Favorite Valis game?

thisIsLoneWolf · 12/23/2014, 09:22 PM

So I've been playing a lot of the Valis games lately, and I've really got into the series again.

I've been trying to decide my order of preference. It might depend which day you ask me, but I'd have to say 4, 3, 1, 2 at this point.

Part 4 is really great overall, but I do gravitate to part 3 quite a bit. Especially after you get 20 or so minutes in. There are some really nice looking levels, and some great music to enjoy!

How would you guys rank these games (1-4), starting with your highest preference first.

FraGMarE · 12/23/2014, 09:59 PM

The best one, to me, is the Super CD remake of Valis 1, Mugen Senshi Valis. You can definitely tell it's an upgrade from Valis 2-4 (which is are standard CD-ROM2 games)

thisIsLoneWolf · 12/23/2014, 10:13 PM

It's a good game and also has some technical highlights worth mentioning. Nice graphics/animation/cut scenes.

NecroPhile · 12/24/2014, 09:40 AM

I wanna say Valis X because tentacle rape and boobehs, but the honest answer is Valis 1.

CrackTiger · 12/24/2014, 10:03 AM

Valis III

ClodBusted · 12/24/2014, 01:11 PM

I've played Valis 1 PCE up until the final boss, where I died countless times. I've got the other three games as well, but have just played to the second level, therefore all I can say is I liked Valis 1 the most so far.

esteban · 12/24/2014, 07:36 PM

Valis III is my fave. Everything else is pretty close (it's been many years since I've played some...I should play them all back to back over holiday break!)

When it comes to ranking them based on MUSIC?

No contest: VALIS II destroys. All the other soundtracks. Valis II completely destroys them.

FraGMarE · 12/24/2014, 08:15 PM

Speaking of Mugen Senshi Valis, does it crash for anybody else in Ootake right after the intro?

Dicer · 12/24/2014, 09:46 PM

IV/III/I/II

TR0N · 12/25/2014, 01:26 AM

Valis III and then follow by IV.

JoshTurboTrollX · 12/26/2014, 09:37 AM

Personally I've always kind of considered Valis III and IV as the elite games in the series. Valis III has moments in it that really felt like I was in the middle of a truly unique gaming experience. With the cut scenes between levels, diving off a roof top to grab a sword and fly back up to kick some ass (in my pajamas!!) WITH PARALLAX!! I love the soundtrack of Valis III and actually would consider it a decent opponent to the Castlevania series for recommendations to those that are looking for a good platformer/action game to try out once you've played all the great Castlevania games to death.

When I first played Valis IV it was on the SNES and I actually really enjoyed it! I loved the soundtrack (again, and I know it's no PCE, but it's still memorable) and thought the gameplay was pretty fluid. Fastforward to when I finally got it on CD and I was totally blown away at the soundtrack and cut scenes. It was like a Special/Complete Edition of the SNES version I tried.

I can't say I've ever played Valis I's remake on Super CD, but after reading this thread I might have to seek it out. I've dabbled with Valis II on Turbo and for some reason or another I was just incredibly underwhelmed by it. The music seemed fine, but the graphics and controls just felt... off to me. I will have to give it another try some time.

I've also played "Syd of Valis" on Genesis and it never really caught on with me either. I understand this was a cute remix of Valis II also, so I dunno.

All around, I loved 3 and 4, but didn't have that memorable moment with 2. My experience with the original or the SCD remake is extremely limited. I will have to fix that.

at the end of 2014 my order of favorites would go like this-
Valis III - Valis IV - Valis 2 - (Undecided Valis I)

ClodBusted · 12/26/2014, 09:55 AM

I think I'll just leave this here:
Game Sack - Donkey Kong Country & Valis

And the vast HG101 article on the complete Valis series:
http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/valis/valis.htm

Both have very interesting viewpoints and opinions how they feel about the games and various ports.

ishiyakazuo · 12/26/2014, 10:47 AM

I've never played the PCE version of 4 (just the SNES/SFC one), so I'm going to go with 3. (I've never played the PCE one of that one either, but I've heard the Genesis/MD one is extremely close.)
I've played the PCE versions of 1 and 2 (on my PS3), and while I agree that 1 is much nicer technically than the others, and the plot is pretty amazing... 3 just stands out more to me for some reason.
I'm also not sure why, but the MSX2 version of Valis II was a lot of fun for me. It's technically way inferior to the PCE one, but when I was growing up, I'd played SD Valis and compared to that, anything was a HUGE step up, so when I got my hands on the MSX2 version, I was like "whoa."
MSX version of Valis 1 kind of sucked though.

