Data East Arcade Classics on Wii

[Damaramu]

A bit of a news roundup from the ESRB today. First off, the ratings board revealed a collection of Data East arcade games for Wii, called Data East Arcade Classics, containing Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja (!), Burger Time, Caveman Ninja, Street Slam, Secret Agent, Magical Drop III, and more, published by Majesco. It would appear that Data East (or G-mode, the company that holds the rights to Data East's games) doesn't feel like charging 8 bucks for each game on the Virtual Console Arcade.

Other surprises include Crash 'N The Boyz: Street Challenge (which was known as Crash 'N The Boys: Street Challenge on the NES), the Kunio (River City Ransom) sports game, and Tomena Sanner, the intriguingly quirky-looking one-button WiiWare running game from Konami!
SOURCE (http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/esrb-reveals-data-east-arcade-collection-on-wii-and-more/)

[Damaramu]

BTW, ESRB's Rating Summary:


This is a collection of classic arcade games covering several genres. Games include Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja, Burger Time, Caveman Ninja, Street Slam, Secret Agent, and many others. Some games involve side-scrolling fighting action against dozens of enemy thugs, ninjas, and creatures. Characters occasionally use knives, guns, throwing stars, or grenades in the 2D-style combat. A few games depict brief splashes of blood when enemies get hit; one game depicts a shark that emits red blood when it gets harpooned. The suggestive material represents the strongest pertinent content in the game: A puzzle game called Magical Drop III depicts female characters wearing provocative outfits that expose underwear and deep cleavage. When players score points or make successful combos, the background figures cheer or move in ways that cause their breasts to jiggle.

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/6426/worldj.gif

[Nature Boy]

I *love* the ESRB for this stuff. I can't even remember how many games I've heard about 'before I was supposed to' because the ESRB has rated it.

Just *love* it!

[Leo_A]

I've been hoping this would happen since arcade compilations started to be released in the mid 1990s.

Hope Bump 'n' Jump and Lock 'n' Chase are on there.

[Nes]

Gotta love the jiggling breasts.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Cool.

Glad to see another classics collection in the mix. I hope that it sees release on systems other than the Wii.

Still patiently waiting for a classics collection that feature all of the Mr. Do games ... Namco had distribution rights for a bit, wonder if they still do.

[BetaWolf47]

Cool, how about some of their fighting games? I rather enjoy Dark Legend!

[The 1 2 P]

Despite tons of shovelware, the Wii certainly gets lots of good compilations/collections(Snk Classic, Metal Slug Anthology, King of Fighters collection, etc). I know that the PS2 also received those collections but the Wii is the only current gen system to have received them, which is kind of surprising.

[Kid Ice]

Would love Speed Buggy/Buggy Boy finally. And a proper Kung Fu Master.

[TheDomesticInstitution]

Cool, I love these compilations. I have just about all the classic arcade compilations for the xbox, and play them quite a bit. Since I have a Wii this would be a no brainer, provided you can use a Wavebird.

[Ze_ro]

I really hope Tattoo Assassins makes it into this compilation.

--Zero

[Tron 2.0]

I all ways thought g-mode should lincense out dataeast libary of games for a collection.I'm glad it's finally happening i guess they saw $$ in it ;) Though i'm sure the sony&ms fanboys will rant and complain why it isn't on there console :rolleyes:

[Icarus Moonsight]

Which Kunio sports game? As if there is only one! Bahhh! :p I hope it's something interesting like Hockey (!!!) or Basketball... not just and arcade version of soccer or dodgeball. Got those last two for the NES already.

Looking forward to another compilation. MOAR! plz? LOL

[maxlords]

Heh..I'd definitely buy a Data East collection. I hope Karnov is on there along with Dark Seal!

[GrandAmChandler]

Bad Dudes
Bloody Wolf
Kid Niki
Joe & Mac / Caveman Ninja

or GTFO.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Dark Seal!

Yes! I forgot that was a Data East game... damn.

[PapaStu]

They make arcade sticks for the Wii right? Dear lord i'll never see the tv again, once this comes out... all I'll see is Magical Drop III.

[Damaramu]

I would really like to see Heavy Barrel on this one.

[Leo_A]

Would love Speed Buggy/Buggy Boy finally. And a proper Kung Fu Master.

