Best Japaneese Exclusives?

[Mordan]

Hello

If I had to buy 3 MegaDrive games that were only sold in Japan. which ones should I get?
nonwithstanding Golden Axe III, which I already have. It easy to find as Golden Axe is a brand in itself.

I'm also looking for Romance of the 3 Kingdoms for fun, as it is the only 32X title released only in Japan.

[sonicwatcher6969]

Contra: Hard Corps (The other versions aren't as good, espeically the PAL one)
Pulseman
Yuu Yuu Hakusho Makyou Toitsusen

[TmEE]

Panorama Cotton
Gley Lancer
Pulseman

[Zebbe]

Yuu Yuu Hakusho Makyou Toitsusen

Also released in Brazil.

[Mordan]

Also released in Brazil.

this is NOT this one right?

http://www.vtxgames.com/Lists/Sega_Megadrive_-_Genesis_DETAIL/Yu-Yu-Hakusho-%5Bjap%5D_Cover.html

I looked quickly and they are pretty rare and expensive.

in buy it now

Cotton is like 80 quids
Pusleman 40 quids

Contra JP is not listed on ebay. only NTSC US.

I heard Pengo is damn bloody rare. Is it worth the effort? I put it in my list because it is a 4 players game.

Thank you for the replies.

[Zebbe]

No, that is the graphical adventure which is much less sought after and less expensive.

This is the fighter: http://www.sega-16.com/review_page.php?id=1010&title=Yu%20Yu%20Hakusho:%20Makyo%20Toitsusen

Pengo might be worth it if you have three friends who would play it with you, but the same can be said about Mega Bomberman which is very common and cheap.

[Smii]

Gleylancer
Gouketsuji Ichizoku
Puyo Puyo II
Rainbow Islands Extra
Wani Wani World
V.V
Twinkle Tale
Tant-R / Ichidant-R

I know you said three, but all of these are good, & worth the effort - sorry for breaking the rules!

[Genesis Knight]

The Genesis doesn't really have any 'essential' imports, at least not like the Saturn does. Most of the best games that didn't make it across have superior local alternatives or are RPGs that you can't enjoy anyway.

[Noiman]

I'd say Gleylancer, Twinkle Tale and Puyo Puyo 2

[Mr Smith]

Golden Axe III is tosh.

[Alianger]

Top 3:
Puyo Puyo 2
Panorama Cotton
Yu Yu Hakusho: Makyou Toitsusen

Other good games:
Twinkle Tale
Battle Mania Daiginjo
Eliminate Down
Advanced Busterhawk Gley Lancer
Puzzle & Action Tanto-R
Mamono Hunter Yohko
Magical Troll Ruuto-kun
Langrisser Hikari II (strategy game, some japanese required or use a guide/emulate the patched rom)
Monster World IV (action adventure, some japanese required or use a guide/emulate the patched rom)
The Hybrid Front (strategy game, some japanese required, no guides or patches exist afaik)

[TheEdge]

Ka Ge Ki: Fists of Steel

All this game was is a enhanced version of Ring Kings for NES but the Ending is hilarious. Japanese perversion at its best. For a kids game too!!

[Kollision]

It's really annoying that the best ones are also the most expensive (with the exception of the almighty Zero Wing)...

- Eliminate Down
- Gleylancer
- Battlemania 2
- Zero Wing (also released in Europe though)

[Black_Tiger]

Monster World IV
Super Fantasy Zone
Cosmic Fantasy Stories

[Sudo]

Monster World IV and Pulseman would be my picks.

[AD2101]

It's really annoying that the best ones are also the most expensive (with the exception of the almighty Zero Wing)...

- Eliminate Down
- Gleylancer
- Battlemania 2
- Zero Wing (also released in Europe though)

If I'm going all out, I'd import this list except switch out Battlemania 2 for Pulseman just because. The biggest reason to spend the time importing Zero Wing is for the legendary intro so the PAL version is definitely the way to go although I'll probably end up buying the japanese version aswell since i love that game so much.

[Dirt Ball Gamer]

Super Fantasy zone came out in europe too I beleive. Best couple of Jap exclusive are: Eliminate down, Panorama Cotton, Battle Mania daiginjou, undeadline, pulseman, fire mustang, others im too tired to remember

[Black_Tiger]

Super Fantasy zone came out in europe too I beleive. Best couple of Jap exclusive are: Eliminate down, Panorama Cotton, Battle Mania daiginjou, undeadline, pulseman, fire mustang, others im too tired to remember

I know and so did Wily Wars, but they don't count to me living in the land of NTSC. ;)

If we were doing a 'best euro MD games that North America didn't get' list I would include them though. :p

[Smii]

If it was released in Europe, it was not a Japanese exclusive. And that's what we're supposed to be discussing here.
:p

[Christuserloeser]

Both, Bare Knuckle III and Contra would be must-haves as the US versions aren't anywhere near as good, especially the PAL ones. Same goes for Magical Hat.