Ayce · 12/27/2014, 08:24 PM

I've only played Valis III and Syd of Valis on the Genesis. I finally got Valis III for the TG and have started playing through it. I don't remember the jumps being this stupid on the Genesis though. I hate that you basically have to use the slide to get over many of the gaps.

esteban · 12/27/2014, 10:12 PM

Quote from: Ayce on 12/27/2014, 08:24 PMI've only played Valis III and Syd of Valis on the Genesis. I finally got Valis III for the TG and have started playing through it. I don't remember the jumps being this stupid on the Genesis though. I hate that you basically have to use the slide to get over many of the gaps.

Syd of Valis... That silly game should have been a lot better.

Valis III is better in Turbo. THE POWERSLIDE IS AWESOME. Just accept it.

Sarumaru · 12/28/2014, 05:41 PM

Valis III is a great game in the series and by far my favorite. The music, the graphics and the visuals were all great. I still kind of feel like the controls could have been just wee bit tighter but you adjust to the timing. I really wanted to like 'A Fantasm Soldier' more but it felt a bit weak in the gameplay department compared to the MD version but graphics were still amazeballs. Valis II just makes me sad and Valis IV is kind of a borefest with a few sorta fun bits. So yeah, Valis III all the way.

esteban · 05/23/2015, 07:14 PM

Quote from: Sarumaru on 12/28/2014, 05:41 PMValis III is a great game in the series and by far my favorite. The music, the graphics and the visuals were all great. I still kind of feel like the controls could have been just wee bit tighter but you adjust to the timing. I really wanted to like 'A Fantasm Soldier' more but it felt a bit weak in the gameplay department compared to the MD version but graphics were still amazeballs. Valis II just makes me sad and Valis IV is kind of a borefest with a few sorta fun bits. So yeah, Valis III all the way.

I think it is all a matter of perspective. If you compare Valis II to Turrican, for example...

PunkCryborg · 05/23/2015, 07:40 PM

III but damn that water level

esteban · 05/23/2015, 07:48 PM

Quote from: PunkCryborg on 05/23/2015, 07:40 PMIII but damn that water level

It's only bad the first time you encounter it. Once you figure it out, it's a pretty awesome feeling.

CrackTiger · 05/23/2015, 08:06 PM

Valis III is my favorite and really perfected the overall balance of what makes a Valis game signature "Valis". The Genesis version is also great and more polished for what is intact. I'm always surprised when people complain about the water stage, because that was where the game fully won me over and I always think back about that as one of the funnest sections.

esteban · 05/23/2015, 09:52 PM

Quote from: guest on 05/23/2015, 08:06 PMValis III is my favorite and really perfected the overall balance of what makes a Valis game signature "Valis". The Genesis version is also great and more polished for what is intact. I'm always surprised when people complain about the water stage, because that was where the game fully won me over and I always think back about that as one of the funnest sections.

I agree 100% about it being a defining moment.

I always felt that the graphics of that level were friggin' sweet, too. It just had a great atmosphere and looked impressive... Combined with the platforming skills required, it was a defining moment.

CrackTiger · 05/23/2015, 10:37 PM

Games like Daimakaimura have lots of cheap difficulty due to the randomness of respawning enemies in some chaotically designed stages.

Some Castlevania games have similar stretches as that Valis III stage, but again it is obvious that the developer just threw some stuff together and called it a day. That Valis III stage and other parts of the game aren't the absolute greatest action/platforming ever made, but it is solid satisfying challenge which is genuinely rewarding. Which positively encourages you to continue on through the game, instead of simply relieved that a random combo of elements finally lined up so that you no longer have to deal with a frustrating scenario.

This is the kind of stuff I love about video games, as opposed to the other kind I described, which I more just accept and put up with. Night Creatures is an entire game like that and it is rewarding to overcome that kind of challenge. But it only gets a free pass in high profile games or titles from the right developers/publishers. This difference is why I think that Wonderboy is so much better than Super Mario Bros, even though I appreciate SMB for what it is.

ParanoiaDragon · 05/24/2015, 01:50 AM

Quote from: guest on 05/23/2015, 09:00 PMThe water level is awesome... my inability to master it is what sucks.

This!

seieienbu · 05/24/2015, 04:34 AM

I've only played 3 of them. I liked Valis 3 more than 2, and I liked both more than Super Valis. I've intended to get around to playing the other two PC Engine titles forever but have just never made time for them. Valis was never my favorite series; judging it by the three games that I played it was alright but not great.