I'm pretty sure Buggy Boy is a Tatsumi game (The developers that did TX-1), I think Data East just distributed it in the North American marketplace.

[Kid Ice]

I'm pretty sure Buggy Boy is a Tatsumi game (The developers that did TX-1), I think Data East just distributed it in the North American marketplace.

Beat...oh well, you never know.

[DigitalSpace]

This. Is. Awesome.

[Bloodreign]

Would love Speed Buggy/Buggy Boy finally. And a proper Kung Fu Master.

Far as I remember, Kung Fu Master is Irem, so likely a no go.

Grand Am Chandler: Kid Niki is again an Irem title, likely distributed in the US by Data East.


As little love as I normally give to Data East's games, this one will be a nice purchase for my Wii, DE had some quirky games, hope Trio the Punch is on there at least.

[Xexyz]

Oh man, this is sweet. I hope the catalog of games is large, because Data East had a pretty good track record in the arcades. At the very least, I hope Spinmasters (2P action game featuring the Dashin' Desperados from that obscure Genesis title) is featured on this compilation.

[dr101z]

Where's Boomer Rang'r?

[PSony]

Put it on PS2/PS3, include Fighter's History+Fighter's History Dynamite, and I'm sold.

[Arcade Antics]

I really hope Tattoo Assassins makes it into this compilation.

--Zero

Why? Doesn't the Wii already have its fair share of unplayable turds? Tattoo Assassins is hated by the entire design team for very good reason.

[shopkins]

Official press release with pricing info, $19.99, and partial list of the 15 games included. Looks like Heavy Barrel made the cut.
I have never played, or even seen, Peter Pepper's Ice Cream Factory, so that should be interesting.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/majesco-entertainment-announces-data-east-arcade-classics-for-wiitm-63092557.html

EDISON, N.J., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Relive the glory days of video games without the pocketful of quarters as Majesco Entertainment Company (Nasdaq: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced Data East Arcade Classics for Wii(TM). Licensed by G-Mode and developed by G1M2, this timeless compilation features 15 arcade favorites with full multiplayer support for only $19.99.

Players can now enjoy some of the best shooter, sports, puzzle and twitch action video games ever created in one convenient package. Data East Arcade Classics features 15 nostalgic titles, including: BurgerTime and its sequel, Peter Pepper's Ice Cream Factory, Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja, Burnin' Rubber, Heavy Barrel, Caveman Ninja, Magical Drop III, Side Pocket and many more. The collection keeps the classics intact but also includes special updates for the modern gamer: players can link their high scores to their Mii(TM) and accomplish 75 different goals across the games that let them unlock a wealth of bonus material, from soundtracks to bezels. Finally, all 15 games support single player and 2-player head-to-head or co-operative multiplayer along with Wii Remote(TM) and Nunchuk, Classic Controller or GameCube controller functionality.

Data East Arcade Classics for Wii is expected to release in early 2010 for a SRP of $19.99. For additional information about Majesco's exciting line of products, please visit www.majescoentertainment.com.

[Oobgarm]

Yes, buying this one DAY ONE.

[shopkins]

It sounds pretty sweet so far. I wonder when they'll release the other games. The Mii goals thing sounds almost like an achievement system, hopefully they'll have some relatively tough challenges in there to strive for. They had those in Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection but most were a cakewalk. They had a great system in Activision Anthology where you could earn virtual versions of the same badges you once could get in real life for high scores.

Off topic but, hey, check this out. I just figured out how to basically be Kotaku. Just check this every day, it's where they get a lot of their stuff.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumer-technology-latest-news/electronic-gaming-list/

[Damaramu]

YES! Heavy Barrel is in and it's $19.99? I'm there.

[PapaStu]

Magical Drop III is in, auto buy. Huzzah! Now arcade controler for that 'authentic' feel.

[XYXZYZ]

How exactly would you play Heavy Barrel without a rotary joystick? Assuming it's a port of the arcade version. Robotron type controls would be neat.

[Damaramu]

Yeah, I'm betting on the dual stick setup for Heavy Barrel.

