Popful Mail Appreciation Thread!

[shawnji]

So I just finally got my copy of this the other day, and while I know most people prefer, or are more familiar with, the Mega CD version;  I love this version about 10 times more.

The cutscenes and character portraits, in particular, feel more true to the light-hearted tone than the wierdly serious-looking character designs in the Mega CD version.  I found the hijinxs so much more fun and amusing here because of the "Slayers-esque" art style.

The other thing I like, is that while the Mega CD version seems to move at a faster clip, you spend a lot more time whacking on the same enemy over and over again.  In comparison, the PCE version has moved along at pretty much a perfect clip for me.  The projectile attacks of Tatto and Gaw make Mail herself somewhat useless, but at the outset of the game, it's so much quicker to elimate enemies in comparison.

I don't know, I'm just way more pleased with this version than I was with the other.  There were a couple of bits that literally had me laughing out loud, which was rare in the other version just because the art didn't seem to match the tone.

Anyway, am I all alone on this, or do some of you guys feel the same?

[CrackTiger]

The Mega-CD version is very cool for what it is. Sega really un-Falcomed the crap out of it, but it is technically impressive outside of the poor color use and is fun to play through. The cinema art-style is also as un-Popful Mail as possible (like having Sunbow/Toei do a GI JOE-style version of the Smurfs), but the animation is amazing for the time. Also has a great Sega-CD chip-music soundtrack.

The Sega-CD version had much of the fun replaced with frustration by Working Designs. I had to skip the voice acting segments before I got the original version, because it is just so terrible.

The PC Engine version is an extremely polished port of the computer game. It's like Dragon Slayer IV without the trolling stage design and the way it is broken up into isolated areas works out great. The cinemas are very detailed with a nice variety of artwork, yet are extremely animated. Some of the CD bgms suffer from SNES-style "hurr-durr'ing" artifacts, but the compositions compliment the game.

I was disappointed to find that there is no MSX version, after I finally got an MSX2+ setup. I guess I'll only ever play the original through emulation. :/

[turboswimbz]

The cinema art-style is also as un-Popful Mail as possible (like having Sunbow/Toei do a GI JOE-style version of the Smurfs)\

THis is incredible accurate. . . although I never would have thought to describe it as such.  I've only ever plaed through the Mega CD version on real hardware.   I liked the game a lot, but after watching playthroughs the PC version I was a bit dissapointed, I'm hoping to find the PCE version one of thiese days to give that a try.

[PukeSter]

Is Popful Mail playable with a guide? I know Legend of Xanadu, another PCE Falcom game, is pretty text heavy.

[EmperorIng]

There are places you need to backtrack to meet previous characters. I'm roughly 3 hours in and had to consult a guide a few times, especially in the mountain area.

[shawnji]

Is Popful Mail playable with a guide? I know Legend of Xanadu, another PCE Falcom game, is pretty text heavy.

I'm actually debating making a FAQ, as it's fairly straightforward if you can read the text, but otherwise I can see people getting really lost.  I'm not sure if a guide for the Sega CD version works just as well or not.

[jtucci31]

Is Popful Mail playable with a guide? I know Legend of Xanadu, another PCE Falcom game, is pretty text heavy.

It's possible! Don't think otherwise!

I'm actually debating making a FAQ, as it's fairly straightforward if you can read the text, but otherwise I can see people getting really lost.  I'm not sure if a guide for the Sega CD version works just as well or not.

I thought Black Tiger already did a FAQ of this game awhile ago. Either way, I don't see this game being too difficult to play.

Have you been playing with the Arcade Card or just the 3.0 card? I can't remember what the upgrades were in the ACD version.

[shawnji]

I thought Black Tiger already did a FAQ of this game awhile ago. Either way, I don't see this game being too difficult to play.

Have you been playing with the Arcade Card or just the 3.0 card? I can't remember what the upgrades were in the ACD version.

