Shui Hu Feng Yun Zhuan

[Melf]

Though many gamers don't know it, there was a prolific game market for the Mega Drive in Taiwan, with games being released there long after the console had been officially retired. Many were hacks, but there was a good selection of unofficial releases that boasted great graphics and gameplay. Only now, long after the 16-bit era has ended, are gamers in the west beginning to enjoy these titles through emulation and the efforts of companies such as Super Fighter Team.

One title remains a true fan favorite and has yet to see a release outside of its native country. A beat-'em-up that conjures forth images of Capcom's Knights of the Round, Never Ending Soft's Shui Hu Feng Yun Zhuan (known to many outside Taiwan as Beneath the Clouds) is a two-player experience that most definitely should have been localized. Read our full review and see if you're able to track this one down.

[Nunzio]

I love Knights of the Round... I should probably try to pick this up next time I'm in Shanghai!

[Furnessly]

Now this is a pretty good game, personally I think that it is possibly one of the best Genesis games made in Taiwan/China. The only problem is the recycling of music/sound effects from other sources but most games from there usually do (there are exceptions though). Apart from that, good graphics, responsive controls and a pleasure to play. Not as good as the Streets of Rage series but still a fine beat'em up.

In case people want to know the names of the three characters you play as, thanks to someone who I know who does knows a tiny little bit of Chinese and it might not be correct in the translation, they are called; "Black Whirlwind" Li Kui (strong axe man), "Nine Tattooed Dragons" Shi Jin (swordsman) and "Ten Feet of Blue" Hu Sanniang (blue haired woman). Sadly I don't know the names of the other characters even the Simon Belmont lookalike since the person disappeared ever since.

[hellalt]

Is this an official release?
If yes, how come it got released in 1999?
Anyone have any idea where I can find this game's rom to test it in an emulator before getting it?
I can't seem to find anything about this game on internet...

[PHANTOM2040]

Is this an official release?
If yes, how come it got released in 1999?
Anyone have any idea where I can find this game's rom to test it in an emulator before getting it?
I can't seem to find anything about this game on internet...

Sorry, can't talk about or give links to roms. Against TOS.

[RedComet]

Excellent review. This game has had a special place in my heart for years. Glad to see someone spreading the word.

[Azathoth]

The only problem is the recycling of music/sound effects from other sources but most games from there usually do

I noticed a lot of the graphical effects used in the magic are lifted straight out of other games, and many of the character sprites are copies of sprites from other games that have been slightly retouched.

[Waterfaller]

I KNEW that intro music sounded like Terra's theme from Final Fantasy VI! But yeah, this game has some really amazing visuals. That's one hell of a way to take advantage of the Genesis' hardware!

[vintagegamecrazy]

Actually the game was released in 1996 but later revisions posted later dates on it like 1999. Melf could you fix that when you have a free moment?

[synapse]

Actually the game was released in 1996 but later revisions posted later dates on it like 1999. Melf could you fix that when you have a free moment?

I was about to say exactly the same. SHFYZ was originally released in 1996, but there was a second run, probably by bootleggers, with the date changed to 1999. If those screenshots are from your copy (I guess they're from emulator), it's one of those "new" copies.

I have a physical copy of this game and love it. There's at least 3 cover designs floating around the Internet but I really don't like any of them so I made my own a while ago:

[Shadowrun]

this does look like a pretty cool game. i wish i could play it. can you find this on ebay or something?

[RedComet]

It shows up on ebay every once in a while. There's a copy up now, but there's no pictures of the packaging or cart. Who knows what condition it's in.

[Christuserloeser]

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j69/maesezego/shuihufengyunzhuan.jpg

That is beautiful! - Would you mind sharing the PSD for this ? Maybe I can improve the character portraits on the back. It's worth a try.

[cowboyscowboys]

Anyone wanna PM me? you know... Red Rom umm Rum I mean

Someone should translate this game and officially release it, if I win the lottery Imma do it

[Shadowrun]

It shows up on ebay every once in a while. There's a copy up now, but there's no pictures of the packaging or cart. Who knows what condition it's in.

well i guess i will let you guys know because i just bought it! lol

is this a game you can use a pass-through device for?