Golden Axe III is tosh.

It's easily the best game in the series and on par with the Bare Knuckle / Streets of Rage games. You probably haven't actually played it, I assume.



The Genesis doesn't really have any 'essential' imports, at least not like the Saturn does.

Makes you wonder why Saturn failed... :?

- Still, your statement applies only to the early Genesis era. Quite a few fantastic games didn't make it to the US/EU, some of which are the very best games the Mega Drive library has to offer - like GleyLancer, Monsterworld 4, Pulseman, Golden Axe 3, Langrisser 2, etc. Most of these were released in Japan later in the Mega Drive's life span, starting ca. 1992/1993 when SOA became completely drunk by the success of the Genesis. That's also the peak and breakpoint of SEGA's rise and fall. No matter how good or bad promotion/distribution was, without its Japanese developers and their games published in the West, Saturn had to fail - just like a band is lost without its songwriter and singer.

[Rusty Venture]

The Saturn failed because most of the good stuff was left in Japan.

[Smii]

Golden Axe III is an alright game in itself, but it just seems like a difficult third series when you play it alongside the other two.
It's... lacking in soul. :p
Of course, I am probably slightly biased - I grew up with the other two, and GAIII is a recent acquisition.

[Genesis Knight]

GleyLancer, Monsterworld 4, Pulseman, Golden Axe 3, Langrisser 2

Gleylancer is a slightly-better-than average, completely overpriced shmup that is non-essential because Thunderforce III and IV made it to the US. Monster World IV and Langrisser and not as fun or almost unplayable in Japanese, respectively, Pulseman is good but not to die for, and GAIII is just a joke.

[Mr Smith]

Golden Axe has aged about as well as a chain-smoking crack whore, whereas Golden Axe II is as tedious as listening to an aged chain-smoking crack whore tell you about herself. Why, oh why, did I have any form of expectation when I inserted Golden Axe III into my Mega Drive? Golden Axe III is easily the toshest of the Mega Drive Golden Axe games. As Mr Spock may or may not observe if he were to play the game (and were a real person) "It's Golden Axe, Jim, but not as we know it." Gone are the man, dwarf and woman we have come to know and love, and in their place are a new man, a new woman, a puma man, some bizarre brute man type thing and (in the duel) a giant eagle/hawk. The fighting style, while an improvement on the previous two games, gets quite dull quite quickly, with most of the boss characters having moves cheaper than an aged chain-smoking crack whore - those stupid four-armed goat creatures being the worst and most irritating. The joy of having the option of taking multiple routes is ruined by the fact that the graphics in Golden Axe III are uglier than a cheap, aged, chain-smoking crack whore. The magic in Golden Axe III is as annoying as it ever has been and the game itself seems easier than a cheap, aged, chain-smoking crack whore, I was able to negotiate to the final boss without trying to hard - seemingly most enemies struggle against jumping attacks. While I am quite pleased to say I finally have the final Mega Drive Golden Axe game, I am less than happy to say I have played it.
I believe this Reader Roundtable submission says all that needs to be said about Golden Axe 3.

[Zebbe]

That is a classic Reader Roundtable submission, Mr Smith!

[Elusive]

All I got after removing the bullshit was this:

all-new cast
something about a 'duel'
cheap bosses (yet somehow game is 'too easy')
multiple level routes
questionable graphics
'annoying magic' (???)

which, frankly, could also apply to Streets of Rage III. If you substitute 'magic' for 'special attack'. (so tell us about the game, not your dreadful sense of humour!)

My vote goes to 'Pulseman', for coming up with a half-decent hybrid of the Sonic and Mega Man gameplay styles. The level design is awful in places, but stuff like the wireframe boss inside the TV station is kind of impressive. I like the Breakout-style bonus levels, too :)

[Genesis Knight]

LOL, Elusive never pulls his punches.

[Mr Smith]

All I got after removing the bullshit was this:


all-new cast
something about a 'duel'
cheap bosses (yet somehow game is 'too easy')
multiple level routes
questionable graphics
'annoying magic' (???)


You missed off:
God awful tedious gameplay, which is what truly makes a game.

You know full well Golden Axe III is a million miles away from the fast action, tough challenge and varied gameplay that is the awesome Streets of Rage 3.

[Christuserloeser]

I believe this Reader Roundtable submission says all that needs to be said about Golden Axe 3.