Oh, well in that case, I won't worry about it.  Also, I just beat it a few minutes ago.   Man, does that last boss ever have a lot of forms / life bars!

I was playing with the Arcade Card, but I couldn't tell you what's changed, as I've never tried it without it.

[EmperorIng]

From what I've read, the Arcade Card only affects load times. I play without out it and don't notice anything egregious.

[turboswimbz]

I thought Black Tiger already did a FAQ of this game awhile ago. Either way, I don't see this game being too difficult to play.

Have you been playing with the Arcade Card or just the 3.0 card? I can't remember what the upgrades were in the ACD version.

Oh, well in that case, I won't worry about it.  Also, I just beat it a few minutes ago.   Man, does that last boss ever have a lot of forms / life bars!

I was playing with the Arcade Card, but I couldn't tell you what's changed, as I've never tried it without it.

Load times are suppose to be less / non exisitant.  I can't recall anyone ever saying that there was other diffrences... but BT or Xele would have a better idea than I would.  I hate these threads, now I'm going to be going out of my way to find the PCE version.

[shawnji]

I hate these threads, now I'm going to be going out of my way to find the PCE version.

Sorry, not sorry?

Seriously, I think it's worth it.  This is now definitely one of my favorites on the system.  It's interesting that Mail was included in the new Falcom DLC for Dead or Alive 5.  Gives me hope for a sequel!

[DragonmasterDan]

Since people have commented on both the Sega/Mega CD version and PCE version already I thought I'd put this disclaimer out there. The Super Famicom version is an excercise in frustration.

[geise]

Since people have commented on both the Sega/Mega CD version and PCE version already I thought I'd put this disclaimer out there. The Super Famicom version is an excercise in frustration.

It sure as hell is.  I love the Sega CD version but prefer the pc-e version since I like the gameplay a lot more.

[SamIAm]

Like a lot of other games on the system, Popful Mail on the PCE-CD is a dressed up older PC game with the core gameplay pretty much left alone. That's not necessarily always a bad thing, but it is the big difference between it and the Sega/MegaCD versions. There's a distinctive "generational" shift between the two in terms of gameplay. Though the PCE-CD version is quite playable and fun, the Mega/SegaCD versions are more enjoyably complex and stimulating IMHO. The original game is just too simple and same-y for its own good.

The Japanese MegaCD version is the best overall. The difficulty hasn't been "Working Designed" yet, so the enemies die quickly and you can take far more hits. The bosses are also waaaay more reasonable. It's a great kick-back-and-cruise kind of game.

The English SegaCD version turned out excellently in the translation department. The writing and the performances alike are great, particularly for the time. The characters are even a little bit more memorable than they are in the original Japanese. All in all, it's a fine example of localizing a "zany" anime/manga style.

If I had all the time and skills in the world, I would love to make a hack that combines the Japanese difficulty with the English translation.

The SNES version is not very fun. This is ironic, because it was made by Falcom themselves. It's only the second console game they ever made in-house...the first being Legend of Xanadu.

The PCE-CD version has beautiful portrait and cutscene art, no doubt about it. The bright colors are also nice. However, gameplay aside, what I really missed most from the MegaCD version when I played it was certain backgrounds. So many of the different sub-areas of the MegaCD versions have unique backgrounds while the PCE-CD version keeps recycling things. When you fight the boss of the second area of the MegaCD version, you can see this beautiful giant structure through a desert haze, and you realize that's where you're going next. I love moments like that in games. It's like that bridge in Darm tower in Ys, when you can look down on the town where you came from. But in the PCE-CD version, it's the same ol' background you've seen through the whole area. There's a lot of that kind of thing.

[TR0N]

Like a lot of other games on the system, Popful Mail on the PCE-CD is a dressed up older PC game with the core gameplay pretty much left alone. That's not necessarily always a bad thing, but it is the big difference between it and the Sega/MegaCD versions. There's a distinctive "generational" shift between the two in terms of gameplay. Though the PCE-CD version is quite playable and fun, the Mega/SegaCD versions are more enjoyably complex and stimulating IMHO. The original game is just too simple and same-y for its own good.

