Salamander/Life Force PCE homage

[Digi.k]

hehe since I'm currently on a Salamander/Konami high..

I just managed to complete this game.. ugghh definitely a game that you have to memorise things as well as testing the old noggin's reflexes!

nice konami artwork in the manual:
/salamander.jpg

well..., spent years passing this up mostly because I thought "this isn't arcade perfect" meant it wasn't any good and Konami had short changed PCE fans.. well how wrong was I.. its wonderful and I'm currently having a whirlwind romance with it ^__^

oringal PCE konami flier:
/konamiinfo.jpg

Honestly, when you get over that initial dissappointment let alone get pass stage one you will really enjoy this game! (and destroying Zelos the final boss is different from the arcade too although I may need to double check this on Mame).

hmm until the arrival of the life force/salamander packs on the Saturn/PSX..  unless you could find the sharp X68000 version (let alone afford it) the PCE was as close as you could get to arcade Salamander.  Although its not 100% arcade perfect Konami have given PCE fans their own unique conversion!

anyway the main point of this thread (and I don't know how long its gonna last) XD  is to inform of the amazing music Konami put into this game and the PCE version which they have given us our "special" renditions of the arcade theme tunes ^__^  

The PC Engine has a great sound chip.  If you got the right hook up's (and older seems to be better for these game systems) you should do it justice.
/IMG_0106.jpg

I don't know if I'm allowed to host these for very long but you can listen to the stonking PCE mp3 tracks I've ripped (with help from yame emu. and nero's wave editor) Since PCE Salamander doesn't have a sound test option.  I'm using the ROM file (UNLESS SOMEONE KNOW'S ANY SALAMANDER CHEAT CODES PLEASE TELL ME)!!  Konami have even added a couple of tracks not found on any over port.


PCE Salamander mp3's
intro attract:
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=2947350
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=8993589

stages 1~6:
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=1962667
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=4085258
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=2535329
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=9442697
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=6542037
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=5160858

boss~ending tunes:
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=5315591
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=6001477
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=8444653
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=9297691


And you can also listen to the original arcade music of the first 6 stages (with help from FoxM1).  

http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=4960435
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=6887750
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=8958255
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=7157609
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=7046761
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=4502502


I love the arcade original and I think the PCE version is just as amazing.
I might try and get the MSX SSC version if I can find out how to do it.

Good luck completing this game as the last boss requires different tactics from the arcade original!

[esteban]

All of Konami's PCE games were great, although some folks might not be fans of "Stinger" (the Japanese title escapes me at the moment, but I like the series as a whole, and the PCE installment is nice!).

Although I've spent most of my time playing PCE Gradius II, I've spent countless hours with Salamander and Parodius as well. They are all solid, and it's a shame that Konami didn't support the PCE sooner... or at least put out a few more games!
--------------

Anyway, we totally understand your love fest with Salamander and your desire to share some goodies with us -- thank you! Myself, I'm gonna grab the tunes later tonight when I'm on my other computer.

If you haven't already gotten them, I'd heartilly recommend Gradius II and Parodius. I also love Gradius, but I haven't spent as much time with the PCE version since I've over-played the NES decades ago and I still am "burnt out" on it. That said, I've run through the PCE Gradius a few times and it is nice.

Goddam, TwinBee! -- that's the title I couldn't remember -- I really like the PCE version (polished!), but I've only met a few shooter fans who don't get annoyed with the power-up system (bells!). TwinBee is an acquired taste, perhaps, but I love the fact that it requires a different strategy / style of play when compared to your typical shooter. Many folks who don't like TwinBee are too stubborn to give it a chance, I think.

[rolins]

I found Salamander much more enjoyable than Gradius 1 (Gradius II is better than both of them) mainly for its streamlined powerup system, but also the mixture of vertical shooting. It's been a while since I tackled the PCE port, but it was one heck of a ride reaching the end.

You must try Salamander for MSX. The game has additions not found in the any Salamander version. Extra weapon powerups, a secret stage (via Nemesis 2 cart), SCC music, and two different endings (good/bad). IMO, this Salamander game is the BEST of the family name. But I have to tell you, will get your arse kicked cause the game is merciless.

http://bifi.msxnet.org/msxnet/konami/salamander/

[Keranu]

Nice thread! I love Konami's PCE ports, they are all very well done (especially Twin Bee). I'll give the mp3s a listen that you uploaded because I remember loving the PCE tunes of Salamander as well, even more than the arcade and NES. I still have yet to play Gradius II on PCE, but it's a game I have been dying to play! I'll have to force myself to get it next month .

