Radiant Silvergun on XBLA...September 14...1200 points

[heybtbm]

Reading this story just kills me. Hey, Treasure...there's money to be made! Ikaruga sold well. Let's go here.

http://kotaku.com/5123481/microsoft-wants-radiant-silvergun-for-xbla

[Pantechnicon]

I'd buy that for a dollar (or 500 points...or whatever....I'm still sort of new to XBLA)

[Kid Ice]

Sounds once again like a bunch of bs from Treasure. Old arcade games are updated for HD all the time. Come on.

I really miss RS...I traded mine a couple years ago thinking it would re-emerge on XBLA or some compilation by now.

[otaku]

maybe its aged but there are enough gamers out there who enjoy playing older games who'd buy it. Tons in fact since a saturn copy will run you 200 they could charge a fair amount and still sell well especially with the ground work laid by ikaruga.

[roushimsx]

I don't care for the game as much as I used to. Ikaruga really spoiled me, but the saturn mode in Raidant Silvergun was so super awesome. Leveling up weapons to insane levels and plowing through was such a blast.

Arcade mode was pretty unfun...too much focus on juggling too many different color combos and secret combos. Ikaruga boiled it down to the best bits and trimmed out all of that extra fat.

Regardless, whatever this comes out on, I'll buy it (well ok, as long as it's not the Wii). Gotta support those US shmup releases and all.

[The 1 2 P]

From the way the dude was talking I'd say that they are thinking more along the lines of a full re-release. Theres probably more money to be made that way. But regardless of if it's on XBLA or if it gets another retail release, I'm buying it.

[CosmicMonkey]

Certain games remain timeless, and RS is certainly one of those. It may need a slight graphical overhaul to keep with the times, but that's not a a bad thing. Bring it on.

[DKTheArcadeRat]

Treasure Collection for 360 anyone? RS, Ikaruga, and the still in development original shooter for 360? (I see no major problem with dreaming)

[Kid Ice]

I thought the 360 shooter was officially canned.

[skaar]

The problem with re-releasing a lot of older games on XBLA/etc. is lots of times the companies no longer even have the source or a lot of the development assets around. For emulated stuff this is less of a problem... but if you're trying to update or port something and you don't have anything other than a few retail copies kicking around... that can be a problem. I know quite a few publishers in that pickle right now.

[Captain Wrong]

I don't care for the game as much as I used to. Ikaruga really spoiled me, but the saturn mode in Raidant Silvergun was so super awesome. Leveling up weapons to insane levels and plowing through was such a blast.

Arcade mode was pretty unfun...too much focus on juggling too many different color combos and secret combos. Ikaruga boiled it down to the best bits and trimmed out all of that extra fat.

Regardless, whatever this comes out on, I'll buy it (well ok, as long as it's not the Wii). Gotta support those US shmup releases and all.

Sorry for a tangent, but you just gave me a huge epiphany with this comment. I own the ST-V cart of this and that's the only way I've ever played it. Needless to say, no Saturn mode there. In fact, I'd never heard of such a thing until now. Man, if that took away most of the "oh shit, which button combo do I need to defeat this enemy" stuff, I think I'd enjoy RS a whole lot more. So yeah, sign me up for this on XBLA because now I'm curious.

(Of course, I'd still rather see some Toplan or Raising on XBLA, but that's never gonna happen.)

[ProgrammingAce]

Saturn mode is what makes this game.

[demen999]

I will definetly check this out if it comes out. This series rocks bigtime.

[roushimsx]

I own the ST-V cart of this and that's the only way I've ever played it.

For me, it was in reverse and incredibly jarring. I borrowed my friend's copy of the game for a while and had a blast learning the levels while leveling up my weapons over a period of time. A while after giving it back, I stumbled on it at a local arcade and decided to hit it up for fun. Totally not as much fun starting over from scratch every single time (well, unless you're hard up for memorizing all of the combos and such). :(

You really do need to see if you can find a way to experience the Saturn mode, even if only through emulation. It's quite sextacular and like Ace said, it's what makes the game.

[ssjlance]

I think I would buy a 360 if they released this on XBLA. I mean, seriously, there's a market for it.