It says that you've played it once and apparently didn't like it.

My advice would be to grab a friend, plug the game into your console, choose Chronos (the panther, best character but weak magic) or Sarah (most balanced character, great against skeletons, best magic), and study the moves, specials, combos and team combos in versus mode (Duel) - and then beat the damn game!

Some graphics are not exactly great, but the detailed character sprites, the excellent music and some absolutely fantastic stages make up for it. I bought the game in 1993 right when it came out and have played it almost as many times as Streets of Rage 2. Although I agree that some stages are ugly (e.g. jungle, or the village), a few of the stages, most special effects and the huge character sprites were absolutely breathtaking back in the day. GA3 is a great two-player game with a lot to discover and an insane variety of moves. It's incredible what they've managed to pack into mere 8 Megs.


...and Streets of Rage 3 sucks monkey balls. Try Bare Knuckle 3.

[Zebbe]

which, frankly, could also apply to Streets of Rage III. If you substitute 'magic' for 'special attack'. (so tell us about the game, not your dreadful sense of humour!)

Eh. He did tell us about the game with his humourous opinion. You can put any opinion like this on most games in the genre, so your point isn't valid. And, this is Reader Roundtable, not a review.

[Christuserloeser]

Gleylancer is a slightly-better-than average, completely overpriced shmup that is non-essential because Thunderforce III and IV made it to the US. Monster World IV and Langrisser and not as fun or almost unplayable in Japanese, respectively, Pulseman is good but not to die for, and GAIII is just a joke.

1. GleyLancer wouldn't be overpriced if it were released in the West.
2. Monster World IV and Langrisser 2 would be playable if they were in English (Translation Patches do exist so go and try the damn games!)
3. Pulseman: What games are to die for ?
4. Golden Axe III: See my previous post (http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showpost.php?p=90290&postcount=29).

The point was that there are great imports that never made it to the US. Anyway, I agree that there are many games that made it, so you can live without these Imports and be a proud owner of the console and its excellent games - unlike with Saturn.

[Genesis Knight]

I guess I don't get what these 'what if' scenarios have to do with those imports being essential.

GleyLancer wouldn't be overpriced if it had made it to the States? Well yeah, okay... And MWIV and L2 would be playable in english? Yeah, okay...but they aren't, so tell me again why these are essential imports.

At any rate, there's no point in arguing because nobody cares, really.

[Zebbe]

Zebbe's Holy List of Essential Japanese Exclusive Mega Drive Imports That are to Die for:

1. Panorama Cotton - Magical!
2. Monster World IV - Magical!
3. Pulseman - Magical!
4. Gleylancer - Superb music and cutscenes! (Korean version doesn't count)
5. Devil Crash MD - The western version had the Satanic content censored out the by some retard so this one is therefor far better.
6. Bare Knuckle III - The western version was homophobic, so this one is better.
7. Puyo Puyo - Far better audiovisually than the western version.
8. Puyo Puyo Tsuu - The best puzzler on the system.
9. Battle Mania Daiginjou - Great shooter!
10. Slap Fight MD - With music by Yuzo Koshiro!
11. Puzzle & Action: Tant-R - Fun family game!
12. Puzzle & Action: Ichidant-R - Another fun family game!
13. King Colossus - Awesome action-RPG!
14. Undeadline - Beating this game is a religious experience!
15. Twinkle Tale - Beautiful fantasy shmup!

[Mordan]

Zebbe's Holy List of Essential Japanese Exclusive Mega Drive Imports That are to Die for:

1. Panorama Cotton - Magical!
2. Monster World IV - Magical!
3. Pulseman - Magical!
4. Gleylancer - Superb music and cutscenes! (Korean version doesn't count)
5. Devil Crash MD - The western version had the Satanic content censored out the by some retard so this one is therefor far better.
6. Bare Knuckle III - The western version was homophobic, so this one is better.
7. Puyo Puyo - Far better audiovisually than the western version.
8. Puyo Puyo Tsuu - The best puzzler on the system.
9. Battle Mania Daiginjou - Great shooter!
10. Slap Fight MD - With music by Yuzo Koshiro!
11. Puzzle & Action: Tant-R - Fun family game!
12. Puzzle & Action: Ichidant-R - Another fun family game!
13. King Colossus - Awesome action-RPG!
14. Undeadline - Beating this game is a religious experience!
15. Twinkle Tale - Beautiful fantasy shmup!

no Hakusho? I bought Puyo Puyo already. what is the western version of Puyo Puyo? I thought It was an exclusive???

[Zebbe]

no Hakusho?


Also released in Brazil.