[Tron 2.0]

Yeah, I'm betting on the dual stick setup for Heavy Barrel.
That's what i think i wouldn't be surpise if it makes use of the classic controller.Though i'm glad that,heavy barrel made the cut at least.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Yeah, I'm betting on the dual stick setup for Heavy Barrel.

I've never been big on the dial (save Tempest) or dial stick games so, I consider that an improvement. $20? Chump change, guess I have to buy it now. :p

[swlovinist]

This is what I love about the Wii. It has its fair share of crap, but then it has great random hits such as this. I used to have Heavy Barrel the coin op so I am super stoked about this comp.

[Leo_A]

The list being passed around in the past several days before this announcement was it would contain the following 15 titles. Looks to be the legitimate list since everything matches the information in this press announcement on number of titles and such.

Burger Time
Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja
Burnin’ Rubber (Bump N' Jump)
Caveman Ninja
Crude Buster
Express Raider
Heavy Barrel
Lock ‘n’ Chase
Magical Drop III
Pete Pepper’s Ice Cream Factory
Secret Agent
Side Pocket
Street Slam
Super Real Darwin
Wizard Fire

G-Mode has enough 80s Data East classics for another compilation or two before reaching their mostly sucky 90s stuff like Fighter's History, so I hope it doesn't end after one volume. Though the titles I'm most after are thankfully on here (Bump N' Jump being the top one).

[Ed Oscuro]

Looks like I'm sticking to PCBs. Lots of the stuff I care about isn't there, and there's plenty of ports of games in this collection, even.

Heavy Barrel without an LS-30? Madness.

[Leo_A]

Looks like I'm sticking to PCBs. Lots of the stuff I care about isn't there, and there's plenty of ports of games in this collection, even.

Heavy Barrel without an LS-30? Madness.

How'd it work? I've never came across a Heavy Barrel cabinet, but I always assumed it was a traditional joystick for movement, but which could be rotated for aiming your shots?

Seems like a Robotron style control setup using dual analog sticks would do it justice. Short of releasing a custom controller for a budget release, it is the best you're going to have on a home console. And if games like Missile Command and Tempest can't attract companies to release track-balls and rotary controllers for home consoles, something custom for just 1 lesser known title never had a chance.

If you like what you see but want more of their classics, I'm not sure ignoring it is the best way to encourage further volumes with other titles to be released.

[Ed Oscuro]

How'd it work? I've never came across a Heavy Barrel cabinet, but I always assumed it was a traditional joystick for movement, but which could be rotated for aiming your shots?

Seems like a Robotron style control setup using dual analog sticks would do it justice.
These games can't be reprogrammed willy-nilly. Emulation is what many of these companies have to depend upon; the original design teams are long gone.

The way it works is via LS-30 joystick, as I mentioned. This SNK-made joystick can be used like a normal digital 8-way stick, but the knob on top is yellow with an octogon pattern, and you turn it at the same time you use the joystick. Apparently it works well enough for folks - I haven't assembled mine yet, let alone hooked it up along with buttons in a custom controller.

With any luck they'll make an option for you to rotate the Wii controller as you use the controller otherwise as normal.


If you like what you see but want more of their classics, I'm not sure ignoring it is the best way to encourage further volumes with other titles to be released.
Well, many of these have already been released (the SNES port of Caveman Ninja is pretty good for instance), there's (some) better (not just more obscure) stuff out there. For me, personally, arcade boards suit me better, and this is on a system I don't even own. Even the cheapest Data East boards I'm interested in are running close to the price of this entire pack, but they're solid and I don't have to play with some bodged-up control system.

[Icarus Moonsight]

They're also on Time Soldiers cabs. Maybe Ikari, Guerrilla War too. Not sure. I played a lot of Time Soldiers in the arcade. I don't like them things.

Since there is only 8 directions to aim the gun the solution would be simple to convert to a twin stick control scheme. Don't need to change or recode the original ROM either. Just add some code that translates the control input into the proper amount of turns. Since machines are faster and more accurate than humans, this could even make the game control easier and more responsive if applied well.

EDIT: They went with this because there was gun and grenade each had their own fire buttton. Twin sticks + shoulders = solution. :)

[Leo_A]

If the rotation is for aiming, using a twin stick setup wouldn't require any reprogramming at all. Just map the rotary control to the right analog stick.