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

I guess I haven't spent enough time playing it. I picked up a copy a little while back for a steal. (Picked up a Saturn package that had RS, Shining Force III(US), and Guardian Heroes(US) and some other stuff for $150.) I tried it, but kept getting my rear end handed to me in short order so I kind of gave up on it and was thinking of possibly trading/selling it to concentrate on my US Saturn collection. I guess I just need to learn more about how to play it.

JY

[savageone]

I'd rather see Gradius 6 which was announced for the 360 before it even came out and has apparently been quietly canceled since then. :(

[eskobar]

I thought i would never buy an xbox but if they get RS on XBLA, the temptation is stronger than ever :S

[Iron Draggon]

what they meant to say is "we're not sure we want to piss off every person who has a factory sealed copy of the Saturn version for sale, by creating the potential for prices of that version to come back down to reality, and fall into accordance with how common it actually is, even in factory sealed condition"

[rbudrick]

what they meant to say is "we're not sure we want to piss off every person who has a factory sealed copy of the Saturn version for sale, by creating the potential for prices of that version to come back down to reality, and fall into accordance with how common it actually is, even in factory sealed condition"

Well D, I don't think that's a good train of thought to make business decisions by.

Hmmmm, huge profit or make angry about a thousand people who are going to buy it anyway to not have to unseal their copies?

-Rob

[heybtbm]

Achievement list...

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/game/radiant-silvergun/achievements/

It's getting closer!

[The 1 2 P]

I also had a thread on this along with Fire Pro Wrestling on XBLA last year but I think it got deleted during the DP outage. Anyway, I'm getting this but I wonder if it will be priced at $10 or $15.

[RCM]

I also had a thread on this along with Fire Pro Wrestling on XBLA last year but I think it got deleted the DP outage. Anyway, I'm getting this but I wonder if it will be priced at $10 or $15.

$15, I believe. Worth it if you don't own it on Saturn. Hell, it's a good price even if you do!

[maxlords]

This will be a must-buy for me...especially if it has Saturn mode (which I didn't actually know about)

[Graham Mitchell]

Yay! I've hesitated buying a saturn copy because of the rumors of the game coming to xbla. Glad to hear it's a reality. Theres $150 saved.

[heybtbm]

Updated the title. Radiant Silvergun, September 14, 1200 ms points.

Very excited to play this.

[Oobgarm]

Super excited to play again since I sold my original copy to maxlords years ago.

[The 1 2 P]

And I bet the Japanese still won't get it because it's on the 360. Oh well, their lost is our gain. There was no way I was ever going to spend $120-200 to get a physical copy so I'm snagging this for sure.

[maxlords]

Super excited to play again since I sold my original copy to maxlords years ago.

Fraid not! :) I've never owned a Radiant Silvergun...one of the few shmups I've never owned actually!

I'm looking forward to giving it a go myself...

[johno590]

I think this is a definite purchase for me, always wanted to play this game, but like many others didn't want to fork over the cash.

[miaandjohnrule]

Only a few more weeks to go, I can't wait!

[norkusa]

Never played the original. This will still be a day-1 purchase for me though after all the hype I've heard about it.

[Sailorneorune]

Happy for everyone who gets to play this game without spending $120+ on the Saturn version. Would love to see it on the PSN someday.

[The 1 2 P]

Would love to see it on the PSN someday.

The 360 is the definitive home for 2D bullet hell shooters. I heard that this was due to some fallout over last gen where Sony didn't want to publish certain 2D games such as shooters on their system. I don't know if thats true but I would think that even if it was they would have changed their policy in order to appease their customers that love 2D shooters, especially for the PS3 consumers. But as it stands now, this will be another 360 XBLA bullet hell shooter exclusive.

[Sailorneorune]

Well, dang. *adds this to list of things Sony needs to be kneecapped for*

Maybe I can convince my cousin to get it next time she gets XBLA points. I can see her trying to play it: "Oh, this game looks fun, HOLYCRAP what are all these things trying to kill me, and oh no, I've gone crosseyed."

[Oobgarm]

Today is the day. Anyone else stashed points for it?

[Graham Mitchell]

Today is the day. Anyone else stashed points for it?

Yes!! Time to drag out my x-arcade stick!

I've put off buying the jp saturn version for over a year because of this. I hope it doesn't disappoint.

[Tempest]

Is it translated or just the straight Japanese version of the game?