The Japanese MegaCD version is the best overall. The difficulty hasn't been "Working Designed" yet, so the enemies die quickly and you can take far more hits. The bosses are also waaaay more reasonable. It's a great kick-back-and-cruise kind of game.

The English SegaCD version turned out excellently in the translation department. The writing and the performances alike were great, particularly for the time. The characters are even a little bit more memorable than they are in the original Japanese. All in all, it's a fine example of localizing a "zany" anime/manga style.

If I had all the time and skills in the world, I would love to make a hack that combines the Japanese difficulty with the English translation.

The SNES version is not very fun. This is ironic, because it was made by Falcom themselves. It's only the second console game they ever made in-house...the first being Legend of Xanadu.

The PCE-CD version has beautiful portrait and cutscene art, no doubt about it. The bright colors are also nice. However, gameplay aside, what I really missed most from the MegaCD version when I played it was certain backgrounds. So many of the different sub-areas of the MegaCD versions have unique backgrounds while the PCE-CD version keeps recycling things. When you fight the boss of the second area of the MegaCD version, you can see this beautiful giant structure through a desert haze, and you realize that's where you're going next. I love moments like that in games. It's like that bridge in Darm tower in Ys, when you can look down on the town where you came from. But in the PCE-CD version, it's the same ol' background you've seen through the whole area. There's a lot of that kind of thing.

I 2nd that.

[ToyMachine78]

The one thing I don't like about the PCE port is how the screen is framed with those bright blue status boxes.  Seems like a lot of wasted space. I don't think it would bother me as much if they were filled black.

[geise]

Like a lot of other games on the system, Popful Mail on the PCE-CD is a dressed up older PC game with the core gameplay pretty much left alone.

Yeah I have it on my Lavie.  It's one reason I like it so much.  I love the pc88 version and I like how it's mostly the same game with upgrades.

[xcrement5x]

Xelement5x in 3... 2... 1...

See, if people post on the weekend I don't get to them until Monday when I'm back at work normally ;)

Thankfully, this saved me a lot of time since SamIAm basically said pretty much the same thing I did.

I cannot totally comment on the PCE one as I have not finished it but I did play for quite awhile.  Visually it's quite stunning, but the Sega/Mega CD version is still my favorite.  Like Sam said, the localization of it on the SegaCD is wonderful (to me at least) and all the tongue-in-cheek references make the game just so much more than another generic ARPG. 

However, like he said the difficulty bump in the US version makes it so much more grindy to play through, but that is Working Designs for you.  There are beta copies that were sent to press where the difficulty from the MegaCD is retained so it makes me think the difficulty increase was a later decision in the process, possibly to help lengthen the game. 

In general the PCE one seems to play quite well, but the humor and dialog in the SegaCD version still make me love it the most. 

Oh, and like other said yeah don't waste your money on the SFC version. 

[A Black Falcon]

I didn't realize the SNES game was so bad.  What's wrong with it?  I've only really played the SCD game... I know the SCD game is a remake of sorts of the original computer game that the PCECD game is a port of, while the SNES game is entirely different.  I guess being different and the only one of the three console Popful Mail games that was actually made by Falcom didn't help it any. Too bad.

But yes, the SCD game is fantastic, I like it a lot. I haven't played the TCD game, but I'm sure I'd enjoy it as well, though the ingame graphics look quite small compared to the SCD version and I don't like that huge border.

[TurboXray]

I didn't realize the SNES game was so bad.  What's wrong with it?  I've only really played the SCD game... I know the SCD game is a remake of sorts of the original computer game that the PCECD game is a port of, while the SNES game is entirely different.  I guess being different and the only one of the three console Popful Mail games that was actually made by Falcom didn't help it any. Too bad.

