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==[[Blog:Bomber Raid (Master System)|Bomber Raid (Master System)]]==
 
==[[Blog:Bomber Raid (Master System)|Bomber Raid (Master System)]]==

Revision as of 20:55, 26 August 2011

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Blog:Happy 5th Anniversary!

CRV 15:53, 26 August 2011 (CDT) [permalink] [comments]

Five years ago today, GDRI, with some space from SMS Power, officially went online.

It's been fun digging into the world of contract developers and video game history in general. There have been a lot of surprises, and I hope there are more (good) surprises to come.

  • Thanks to Dimitri, Idrougge, and all the other contributors over the years that have made this site what it is.
  • Thanks to Bock and Maxim of SMS Power for their support.
  • Thanks to RevQuixo for the e-mail address.
  • Thanks to all the interviewees that have shared their stories and helpful information.

As a special gift, here's an interview with Tsunetomo Sugawara of Hertz (Psycho World, Out Run 2019, Vay). Please enjoy. (It only took over two years to post the rest!)


Bomber Raid (Master System)

CRV 15:19, 26 August 2011 (CDT) [permalink] [comments]

Bomber Raid

From the back of the box: "Who has Mach-6 speed, helabad weapons, and a love for wastin' dweebs in tanks? You do."

In the shooter Bomber Raid (the last Mark III/Master System game released in Japan), you fly a biplane with not much firepower to fight off the nameless enemy. Good thing there's powerups along the way that boost your shot, speed up your plane, and add squadron planes. If you can survive long enough, you'll be shooting out firebirds that cut through enemy bullets. "Helabad" indeed.

Though it might not be as good as Compile's offerings, Master System shooting fans should take a look.


Development. While it looks a lot like Capcom's 1943, Bomber Raid actually started out as a conversion of the Sega coin-op Sonic Boom, according to someone who worked on the game. Former Activision producer Tom Sloper recalled working with Sega R&D2 when localizing the game for a Stateside release, but development was actually handled by frequent Sega contractor Sanritsu (Bank Panic [AC], Appoooh [AC]).


Hidden title screen. To see a title screen featuring a working game title, hold down+left on controller one and up+right+1+2 on controller two on startup, or use Pro Action Replay code 00C116FF. Is it better than the final version? You be the judge.

Post updated April 20, 2019

Shinobi Powered

CRV 08:45, 31 July 2011 (CDT) [permalink] [comments]

Sure, seeing Shinobi Legions and Shinobi X boxes in the Tose Corporate Guide 2001 confirms Tose's involvement with the Sega Saturn Shinobi game, but more evidence don't hurt none - especially since there are no game staff credits, just the cutscene cast and crew (which could also be evidence). Presenting shared fonts...

Shin Shinobi Den (新・忍伝)/Shinobi Legions/Shinobi X (Saturn)

Shinobi
Source

Ultraman Powered (3DO fighting game developed by Tose)

Ultraman Powered
Source: Video below

Note the other visual similarities between the two, most obviously the use of digitized graphics. Is it possible that Ultraman Powered, released first, laid the foundation for Saturn Shinobi? You be the judge.

(And in case you missed it, please read GDRI's interview with Daniel Auld, who worked on Ultraman Powered at Tose.)


Qix (Game Boy)

CRV 08:48, 13 July 2011 (CDT) [permalink] [comments]

Qix (Game Boy) front cover

Your objective is to draw lines called Stix to claim as much of the playfield as possible. Just watch out for the Sparx, the Fuse, and the titular, unpredictable Qix (pronounced "kicks").

Did you know the original arcade version of Qix was developed in America, designed by husband and wife Randy and Sandy Pfeiffer? Mr. Pfeiffer might even acknowledge it was his if you ask nicely. (Please don't bother him.)

Numerous sequels, updates, ports, and clones have followed. And now, the Game Boy version is available through the 3DS Virtual Console.

First released in 1990, Game Boy Qix is a straightforward conversion of the original. There is, however, the added possibility of seeing Mario in a sombrero or working as a matador after beating the 1-player game, depending on your score.

Thanks to US copyright records, we now know that Minakuchi Engineering was responsible for Game Boy Qix. The Canadian copyright record even lists people who worked on it who would have otherwise gone uncredited. Among them is composer Toru Osada, who also worked on the shooter Solar Striker. (Don't bother him, either.)


Commercial featuring a young Brian Austin Green


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