[jeffg]

it is translated into english and graphics smoothed up into HD. has story mode and arcade mode.

[Dire 51]

Today is the day. Anyone else stashed points for it?
I've been holding onto a points card for almost a year in anticipation of today. I have the Saturn version, but I had to get this for the translation and that "secret Ikaruga shooting mode," whatever that is.

Nice to see it finally get a wide release, that's for sure.

[gepeto]

I can't seem to connect to live. The system must be down from people buying it. LOL

[Kid Ice]

I've predicted a major disappointment for some time (the youtube trailers look awful), but after spending an hour or so playing it this morning I'm very impressed.

They did a great job with the graphics... by that I don't mean the graphics *are* great, I mean they somehow made it look like the Saturn version and updated it to HD at the same time. Sometimes when a late 90s-era game is done in HD, it comes out looking kind of sterile (see Raystorm and Rez). RS has a little grit and detail that makes it look like an old shooter, but not in a bad way.

Sound/music is phenomenal as always.

Gameplay is about the same. Feels a touch slower to me, which is not entirely unwelcome since it makes the game a little easier. Also, at the beginning of the game it seems like the weapons are powered up better than they are in the original. All this could just be me, I haven't played the Saturn game in a year or so.

[MarioMania]

Did Japan get this too??

and is it going on the PS3??

[Bojay1997]

Did Japan get this too??

and is it going on the PS3??

A PS3 release is unlikely. Almost every SHMUP this generation has been 360 exclusive.

[Gamevet]

I had just enough MS points to download the game this evening. I'm somewhat impressed with the presentation and the HD upgrade, but the game seems a little off from what I've played through emulation.






Gameplay is about the same. Feels a touch slower to me, which is not entirely unwelcome since it makes the game a little easier. Also, at the beginning of the game it seems like the weapons are powered up better than they are in the original. All this could just be me, I haven't played the Saturn game in a year or so.

I've never played the Saturn version, but I have played the STV version through emulation. Even on my crusty old laptop, the game felt a little faster. I never did get around to playing it on the better PC hardware I have at the house though, but the emulated version had choppy music and was never properly converted.

[Leo_A]

...the game seems a little off from what I've played through emulation. I've never played the Saturn version, but I have played the STV version through emulation. Even on my crusty old laptop, the game felt a little faster.

This XBLA game is a port of the Saturn version. That quite possibly is why it seems slightly different to you than the arcade version you've played via emulation.

[G-Boobie]

I've never played Radiant Silvergun, even though I've (briefly) owned it. I've beaten Ikaruga before, I've beaten most of the recent Cave shooters without much trouble, but GOOD LORD this game is hard. It took me an hour to get through the first stage without a continue on arcade mode. I finally switched to story mode, because even if I'm getting wrecked every five minutes at least I'm still leveling up my weapons. Eventually I'll be able to (in theory) bully my way through it if I can't get the games rhythm down.

Don't get me wrong: I'm enjoying it very much. :)

[klausien]

I think this is a beautiful package. I still get goosebumps from the soundtrack. The HD upgrade is very cool and faithful to the original. I also love that the game will finally enjoy the wide distribution it deserved in the first place, but I don't love that there are no continues in Story mode. Hopefully they eventually unlock. I've read that you earn extra lives over time, and continues in the Arcade mode, but I do wish there were at least a couple continues in Story mode off the bat. Oh well. Makes me glad I kept my original copy.

[Gamevet]

This XBLA game is a port of the Saturn version. That quite possibly is why it seems slightly different to you than the arcade version you've played via emulation.

The arcade board, ST-V, is Saturn hardware. The Saturn version has the arcade mode, plus story mode.

[Lanzo]

Very fun game but ya, it's pretty hard. I can't even keep track of all the weapons and I suck with that sword thing. All I can do is spin my joystick in circles and hope I live. Kind of confused about level order though. U start on level 3?

[G-Boobie]

Very fun game but ya, it's pretty hard. I can't even keep track of all the weapons and I suck with that sword thing. All I can do is spin my joystick in circles and hope I live. Kind of confused about level order though. U start on level 3?

Yeah, the game Tarrantino's the story. Which is surprisingly good, actually, especially for a shmup.