But yes, the SCD game is fantastic, I like it a lot. I haven't played the TD game, but I'm sure I'd enjoy it as well, though the ingame graphics look quite small compared to the SCD version and I don't like that huge border.

This is a PCE forum. SCD = SuperCD. SegaCD=SegaCD.

[NecroPhile]

This is a PCE forum. SCD = SuperCD. SegaCD=SegaCD.

I've consulted several internet authorities, and they all agree that the SuperCD isn't even a PC Engine, so I don't know what you're talking about.  Even if it were, the Sega CD came out first and thus gets priority in acronym nomenclature.

[xcrement5x]

This is a PCE forum. SCD = SuperCD. SegaCD=SegaCD.

I've consulted several internet authorities, and they all agree that the SuperCD isn't even a PC Engine, so I don't know what you're talking about.  Even if it were, the Sega CD came out first and thus gets priority in acronym nomenclature.

Heh, actually on many places I used to just do SCD to denote SegaCD but after learning that it could also represent SuperCD I started writing out both of them to avoid confusion.  Normally I just say PCE CD or the like though since at this point almost everyone has a Duo or a System card 3, so I just lump all PCE games into one even though I know they are technically different. 

It also doesn't help that Popful Mail is like a Super CD-ROMROM with Arcade CD support as well.  Confusing enough   

[NecroPhile]

Call it BFCD for brown feka cd.

[TurboXray]

Even in the 90's, I knew PCE CD games as CD, SCD, and ACD - because we needed to know the format (the acronym meant something more than just being an acronym). I didn't start seeing SCD meaning SegaCD until after ~2007 on Sega or multi-console forums.

 Yeah, I usually use PCECD unless I'm specifically making a reference to the format. Like, why are Zero Wing and Macross 2036 not SCD games. Blah..bla..bl..b

[CrackTiger]

Game mags bitd called Super CDs "SCD" and people online continued with SCD and ACD.

I didn't see people bothering to call Sega-CD games "SCD" until 10 - 15 years later.

[nectarsis]

Superb game...good balance...fun...and damn pretty.

[shawnji]

I can actually totally agree on the Working Designs localization.  In fact, that's the one thing that makes the Sega CD version tolerable for me.  The cast is very fitting, and a lot of the dialogue is way more colorful than the Japanese, which actually gets a little too serious for its own good towards the end.  I am generally a pretty big fan of loose adaptations over strict adherence to the Japanese if the source material needs that extra push to make it connect more with the intended audience.  As long as the original intent of the dialogue is there, I think that's the important part.

Somebody hit on it earlier, but it being "de-Falcom-ed" is a good way to sum up why I'm not as big a fan of the Sega version.  I still like the game, but it just doesn't feel...  right.  If I have to be honest, it's mostly that art style more than anything.  It's a complete turn-off and just makes it feel tonally uneven when something wacky happens. 

Also, I'm going to have to admit that the PCE version was the one I played first.  It wasn't until later that I found out the Sega CD version even existed.

Can someone refresh my memory as to whether you could aim your attacks up and down in Sega CD version?  That's another thing I'm fond of having in the PCE version.

[A Black Falcon]

Both animation styles look great.   I love Slayers, it's one of my favorite anime series, and I see what you mean about the TCD version looking more like that, but the SCD games' animation style looks pretty good too.

This is a PCE forum. SCD = SuperCD. SegaCD=SegaCD.

Heh... I guess they do have the same acronym, don't they.  But really, TCD or PCECD are the acronyms for the Turbo CD.  Sure, within the TCD system there are CD, SCD, and ACD formats, but those aren't the name of the platform, like SCD is for the Sega CD.  SCD is the only acronym I've ever seen used for the Sega CD; I'm not European or something, I won't call it the "Mega CD".

[esteban]

Both animation styles look great.   I love Slayers, it's one of my favorite anime series, and I see what you mean about the TCD version looking more like that, but the SCD games' animation style looks pretty good too.