ClodBusted · 05/24/2015, 05:35 AM

This thread needs a poll, doesn't it?

thisIsLoneWolf · 05/26/2015, 04:51 PM

Quote from: esteban on 05/23/2015, 09:52 PM
Quote from: guest on 05/23/2015, 08:06 PMValis III is my favorite and really perfected the overall balance of what makes a Valis game signature "Valis". The Genesis version is also great and more polished for what is intact. I'm always surprised when people complain about the water stage, because that was where the game fully won me over and I always think back about that as one of the funnest sections.
I agree 100% about it being a defining moment.

I always felt that the graphics of that level were friggin' sweet, too. It just had a great atmosphere and looked impressive... Combined with the platforming skills required, it was a defining moment.

Agreed. The graphics on the water level are sweet. It appears in Valis IV too.
Turrican't do this!

esteban · 05/26/2015, 04:53 PM

^^^^

Turrican could never have an aquaduct level as beautiful as the one from Valis!

SuperDeadite · 05/27/2015, 06:37 AM

For PCE, I'm going with Valis I. Gameplay may not be the greatest, but the game itself is just more ''Valisly'' then the rest if you can understand that. School girl goes solo against all odds. Music is great too. When I just want to relax and have some fun I could seriously play the first stage over and over and over lol.

For the entire series, I think I have to give it to the X68000 version of Valis II. The game has horrid controls, but once you get used to it's weirdness, the style and design is really awesome. Most especially the violence. The original computer versions of Valis II are gory, no holds barred, and depressing as hell. The console versions were really toned down in dark content and it really weakens the story imo. Watching the insane shit Yuko goes through in the uncensored II is quite eye opening.

I also have a softspot for the MSX version of Valis I. It is a terrible game in every category, but I don't know I still like to play it now and then. There is nothing good about it at all, but I still enjoy it....lol.

esteban · 05/27/2015, 07:38 AM

Quote from: SuperDeadite on 05/27/2015, 06:37 AMFor PCE, I'm going with Valis I. Gameplay may not be the greatest, but the game itself is just more ''Valisly'' then the rest if you can understand that. School girl goes solo against all odds. Music is great too. When I just want to relax and have some fun I could seriously play the first stage over and over and over lol.

For the entire series, I think I have to give it to the X68000 version of Valis II. The game has horrid controls, but once you get used to it's weirdness, the style and design is really awesome. Most especially the violence. The original computer versions of Valis II are gory, no holds barred, and depressing as hell. The console versions were really toned down in dark content and it really weakens the story imo. Watching the insane shit Yuko goes through in the uncensored II is quite eye opening.

I also have a softspot for the MSX version of Valis I. It is a terrible game in every category, but I don't know I still like to play it now and then. There is nothing good about it at all, but I still enjoy it....lol.

The PCE Valis I was the last one released, so it sounds like it shows some polish. I just never found Valis I particularly engaging compared to Valis III (switching 3 characters! I liked all three, wish the game was longer).

The atmosphere and music in Valis II is a fave, but level design very basic and very short easy game overall.

ClodBusted · 05/27/2015, 11:24 AM

Nulli, I'd suggest having a look at HG101's Valis article for some T&A. Oh and yes, there's some comprehensive information on all the computer and console ports as well.

Gredler · 05/27/2015, 04:37 PM

Quote from: guest on 05/27/2015, 11:24 AMNulli, I'd suggest having a look at HG101's Valis article for some T&A. Oh and yes, there's some comprehensive information on all the computer and console ports as well.

Yes, certainly NSFW. Hard to believe this happened to a game character, officially.

SuperDeadite · 05/27/2015, 07:50 PM

Not talking about Valis X. Talking about the Japanese computer versions of Valis II (PC98, MSX, X68000) they are totally different things lol.

CrackTiger · 05/27/2015, 08:51 PM

Quote from: Gredler on 05/27/2015, 04:37 PM
Quote from: guest on 05/27/2015, 11:24 AMNulli, I'd suggest having a look at HG101's Valis article for some T&A. Oh and yes, there's some comprehensive information on all the computer and console ports as well.
Yes, certainly NSFW. Hard to believe this happened to a game character, officially.

That kind of stuff happened way more often than you think, apparently. Even in PCE games.

Before making Dragon Quest, Enix made a game in which you hunt for toddlers in bondage, so that you can take their clothes off.

geise · 05/27/2015, 08:58 PM

Quote from: SuperDeadite on 05/27/2015, 07:50 PMNot talking about Valis X. Talking about the Japanese computer versions of Valis II (PC98, MSX, X68000) they are totally different things lol.

