stings. Captures Capcoms craft and guile in producing fine arcade action titles full of colour and with relentless pacing. Known in Japan as Toron ni Kobun.
Part of the Rockman Dash series.
PS2
Sports
Martial arts mayhem unleashed with this cross style face-off involving boxers, kick boxers, karate experts, wrestlers, judo masters and a host of other fighting disciplines amongst the ten selectable characters. Special moves can be unleashed when the spirit meter is sufficiently charged. Bouts can be won with a submission besides a knock out depending on your sportsmanfs skills and ability to thrash the PS2 buttons with sufficient vigour – a sight to behold in multiplayer match ups. And in a nod to the dangers of the sport limbs can be broken by repeatedly targeting the same area. Definitely influenced by the famous gatherings such as K1 and Pride but thatfs no bad thing. gSeconds awaych Known as eThe Ishu Kakutougif in Japanese.
PC Engine HU Card
Platform
The cute kiwi bird armed with a bow and arrow is the only New Zealand connection in this classic Taito style release, believed to be a precursor to Liquid Kids. As Tiki your quest involves rescuing your chick who was taken away by a kiwi vending leopard seal. Plenty of extras such as screen freeze, speed ups, balloon and underwater levels and warps to help you along.
PS2
RPG
Fabulous action RPG that uses the confines of the towers dungeon like levels well with beautiful lighting (as well as possibly getting round any hardware limitations, but Genki wouldnt be so cynical.) The isometric look leaves plenty of creative freedom to the developers and they have risen to the challenge with aplomb. The action is well suited too to the clear layout and escaping the underground caverns does feel like a breath of fresh air, such is the effectiveness of the underground atmosphere.
PS2
Action
Played as a young yakuza wanabee getting to rough up citizens on your territory for cash to spend on items such as the defensive leather jacket or the pretty mean sword. Whilst not the longest title, its a very fun, budget ride through the underworld while it lasts.
PC Engine CD ROM
Sports
A big slugging title containing all the stats of the Japan based baseball stars (including the big – earning, ageing foreigners) as well as a full complement of Japanese teams and stadiums.
Game Gear
Sports
Realistic representative of rounders from Sega Sports, packed full of updated Major League players and stats. Very solid slugger for fans with enough to recommend it to those not so into the World Series.
Game Gear
Sports
Realistic representative of rounders from Sega Sports, packed full of updated Major League players and stats. Very solid slugger for fans with enough to recommend it to those not so into the World Series.
PC Engine Super CD ROM
Sports
Solid slugger of the ball with plenty of home runs. Featuring real teams in Japan: can you be a Giant or end up a Carp in the pond? Not an over populated genre on the Engine CD.
Game Gear
Simulation
Introduced by the little Known Gear Kun, this quiz will test participants their knowledge of reading palms, ability of recognise a jumbled picture and test language skills such as identifying where its a Thunderbird or a sun visor that protects ones eyes from the sun (it works better in Japanese.)
Super Famicom
Action
A varied game based on the Touchstone Pictures film with very stunning graphics considering its early release. Plenty of fight and flight action with lavish presentation that stays true to the source material.