[gepeto]

I would have never thought raidiant would appear as a download. Now how about dragon force or shining force 3 and toss in unreal tournament. LOL

[The 1 2 P]

I finally got around to playing the demo version last night. As others have already said, this shit is hard. I know I'm a bit rusty with my bullet hell shooters but I barely managed to beat the first boss with only one life left my first time thru. The controls are another thing. They aren't bad, they're just something I'm going to have to get better acquainted with before I start to improve my currently lousy skill set.

[Kid Ice]

A few tips:

Leave the game on when you're not playing. There is a master clock that will reward you (I believe with continues).

Kill only the red enemies in the first level (3A or whatever). You can mostly use the sword, but try to save the radiant sword for the end of the level when you are surrounded by the big red ships. After that you can easily kill the first boss with the radiant sword, it fires tons of pink bullets. After that kill the remaining red ships with the sword. You should have 100K + points by now.

When the second boss comes in, position yourself so the sword is sticking in its beak. This will quickly drain its energy. There are a couple other bosses this works on too (the elevator boss comes to mind).

The boss that shoots fire while you hide behind pillars (4th boss?) can easily be killed by the lightning weapon. Just lock onto it at the beginning and don't let go. Don't worry about colliding with it, only the head (or the fire) can kill you.

Use the homing weapon as much as possible, it uncovers the bonus doggies which usually yield 10,000 points.

Study the demo mode.

[GameNinja]

oooooo this is a definite download when I get back to my 360!

[fahlim003]

A few tips:

Leave the game on when you're not playing. There is a master clock that will reward you (I believe with continues).
If you enjoy the game enough, you'll probably end up playing long enough to get these "rewards". I suspect if anything it's similar to what you get in the Saturn game (single stage practice, display hit-boxes, etc..) which is nice but not necessary.

The best advice I can provide in having spent a few years playing this on Saturn is try and learn from your own experience as best you can. When I began playing I had no clue and after some time I learned about the coloured chaining. The benefit here is that if you can learn the game through survival first and then scoring (chaining) it is ultimately a path with greater enjoyment and reward. It's pretty easy to watch a replay or read a guide and simply try to memorize or duplicate what someone else does, in theory, but if your muscle memory and general familiarity with the game is poor it's going to be a long hard road, and potentially one you wouldn't have enjoyed anyway.

This game is not for everyone, but if you take a simple approach geared at enjoying the game first you'll find the ride will last a lot longer.

As for the 360 game - it looks great (from the Trial) as my friend showed me. No real significant changes pardon slow-down omission although I've yet to see if this has a greater impact in some of the more hectic parts of the game. I did not dabble much in the controls department but it looks like you cannot assign each weapon/weapon combination to a single button, but rather to button combinations. I realize in the arcade there were 3 buttons (A,B,&C) which required combinations and that the Sega Saturn pad really compliments the use of the extra 5 buttons (X,Y,Z,&L/R) to utilize the full weapon capacity so I wonder why 360 did not have this as default. No matter, it looks like a solid buy for anyone without a Saturn or S-TV setup.

[Tempest]

A few tips:

Leave the game on when you're not playing. There is a master clock that will reward you (I believe with continues).

Does that actually work? Can you pause it and have this work or does it have to be running at the title screen? I know this little trick doesn't work with the GC version of Ikaruga which has the same sort of 'reward' system.

The story mode is really hard since you don't get continues. How many extra lives can you stock up using this method? Does it ever go to infinite like Arcade mode does with continues?

Oh and if I choose to go to Level 2 instead of 4, do I ever get back to level 4 or do I have to play it over again?


Tempest

[fahlim003]

The story mode is really hard since you don't get continues. How many extra lives can you stock up using this method? Does it ever go to infinite like Arcade mode does with continues?

Oh and if I choose to go to Level 2 instead of 4, do I ever get back to level 4 or do I have to play it over again?


Tempest
Free play is also a potential candidate for unlocking as it was available on the Saturn game as well.

As for Stage 4 or Stage 2, if you choose one that's it for the run. It's one or the other. I would argue 2 is the easier route if you're so inclined.

[Kid Ice]

I I did not dabble much in the controls department but it looks like you cannot assign each weapon/weapon combination to a single button, but rather to button combinations. I realize in the arcade there were 3 buttons (A,B,&C) which required combinations and that the Sega Saturn pad really compliments the use of the extra 5 buttons (X,Y,Z,&L/R) to utilize the full weapon capacity so I wonder why 360 did not have this as default.