LOL! That they are.

For nostalgia and music I have to go with Valis III. IV is so very close behind. I like all of the pc-e games for different reasons. I think Phantasm Soldier controls the best. II has better voice acting than III and also amazing music.

CrackTiger · 05/27/2015, 10:41 PM

Quote from: Nulltard on 05/27/2015, 10:05 PM
Quote from: CrackTiger on 05/27/2015, 08:51 PMThat kind of stuff happened way more often than you think, apparently. Even in PCE games.

Before making Dragon Quest, Enix made a game in which you hunt for toddlers in bondage, so that you can take their clothes off.
wow. That is the sort of factoid i would not admit to knowing even if I knew it.

wtf kind of shit are you into, bt?

It is regularly reposted by mainstream media.

http://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/02/before-there-was-dragon-quest-there-were-dirty-games/

http://www.cracked.com/article_19005_6-famous-artists-you-didnt-know-were-perverts_p2.html?wa_user1=2&wa_user2=Weird+World&wa_user3=article&wa_user4=flashback

Arkhan Asylum · 06/03/2015, 01:46 PM

Quote from: fragmare on 12/23/2014, 09:59 PMThe best one, to me, is the Super CD remake of Valis 1, Mugen Senshi Valis. You can definitely tell it's an upgrade from Valis 2-4 (which is are standard CD-ROM2 games)

I'm in the same boat. It's just so much more gooder

I do like Valis 3 as well though.

EmperorIng · 06/19/2015, 07:46 PM

I only have Valis I and III, and am only close to beating III (Valis II is on the way). I have this sneaking suspicion that one of the series' hallmarks is spawning enemies right at ledges in order to knock you back into a cheap death. At least, this seems to be one of the defining features of Valis III!

I suspect I might like Valis I more, but it's too early to tell.

I watched some longplays of Valis II on the home computers - the story is delightfully dark and bleak (and the booming FM synths of the X68000 help with this atmosphere), though not so much that it is some random gore/sex fest. It's a shame that the game looks like it controls about as well as a three-legged horse in a Chuck-E-Cheese ballpit.

esteban · 06/19/2015, 08:51 PM

Quote from: EmperorIng on 06/19/2015, 07:46 PMI only have Valis I and III, and am only close to beating III (Valis II is on the way). I have this sneaking suspicion that one of the series' hallmarks is spawning enemies right at ledges in order to knock you back into a cheap death. At least, this seems to be one of the defining features of Valis III!

I suspect I might like Valis I more, but it's too early to tell.

I watched some longplays of Valis II on the home computers - the story is delightfully dark and bleak (and the booming FM synths of the X68000 help with this atmosphere), though not so much that it is some random gore/sex fest. It's a shame that the game looks like it controls about as well as a three-legged horse in a Chuck-E-Cheese ballpit.

Valis II has short, rather basic level design. I feel that, with minimal extra effort, additional stages (or, extended stages) with more creative platforming challenges would have elevated the game. I am not even asking for new graphics/themes...just simply more interesting/challenging moments.

I am in the minority, I think, but the PCE Red Book is fantastic in Valis II and really helps foster the perfect atmosphere for the game. I just wish some of the tracks were longer. BUT EVERY SONG KICKS MY ASS. Sadly, most people feel otherwise (they feel every tune sucks my arse).

Anyway, I'm not a fool, I know that Valis II is not a AAA title.

However, it falls into the category of "games you love"

CrackTiger · 06/19/2015, 09:17 PM

Valis II has s great soundtrack and the sound used perfectly compliments it.

Mathius · 06/19/2015, 10:40 PM

Quote from: guest on 06/19/2015, 09:17 PMValis II has s great soundtrack and the sound used perfectly compliments it.

Maybe I'll get Valis II just as a music CD. I don't really care for the gameplay from what I've seen.

Valis I has been on my to get list for ages. I'll get lucky one day.

I've played Valis III and IV on PCE (and III on MD too) and I think Valis III takes the cake. It just feels like the developers were "into it" more with III with its atmosphere, characters, and level design.

esteban · 06/20/2015, 12:27 AM

Quote from: Mathius on 06/19/2015, 10:40 PM
Quote from: guest on 06/19/2015, 09:17 PMValis II has s great soundtrack and the sound used perfectly compliments it.
Maybe I'll get Valis II just as a music CD. I don't really care for the gameplay from what I've seen.

