Well I got this game during the Thanksgiving day weekend. I had ordered it from an Asian retailer of import video games.
Its title: Otomedius G(orgeous) by Konami for the Xbox 360.
The game is a continuation of the Parodious franchise which was originally a spin-off or better yet, a parody of the Gradius franchise. Gradius, Parodious and Otomedius are horizontal shooting games. Gradius is one of the most herald shooting franchises to this day…

Anyway, my latest haul, I had wanted this game ever since the moment it was announced for the Xbox 360. Just so ya know, this game will NOT ever be released outside of Japan. The market is too small and also consider that Parodious has never showed is self in North America prior…

But anyways, I had received my game and have already put in much time and I throughly enjoy it. For fans of shooting games, if you are a fan of manic, danmaku, Cave, bullet hell, curtain fire games, you will not find enjoyment in Otomedius. This game is classic Gradius action and game play. Cave fan boi will scream how this game is boring and lame… Fux them! I am a fan of all shooting game and I have found great enjoyment in Otomedius. Otomedius offers two modes, arcade mode (a port of the original arcade game) and Gorgeous mode - an enhanced and exclusive mode utilizing the power of the Xbox 360. For those who are achievement whores, all game completion achievements must be obtained in Gorgeous mode. Arcade will not grant the "achievement unlocked" upon completion of the game… But anyways, I'm not reviewing the game because I am bias and I say it ROX! \m/ If you are a fan of shooting games such as Gradius, Salamander, et cetera… and just happen to have a Japanese Xbox 360, look into this game. Oh yeah, one warning, the games menus are ALL in Japanese, so if you are not familiar with navigating through Japanese game menus, or do not have a working knowledge of Japanese, there will be a bit of trial and error getting the game set up to your liking. Otherwise Enjoy!

REAL shooters

These days and times, when a game player mentions "shooters" the casual mainstream will think of stuff like Quake or some popular war game… WRONG, those are referred to as FPS or First Person shooting game. When I say "shooters" I mean games like Gradius, Raiden, R-Type, or Darius. Those four games are probably the most renowned shooter franchises and most people should know what at least a couple of those games are.

The genre pretty much has its roots with Space Invaders and continues today with games like Death Smiles and Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu… even Raiden has recently come out with its fourth installment. The thing is that many have forgotten this wonderful genre of pure video game playing. What appeals to me is things like challenge, quick fast game play, moderate learning curve, and just a pure rush…especially when you get in that zone. These games stand the test of time and offer everlasting enjoyment. Games from 10+ years ago play like they did when new and and new things are learned every playthrough!
The people who don't know, the haters (see all reviewers at mainstream websites and magazines) cant even comprehend on what the objective is with the one of the oldest genre of video game. They fail to grasp the concept and assume that these games are "short" and "easy" ie credit feeders. The real challenge is 2 fold. Aiming for the 1cc (one credit clear) or playing for high score. Many of these games are built around score systems and performing certain actions can net more points. Playing for score usually makes the game more challenging and adds to the difficulty.

I just wish more people would look deeper and find something more with games playing I guess. Its a shame that people in the west cannot embrace and come to grips of such glorious games. Its video games in the purest sense… Fun, exciting, an escape from reality. Games like Battle Garegga never get old. I discover new things every time. I am always aiming to get a better score. I am still trying to get through the first loop in Batsugun and looking for ways to improve my score in Fire Shark.

It is safe to say that my favorite games are shooters. Other names for the genre also include shoot em' up, shmups, shooting game, STG… but I say shooters since that was the common reference during the 1980s and 1990s… If anyone who is even reading this, go get MAME and Dodonpachi. Watch some vids on youtube for games like Raiden Fighters Jet, Armed Police Batrider, Ketsui, Mars Matrix…
Go for hi score!

Turbo Grafx 16/Turbo Duo (USA)

During the 16 bit era of video games, there was Sega, Nintendo, and NEC. NEC brought to the USA market the PC Engine and it was redesigned and renamed the 'Turbo Grafx 16.

In essence it was really an 8-bit console on steroids… It has some aspects that gave the hardware the capabilities to compete with and perform with and even exceed the true 16-bit counterparts.

While the PC Engine was mighty successful in Japan, the Turbo Grafx failed in the USA. Biggest culprit was lack of software/games. 3rd party publishers were non existent and NEC/Hudson were slow to bring over and translate the huge library from Japan.

One huge milestone however for the TG16, was the introduction of the now industry standard of games on compact disc or CD-ROM. The Turbo CD was the FIRST console to have a CD-ROM attachment and games on this format. The first ever console CD game: Fighting Street (aka Street Fighter I) The first 3rd party CD ROM game: Cosmic Fantasy 2 from Working Designs.

Well I am pressed for time at the moment. This is my fisrt entry and these are the incomplete thought in my mind. Hope these readings can catch on some day. There have been "frothing demand" for a Sonic R articles… was quite nice to put thoughts to type. Hope this quick introduction on one of my favorite systems was enjoyable to read. Until next…