Each weapon is assigned to a different button by default, but the combinations still work too.


Does that actually work? Can you pause it and have this work or does it have to be running at the title screen? I know this little trick doesn't work with the GC version of Ikaruga which has the same sort of 'reward' system.

The master clock runs while the game is in attract mode, but I don't know yet what bonuses are acquired with this. The game also keeps track of play time in arcade and story modes. I don't remember if the separate clocks were in the Saturn version. I clearly remember trying to get the master clock in the Saturn version up to 100h, but I don't remember why. By the end of the weekend I should have a better idea of what unlocks what, and I'll dig into the Saturn version too.

[Tempest]

Ok I did a little testing last night. To get lives you actually have to be in the game itself, letting it run at the intro/demo doesn't do anything. You can however pause the game and let it sit there and it will work. I don't know if you get lives/credits for the other mode or just the one you're in, I'll have to check.

Tempest

[Oobgarm]

I noticed I got a couple credits extra after letting it sit. Was in the stat menu. Just over 10 hours total.

[pseudonym]

That's pretty cool. I didn't know about the credit bonuses (it will help because I'm terrible at this game, haha).

[Tempest]

That's pretty cool. I didn't know about the credit bonuses (it will help because I'm terrible at this game, haha).
You and me both. Even with 40 lives (10 lives per credit + 3 credits) in arcade mode I couldn't beat it. Some levels seem to exist only to suck up your lives (like the third level with the little narrow passages and guns)

Tempest

[ubersaurus]

Good lord, I'm bad at this game.

[Kid Ice]

You and me both. Even with 40 lives (10 lives per credit + 3 credits) in arcade mode I couldn't beat it. Some levels seem to exist only to suck up your lives (like the third level with the little narrow passages and guns)

Tempest

I know just the part you're talking about. I use the bubble (spread?) weapon throughout and time it so I use the radiant sword on that really tough middle section where the guns fire lasers (instead of pink bullets).The bubble weapon works well on that ship that blocks the end of the tunnel too (the one that fires the straight laser).

[Tempest]

Ok looks like you only get credits/lives in the mode you're currently playing. So you'll have to sit and wait in the arcade mode for credits and in the story mode for lives.

[SpaceFlea]

Reading through this makes me feel all sorts of weird inside. It's like finding a place where everyone just played Super Mario Bros. for the first time.

I remember playing this game for the first time back in 2003. It was the first game on which I ever spent over $100. I recall how difficult I thought it was on the easiest setting. So I decided to screw pussyfooting around and just crank it up to the most difficult setting. Ever since that day I've not played a single game on anything less than its most difficult setting available. It makes me all fuzzy inside when anyone mentions how difficult the game is.

[Lanzo]

Finally got to level 2B in story mode! On very easy. I still trying to figure out the chain combo thing. Can someone tell me how high the weapons level ups go. My volcan is at 15, am I close?

[Tempest]

Finally got to level 2B in story mode! On very easy. I still trying to figure out the chain combo thing. Can someone tell me how high the weapons level ups go. My volcan is at 15, am I close?
They go to level 33.

[The 1 2 P]

For anyone interested that hasn't picked this up yet it is now one of the deals of the week for 50% off, so 600 Microsoft points instead of the usual 1200. Not bad for one of the Saturns most desired games.

[norkusa]

Yeah, I bought a new points card today just so I could get this @ 600. Almost bought it on release day but I'm glad I held out. Will probably pick up Bangai-O for 400pts too.

[VACRMH]

Really want to jump on that sale but my live ran out and I don't have much of a reason to renew.

Anyone have a month they don't need? I think I have some promo cards for dance central and fable 3 somewhere if you'd want them.

[otaku]

wish I had a 360 right about now I miss my copy I had for the saturn. and what a deal! next time I have a 360 this will be downloaded

[The 1 2 P]

I just downloaded mine last night. I was watching a Saturn copy on ebay that was at $10 when the sale started but two days later it was up to $63. And this XBLA version has bonus extras that the Saturn version doesn't so for $7.50 it's really hard to pass this deal up.