This is a PCE forum. SCD = SuperCD. SegaCD=SegaCD.

Heh... I guess they do have the same acronym, don't they.  But really, TCD or PCECD are the acronyms for the Turbo CD.  Sure, within the TCD system there are CD, SCD, and ACD formats, but those aren't the name of the platform, like SCD is for the Sega CD.  SCD is the only acronym I've ever seen used for the Sega CD; I'm not European or something, I won't call it the "Mega CD".

There is no "turbo"...it was always part of something larger...

TurboCD = TCD = BULLSHITE

I think GameFAQs is responsible for creating this BULLSHITE. It never has, and never will represent reality.

TG-CD = TurboGrafx-CD
TG-16 = TurboGrafx-16

NEC/TTi were pretty consistent with the branding over the years...

Blame GameFAQs for TCD/TurboCD silliness (watch, I'll have to eat my words if some TTi catalog uses "TurboCD")

Damn!

[blueraven]

I used to have Popful Mail for the Sega CD, I spent hours with that one, and beat it several times. It was one of the best titles I had before I sold all of my Sega stuff. I think I sold my CDX and Popful Mail together and started my Turbo Collection for the second time.

I'm waiting for the right time to get a copy of this game... I assume the gameplay is significantly different between the ports, but nonetheless, this game is on my shortlist.

[A Black Falcon]

There is no "turbo"...it was always part of something larger...

TurboCD = TCD = BULLSHITE

I think GameFAQs is responsible for creating this BULLSHITE. It never has, and never will represent reality.

TG-CD = TurboGrafx-CD
TG-16 = TurboGrafx-16

NEC/TTi were pretty consistent with the branding over the years...

Blame GameFAQs for TCD/TurboCD silliness (watch, I'll have to eat my words if some TTi catalog uses "TurboCD")

Damn!

I don't know where "TCD" came from, so you could be right about this for all I know that it was a GameFAQs creation, but "Turbo" as a slang term for the system absolutely has always been popular.  It is even used occasionally in official magazines; I have one issue of TurboForce, the Gate of Thunder issue, and there are occasional uses of "Turbo" instead of the full "TurboGrafx".  It's very understandable that people would bring that over into the platform name as well.

Maybe it is worth noting, though, that IGN uses "TG-CD" as the system acronym on the few Turbo CD games they actually have listings for, instead of TCD, so major gaming sites don't all use that.  I like TCD because it's shorter. :p

[shawnji]

Just wanted to say that I popped this in again just a little while ago WITHOUT the Arcade Card and played through the ending.  While I know someone said the card just sped up load times and this is definitely just based on my somewhat fuzzy memory, I think the animation was slightly less stilted when playing with the card.  I think there were a few more frames in there or something.  Just thought it was worth noting.

[blueraven]

...so this thread...

I broke down and bought the game.

We'll see how it goes.

[shawnji]

...so this thread...

I broke down and bought the game.

We'll see how it goes.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and that you won't feel like you've wasted your money.  I know a lot of people will disagree with me, and it's not like there aren't a lot of areas where the game could definitely have been improved; but I just find it extremely charming and fun, which is all that really matters to me at the end of the day.

[blueraven]

Arrived today!

[xcrement5x]

Arrived today!

What a purdy lady!

[toktogul]

Yea those threads by shawnji are evil as hell!
I keep buying every single games you make an Appreciation tread about. You should have been a PR dude for the TG16 back in the days, people would have bought the shit out of the system. Can`t find it anywhere under 60$ online, other than the manual less version with a 10$ bid. What does this game usually go for and is the Arcade card that much of an upgrade?

[Digi.k]

Postman just popped this into my letter box and now staring at it after a short break.  Yes it's pretty and I am impressed with the presentation, menus etc.  I really gotten into the simplicity of FALCOM games and this certainly harks after Ys and Kaze no Desnsetsu Xanadu games.