[Kaminari]

For info, the HES rips of Gradius, Salamander, Twin Bee and Parodius are available on my website (less than 300 kB).

[Digi.k]

I got some HES stuff from there ^__^

twin bee is alright.. its not my favourite mostly because I'm a graphics whore and while stages 3, 5 and 6 look almost arcade perfect, 1,2 and 4 coulda have a be more elbow grease put into them...and I wish there was an option to reduce the vol. of the sound effects as well but those are my only gripes. It would also have been nice if twin bee coulda been an 8Mbit HuCARD too!

Speaking of Parodius I love that! although most consider the Super Famicon as the best I know there are things absent in there that are present in the PCE version..

Current working out the special stage and my max score on that so far is:

1,388,300

I know that the following bosses appear when you score is around:

6,000,000 = pirate penguin
7,000,000 = american eagle
8,000,000 - ghost geisha

but I've never been able to get 9 mill or higher.. >_< anyone else gotten past that an can tell me what other bosses appear??

Reason why I wanna know is that on the Parodius HES file there are 3 tracks that don't appear in any of the stages ingame and I would love to find out what they belong to.

These are the mysterious music tracks hidden in the HuCARD they must belong to a boss or something O_o
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=7591111
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=7067749
http://www.savefile.com/files.php?fid=6261325

[Ninja Spirit]

Life Force NES sucks. Now that's official.

It's crazy how y'all desensitized me to a game I once loved during childhood,

[Keranu]

I love Life Force on NES, it's like my favorite version .

[esteban]

Life Force NES sucks. Now that's official.

It's crazy how y'all desensitized me to a game I once loved during childhood,

Man, you're too harsh! Life Force NES rules! What don't you like about it? One of the best shooters to appear on the NES!

[TR0N]

I love Life Force on NES, it's like my favorite version .

Even better if you try the, Famicom version.

That has mulitipul endings.

Blah typo on multi

[Ninja Spirit]

OK maybe I did sound harsh, forget that rash comment. Maybe I need to do some more homework on comparing the NES/Famicom and PCE versions.

I already know about the stage shuffle bit.

[Tatsujin]

twin bee was/is also great, even it's the weakest port from konamis shooterlineup compared to its original.
so the only game which i don't like is martial arts. great arcade like intro, but to cheesy in ingame!

[grahf]

I never really got into the Gradius series.. which one should i pick up first? or should i just play them in order?

I actually do own Gradius V on ps2.. I bought it on a recommendation, and I think its great so far. Ive only played the first 3 levels though, since i dont really have my ps2 hooked up right now.

[rolins]

The Gradius Deluxe pack on the Saturn and PS1 is good way to get started. They have Gradius I + II included, and these ports are about as close to the real thing.

If it was me, I rather be playing Gradius II on the PCE or Famicom. PCE version is quite close to arcade perfect, but with a better soundtrack. The FC port may not be on par with the PCE's graphics, but who cares, the gameplay is so damn fun. It's hard to choose which one I like most, but I choose the FC port cause I have a soft spot for Nes/FC.

There's also Nemesis 2 for the MSX. This one is very different as it has nothing to do with Gradius II Gofer. It has a different story plot, tons of new weapons, lots of hidden bonus stages, and an insane difficulty. I do not know what Konami employees were smoking when they developed Nemesis 2, Parodius, and Salamander for the MSX. They are hardest games I've ever played in my life, yet they're so addictive and fun.

[rolins]

someone delete this post

[esteban]

I never really got into the Gradius series.. which one should i pick up first? or should i just play them in order?

I actually do own Gradius V on ps2.. I bought it on a recommendation, and I think its great so far. Ive only played the first 3 levels though, since i dont really have my ps2 hooked up right now.

Rolins made great suggestions.

------Disclaimer: If you like 8-bit shooters, then proceed---------------
Gradius II on FC is really awesome and if you are a fan of 8-bit shooters, then you'll love it. It's a shame that it was never released in the States. We really missed out on it. The original Gradius (NES / FC) is still great, IMO, and so is the PCE version (though I like the NES version best).

Lifeforce (NES, I forget the Japanese name) is truly a wonderful game! It kicks ass. One of my favorite games of all time. It is tough, so if you aren't a hardcore shooter fan... well, you'll get frustrated because this game is more demanding than Gradius 1 (i.e. there are high-speed vertical segments that require precise maneuvering of your ship as you dodge environmental hazards and closing walls... towards the end of the game you have only a few pixels of leeway in certain parts!)

Gradius II PCE -- I love it. If you dig the PCE, you should check it out. Lots of folks say they are "underwhelmed" by this game, since some folks (like myself) praise it and hype it up all the time. Ahhhh, they're jaded shooter fans, don't listen to them. Gradius II PCE is a gem.

