![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() Capcom Generations 1 - 1942, 1943, 1943 Kai Playstation/Saturn Reviewed by Mr. Bungle |
||||
The first disk, Capcom Generations Disk 1, encapsulates a portion of the 194X series. While this disk doesn't contain the entire smorgasborg of 194X* (those greedy Capcom executives are probably holding out 19XX, 1941, and a comple of other spinoffs, which pisses me off), it contains the tried and true "old school" gameplay that most 80's gamers can identify with - skill, 2 buttons, bruised thumbs, and most of all rather intense gameplay. *note 194X means the shooter series 1941, 1942, 1943, 1943 Kai, 19XX The graphics in the collection are "arcade" perfect, although i could swear that the swooping enemy zero planes are a bit pixelly I'm playing this on the playstation, it tends to handle 2D rather boorishly). Although the graphics for the most part are "arcade perfect," the first thing that probably will strike your mind is this - "Dammit, these games have not aged well." Unlike fine wine, the graphics in the collection seem to be pathetic compared to say, Virtual Fighter 3 or anything in the arcades now (except for that fond Ms. Pac Man machine + Galaga machine). If you can get past the graphics, you'll see that the rough graphics adds only to the grit and reflects on this particular era, where gameplay, not graphics/snazzy effects, is king.The sound on all the games is also "arcade" perfect. In 1942, the Popeye whistles are faithfully duplicated, as are the 1943/1943 Kai "roll" sounds when you try to foolishly manuever out of the oh-shit situations. Nothing fancy here, just some nice beeps, blips and otherwise memorable tunes while you try to gun down the enemy in sadistic fashion. On a side note, if you're really want to pursue into the totally immersive experience of playing 1942/1943, I recommend that you and your WWII grandfather dressing up in a WWII outfit complete with flying scarf. Nothing beats screaming dirty limericks at the TV screen, pretending those Nazi planes are intending to steal your women and especially your cheese. Here we come to the gameplay aspect of the disk. I'll be splitting this into 3 categories respective of the games. ![]() 1942: 1 hit, 1 life down. The difficulty on this one can get to be a real bast since as soon as you blow up, you have to backtrack and start at a previous position. Powerups are minimal, the main focus on gameplay. For powerups, you only have 1) points, 2) a little bit more firepower 3) 2 more side planes to help you out. Otherwise, if you're a big fan of 1942 and have designs on kicking some major ass, this will serve your needs. It will also invariably increase your frustation factor, but all in all, the game is pretty damn fair; there usually are possible ways out of those sticky situations instead of "let's fill the screen with bullets so its almost impossible to escape".
Conclusion: Well, there are 2 console versions of the game - Saturn import or PSX import. As of this time, it remains to be seen whether the PSX will surface up in the US, if ever, but here's the differences.
From the choices, if you're a big Capcom fan who loved 1942+1943, do yourself a favor and pick up the disk. It contains artwork, liner notes, tips, which will do nothing for you since its written in pidgin characters (unless you can read japanese). I will go out on a limb and recommend the Saturn version - Dual Shock support does nothing for me, I tend to see it as a vibrator of all sorts. It also gets on my nerves when you're in a bind and the damn thing rumbles as you blow up. But if you don't mind fuzzier graphics and really really want Dual Shock Support, pick up the PSX one. (It probably also depends on which system you have too! - Malc) In short - I recommend it only to die hard Capcom 194X freaks. Classic gameplay, no frills, nothing beats 2 player kickass 1943 gameplay. My biggest gripe is that they could of maybe fit one more game on the damn disk to really make it worth the money, but to stiff up sales, they didn't. Argh.
|
![]() |
![]() TOP | HOME ![]() www.shmups.com © 1997 - 2007 Malcolm Laurie |