Everything is just bright and cheerful and although I find the cut scenes a little too long they certainly are of quality.  Currently playing this on the super CD card but I am tempted to get the Arcade Pro in the new year.  I just hope the prices on that don't shoot up too much.

I can't help but wonder whether NEC ripped the character designs from here and placed them into Magicoal!

EDIT:

Just spent a few hours on this.  The wind cave level. once you get the sceptre that shoots 3 fire attacks with Tatto you can farm money really quickly!!

[Digi.k]

The projectile attacks of Tatto and Gaw make Mail herself somewhat useless, but at the outset of the game, it's so much quicker to elimate enemies in comparison.

Anyway, am I all alone on this, or do some of you guys feel the same?

You can buy wepons for Mail such as a boomerang that shoots out and returns, longer you hold the attack button down the further it travels.

Biggest gripe apart from the first stage the forest which has great layered scrolling.  The rest of the levels after should have also gotten the same treatment to add depth.  Music is fantastic.

[Digi.k]

*  sigh * 

This game keeps glitching on me and won't let me past the final cut scenes before the final boss fight....I keep getting a black blank screen and only voice sampling then nothing..... 

Happens right after this scene every time....

[jtucci31]

Damn that sucks Digi.K! I wonder if it's something with your PCE itself.

I've actually been slowly playing through this in my free time as well. I'm at about the end of the third area I think. I get stuck at weird places but usually it's because I'm not thinking straight (like when some guys are guarding your entrance to the next area and you need to pay them 5 gold bars). It's a great game so far and I've been enjoying it a lot.

After Desh so kindly gifted me a SegaCD, I'll definitely be playing the Sega version sometime soon, if only to compare.

[Digi.k]

was getting these problems and after several resets, switching controllers, changing system cards and cleaning the disc and the lens I was still getting the same problem and a few times it loaded with garbled graphics but I was able to continue into the game.  The final reset of the night and the game went back to normal and I was able to beat it..

https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=19816.msg445379#new

[EmperorIng]

So I've made it to the volcano stage, and I think I'm stuck. I talked to this fat dude in the middle of one of the volcano stages, and it seems like I've hit a roadblock where I'm supposed to probably travel back somewhere and talk to someone. Do you remember any backtracking you needed to do, Digi.K?

The backtracking aspect is probably the most annoying part of playing the game. I mean, I guess it's to be expected, but everything else is so straightforward.

[CrackTiger]

So I've made it to the volcano stage, and I think I'm stuck. I talked to this fat dude in the middle of one of the volcano stages, and it seems like I've hit a roadblock where I'm supposed to probably travel back somewhere and talk to someone. Do you remember any backtracking you needed to do, Digi.K?

The backtracking aspect is probably the most annoying part of playing the game. I mean, I guess it's to be expected, but everything else is so straightforward.

Are you playing the PCE version? If so, are you using this guide?

http://www.gamefaqs.com/turbocd/563722-popful-mail-magical-fantasy-adventure/faqs

[EmperorIng]

Are you playing the PCE version? If so, are you using this guide?

http://www.gamefaqs.com/turbocd/563722-popful-mail-magical-fantasy-adventure/faqs

Ah, sweet, I didn't know there was a FAQ. Thanks; I had been looking at a video-walkthrough on nico, which is tedious.

I imagine on the whole the game is pretty short, as per Falcom standards.

[Digi.k]

Are you playing the PCE version? If so, are you using this guide?

http://www.gamefaqs.com/turbocd/563722-popful-mail-magical-fantasy-adventure/faqs

Ah, sweet, I didn't know there was a FAQ. Thanks; I had been looking at a video-walkthrough on nico, which is tedious.

I imagine on the whole the game is pretty short, as per Falcom standards.

there are videos on youtube too.  Since this is an early game I can see where Square Enix got their "Final boss multiple fights" from...  Other great thing about this game is that you can revisit anywhere in the game.