Valis I has been on my to get list for ages. I'll get lucky one day.

I've played Valis III and IV on PCE (and III on MD too) and I think Valis III takes the cake. It just feels like the developers were "into it" more with III with its atmosphere, characters, and level design.

Listen to the soundtrack to see if it is your cup of tea.

But, I definitely think Valis II is worthy of a few play-throughs...I just wish it was more challenging.

ParanoiaDragon · 06/20/2015, 04:20 AM

Valis 2 was my first cd game BITD, so I'm a bit biased. Still, fantastic soundtrack whether you like the game or not. It's mainly the 3rd & 4th levels I find to be dull.

ShadowKitty777 · 06/22/2015, 05:52 AM

Between 1 and 4 on the PC Engine for me.

Gredler · 06/22/2015, 04:40 PM

For someone who's never played a game in the series, where do you think is the best place to start? Is the story laid out in a manner that lends itself to being played chronologically, in a understandable language, or is it best to play the fourth game first in a language I don't speak?

EmperorIng · 06/22/2015, 07:08 PM

The story doesn't matter. Valis II and III are in (really bad) English but you don't miss out, because each game is essentially "Yuko vs. Monster-of-the-Week."

I don't even know if chronologically even matters for a casual look at the series. Valis I was the penultimate game in the series and is leaps and bounds above Valis II in playability (and from my experience, Valis III as well).

I think that Valis III is not a bad place to start by being cheaper (The JPN release anyhow), though I think playing Valis I will get you the gist of the whole shebang.

esteban · 06/22/2015, 08:12 PM

Quote from: Gredler on 06/22/2015, 04:40 PMFor someone who's never played a game in the series, where do you think is the best place to start? Is the story laid out in a manner that lends itself to being played chronologically, in a understandable language, or is it best to play the fourth game first in a language I don't speak?

As EmoerorIng stated, it really doesn't matter where you start.

If you wanted to give the series a fair chance, I would say that Valis III is a stronger title than most of the others.

EmperorIng · 07/16/2015, 03:25 PM

So I just beat Valis I last night, rounding out the trilogy of PCE-CD Valis games.

I still think it's the strongest game in the series, but one facet of the series got old really quick: bosses are impossible to kill unless you are adequately powered up. If you die twice to Rogles at the end of the game, give up trying to beat the game; you aren't going to make it.

The damage sponging was pretty ridiculous, and slowly powering down your character as you die is ok except when it spawns you right at the boss with no opportunity to regain strength.

The series is a master of frustration; I'm not sure if I want to jump into Valis IV or not. This might be a series I like in concept more than I like in execution.

Spooky · 07/17/2015, 09:05 PM

Out of the ones I've played, I'd rank them as follows.

Valis 1 PCE (closest the series ever got to achieving greatness)
Valis 3 GEN (plays better and looks better than the PCE version. Some of the music sounds better, as well)
Valis 3 PCE
Valis 4 PCE (painfully average)
Valis 4 SNES
Valis 2 PCE (level design is as dull as it gets, and the bosses are a complete pushover)
Valis 2 MSX/X68K/PC-88 (unplayable. That PC-88 soundtrack is one for the ages, though)

esteban · 07/18/2015, 12:43 AM

Quote from: Spooky on 07/17/2015, 09:05 PMOut of the ones I've played, I'd rank them as follows.

Valis 1 PCE (closest the series ever got to achieving greatness)
Valis 3 GEN (plays better and looks better than the PCE version. Some of the music sounds better, as well)
Valis 3 PCE
Valis 4 PCE (painfully average)
Valis 4 SNES
Valis 2 PCE (level design is as dull as it gets, and the bosses are a complete pushover)
Valis 2 MSX/X68K/PC-88 (unplayable. That PC-88 soundtrack is one for the ages, though)

I would flip Genesis and TG-16 versions of Valis III (edge goes to OBEY).

Also, I have to replay Valis 1 (Genny & PCE)...but I don't think it is better than Valis III on TG-16.

Spooky · 07/18/2015, 02:27 AM

Genesis version of Valis III has fewer bullshit moments in it than the ob3y, IMO (I absolutely loathe those water stages in the TG-16...) That combined with the superior aesthetics and controls cinch it for me.

The main thing that cements Valis 1's place is that it's the least flawed of any Valis. It's just an all-around solidly designed game. Might be more of a 'respect' thing than anything else, though... admittedly, I do play Valis III a lot more often.

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Favorite Valis game?