Plus, it is overrated.


I bought Puyo Puyo already. what is the western version of Puyo Puyo? I thought It was an exclusive???

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine.

[Mr Smith]

That's a very nice list Zebbe. Major applause to you!!

[Mordan]

Plus, it is overrated.

.

This site wrote a review and gave it a 10. + I love fighters

[Zebbe]

Thank you, Mr Smith. It was inspired by your lists :D.

Mordan: Exactly my point. The characters are unbalanced as hell. I tried beating the first opponent five times with one lad and failed, beat the entire game on the first try with another character.

[Dirt Ball Gamer]

Didn't slap fight also come out as powerwing in pal? And the us version of contra is the way to go.

[sonicwatcher6969]

Yeah the PAL version was mutilated into "Probotector", a diabolically watered down version of contra to the point that its more "roboty" than turrican. I thought that the jaanese version was better though because of the life bar.

[Gentlegamer]

All I got after removing the bullshit was this:


which, frankly, could also apply to Streets of Rage III. If you substitute 'magic' for 'special attack'. (so tell us about the game, not your dreadful sense of humour!)*mentally reps Elusive*

[TmEE]

Yeah the PAL version was mutilated into "Probotector", a diabolically watered down version of contra to the point that its more "roboty" than turrican. I thought that the jaanese version was better though because of the life bar.

Guess what, PAL Contra on NES is Probotector too !!!

[Mordan]

Yeah the PAL version was mutilated into "Probotector", a diabolically watered down version of contra to the point that its more "roboty" than turrican. I thought that the jaanese version was better though because of the life bar.

just got it in the mail today. I bought it from Anagrama. I think I paid too much with 40 pounds shipping included. oh well. the game kicks ass, even in PAL. First impressions though show that it is bloody hard with only 3 'lives' per continue. will have to try out the other versions. the music of probotector kicks ass and automatically puts the game in my top 10, even though I only played 15 minutes.

[Dirt Ball Gamer]

That game is pure megadrive insanity. That shit would melt the SNES

[Christuserloeser]

I guess I don't get what these 'what if' scenarios have to do with those imports being essential.

Not much, as I was replying to your previous post ;)


Gleylancer is a slightly-better-than average, completely overpriced shmup that is non-essential because Thunderforce III and IV made it to the US. Monster World IV and Langrisser and not as fun or almost unplayable in Japanese, respectively, Pulseman is good but not to die for, and GAIII is just a joke.

[ZJT]

just got it in the mail today. I bought it from Anagrama. I think I paid too much with 40 pounds shipping included. oh well.

Maybe you got a bargain ..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PROBOTECTOR-MEGADRIVE-GAME-COMPLETE-MINT-RARE_W0QQitemZ120276885964QQihZ002QQcategoryZ11279 2QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

:o

I'll agree it is a rock hard game though!

[platformgirl]

Will the Japan NSTC games work on US mega drive systems?

[Christuserloeser]

All games up to late 1992 / early 1993 will work, those released later than 1994 definitely won't.

Afaik, Thunder Force IV (aka "Lightening Force" in the US) was the very first game that was region locked, at least here in Europe. It was released Nov '92 IIRC.

- Problem with Japanese games in general however is that they won't fit into a US Genesis / PAL Mega Drive cart slot, so you would have to buy an adapter.

[platformgirl]

All games up to late 1992 / early 1993 will work, those released later than 1994 definitely won't.

Afaik, Thunder Force IV (aka "Lightening Force" in the US) was the very first game that was region locked, at least here in Europe. It was released Nov '92 IIRC.

- Problem with Japanese games in general however is that they won't fit into a US Genesis / PAL Mega Drive cart slot, so you would have to buy an adapter.

So If I bought Monster World 4... I could not play it in a regular newer style Genesis?

[Iron Lizard]

Only if it is region locked . If not just file down the slot cart slot. Much cheaper.

[Christuserloeser]

So If I bought Monster World 4... I could not play it in a regular newer style Genesis?

No, as it is region locked. You could use an import adapter but it also is in Japanese which would ruin the experience a bit. It's still a nice collector's item due to its nice box art :)

To play the game I would recommend a MD-Pro cartridge, so you can play the excellent English translation of the game by Neo Demiforce. Zebbe did a nice feature on both the available English translations (http://www.sega-16.com/feature_page.php?id=172&title=Fan%20Translations:%20Emulation%20&%20Hardware) as well as Tototek's MD-Pro cart (http://www.sega-16.com/feature_page.php?id=283&title=Sega%20Gear:%20MD-Pro%20Flash%20Card).

[acdc]

not expensive but real fun

the new zealand story

and undead line