Salamander PCE -- If you thought the original Gradius needed a little bit more spice and eye-candy to keep you motivated, then try Salamander.

[Digi.k]

Salamander might give you high blood pressure and you might need some thing to calm the nerves!  

Seriously it is ridiculously hard at first but somehow its very rewarding..  but be prepared for many frustrating moments.

[grahf]

Thanks for the input guys.  Ive pretty much decided to pick up Gradius II and Salamander for the PCE, but im undecided about Gradius I. Is the NES version really that much better than the PCE? I would prefer to pick up the hucard copy since I would like to play it on my Turbo Express (region modded), but i will get the famicom copy instead if its much better.

[esteban]

Thanks for the input guys.  Ive pretty much decided to pick up Gradius II and Salamander for the PCE, but im undecided about Gradius I. Is the NES version really that much better than the PCE? I would prefer to pick up the hucard copy since I would like to play it on my Turbo Express (region modded), but i will get the famicom copy instead if its much better.

The HuCard version is great, its just that I spent my youth playing the NES version and thus am 100x more familiar with it. I've played throught the PCE version several times, over the years, but I haven't spent more than a few hours with it.

Most folks would probably say that:
PCE Gradius 1 > FC Gradius 1
PCE Gradius 2 > FC Gradius 2
becuase the PCE offers upgraded graphics, somewhat smoother gameplay, less egregious flickering / slowdown (note: the PCE versions have flickering and some slowdown, but if I recall correctly, these problems seemed less likely to impede gameplay on the PCE... I haven't done a proper comparison, though). As for soundtrack and sound, I love 'em both. Yes, the HuCard and CD Redbook kick butt, but I still feel that the chiptunes on the Famicom are classics (in the same way that Double Dragon NES tunes are the definitive soundtrack of the entire series, IMO). Most folks, of course, will say that the PCE offers much more refined tunes than the FC, so you can't go wrong with the PCE.

May I suggest you consider Parodius PCE HuCard? If you don't think the silly, cute stuff will grow stale for you, I think you'll really like it. Just something to think about . For example, if you can get Parodius really cheap, you might grab it before one of the others on your list.

Bottom line: you shouldn't hesitate to grab any and/or all of the Konami PCE HuCards. You can't go wrong with them.

[grahf]

Thanks, hucard it is. Well except for Gradius II, thats SCD only correct? I actually already planned on picking up Parodius. I've played Star Parodius, but i dont really like the vertical style shooters in general..It was decent though.

[Digi.k]

if you still undecided on gradius and salamander u can look at some of these vids..they were captured on a really cheap video capture card and some of the sprites go missing but its not a fault of the pc engine >__<

[grahf]

Thanks for the vids. Ive ordered gradius 1 and 2 for now, and will probably pick up salamander after i get some play time out of the first two.

[esteban]

Thanks for the vids. Ive ordered gradius 1 and 2 for now, and will probably pick up salamander after i get some play time out of the first two.

Smart move. Build a good foundation first, then explore the other games

[grahf]

Gradius has been kicking my ass! Even with the 30 life code. Everything is ok up until i hit the stage with the Easter Island heads. This is one game that needs a lot of memorization, as well as quick reflexes. A little frustrating, but rewarding enough to keep me playing it.

Gradius II i only played for a bit, since i wanted to give the first one attention first. Some nice graphic effects in some areas, while others could be a little better. Overall an impressive presentation. The difficulty modes give it a little variety.

Salamander and Parodius will be two of the next games i import.

[Digi.k]

if gradius is giving you a hard time then salamander will definitely make you screaaaaaammmm!!!!

that level with the maoi heads theres a hidden warp there..
old video showing just that:

Dunno if u wanna check out some of these older salamander videos too:

[grahf]

Hey, dont get me wrong. Its frustrating, but still great fun. I actually got all the way to the last stage (i think) last night at about 2am, but used my last life at that contraption that traps you with electric beams.

I love watching those videos. Although i fear that i may have to break my salamander hucard once i start playing

[Tatsujin]

i like the chinese characters konami used for that game: 沙羅曼蛇



there is no real sense in the translation for that name,  the closest may would be something like "a sand snake in latin language". but the pronunciation of those characters in combination is "saramanda" > salamander! so konami tried to create a kind of wordplay with it.

same for Contra: 魂斗羅 [kontora]. for which also doesn't exist a proper translation of it! may be "a dose of soul in latin language" would be fitting!

but those kind of names always reflects the creativity as well as innovation of konami as top notch game manufacter, from my feeling!