Seems like a pretty seamless solution that wouldn't be detrimental to the experience, unlike translating something track-ball control or rotary control in something like Tempest to a analog stick.

Your right about Ikari Warriors using this setup, I had forgotten about those. All three used the same model joystick, which is also a LS-30 according to KLOV. So I have experienced it before.

[Ed Oscuro]

Ah, now I get the idea. It's not that simple, however, but it might be forced to work. Hopefully it's as simple as reading the cardinal direction of your second stick (convert quadrant -> get a digital equivalent) and then sending the appropriate number of signals to the game after comparing your second stick's position to the known value of rotation within the game (i.e. if at 3 o'clock, send two signals clockwise rotation to point at 6 o'clock / south). Even if it is slightly laggy compared to the simple rotation of the original, it would still be convenient to just move the second stick from 3 o'clock to 9 without needing to worry about how many clicks to make - easier and inherently more accurate. However, there is the possibility of falling out of alignment, but maybe they can find some internal game pointer showing which way the players are pointed to help cheat and protect the rotation from becoming misaligned.

__________ Information and technical speculation follows _____________

If I'm reading correctly, the way the LS-30 (and other rotary sticks, in general) work is by signifying with an impulse which direction a turn is going in, which maps within MAME to a left or right turn: Only the usual eight-position joystick function has absolute values (i.e. stick pushed up) while the rotation just sends out a signal based on which way it's been turned. Back then, same as now, they wouldn't have mapped one turn position to 12 o'clock, as misalignment could easily occur if the board hiccuped or whatever, it would lock you into a set number of steps (the LS-30 is actually a twelve-position stick, i.e. each turn is triggered every 30 degrees, which means the Heavy Barrel characters will spin more quickly than you need to turn the knob), and finally it's simply too complex a system when a simple left or right will do. I did a bit of testing in MAME, and while it doesn't like to detect the mouse when stepping ahead frames (Shift+Pause) I was able to turn the player more than 90 degrees between frames (barely, on top of the regular input lag he usually simply didn't move). The game code itself can rotate the players insanely quickly, basically as fast as impulses can be sent, and if that test is correct it may be able to move them more than 45 degrees between frames (hopefully it can do at least 180 degrees between frames). That could cause the characters to become misaligned compared to what the second joystick is meant to map to.
_________________________

My suspicion is that this could be dodgy or simply too much work, and that they'll make you suffer with using shoulder triggers to rotate the player slowly. If they do come up with the right solution, it would be nice if they use it in subsequent releases of rotating games.

On the subject of other rotary games: Don't forget Midnight Resistance or Gondomania, more LS-30 stick games. Down Town, Ikari II / Victory Road (obviously) and Ikari Warriors III should use it too. Seta's Caliber .50 uses optical sticks, but these may be interchangeable without too much fuss.

[Icarus Moonsight]

The guy's gun direction will be in memory... Just check the variable before performing an alteration in direction. You need to to determine how to move anyways. If you can't access the data directly, then keep track of that data external to the actual game in the emulation code.

You have the game ROM > Emulator for the game > The LS-30 control emulation > physical control method

In other words, Up to Down = 4 clicks left or right. If they can put House of the Dead 2 & 3 on Wii then this is too simple not to do right.

[Xexyz]

Just 15 titles eh? Sounds like G-Mode and Majesco have plans on releasing DE classics through multiple compilations. Makes sense business wise, but I'll be pissed if it sells poorly (and it most likely will) and they scrap plans for future volumes. That's what happened to SNK's Arcade Classics.

I know someone said their 90's stuff sucks, but IMO most of their best games were from that era. Gate of Doom, Crude Busters, Tumblepop, Captain America & the Avengers, Robocop 2, Boogie Wings, Nitroball, SpinMaster, Fighter's History Dynamite, Locked 'N Loaded, and the Magical Drop trilogy were all great.

[Ed Oscuro]

If you can't access the data directly, then keep track of that data external to the actual game in the emulation code.
I doubt that would work. It'll have to be tracked internally. I don't think that watching a variable, just like many MAME cheats do, is going to be a huge problem, but trying to time it externally would be disastrous.


I know someone said their 90's stuff sucks, but IMO most of their best games were from that era. Gate of Doom, Crude Busters, Tumblepop, Captain America & the Avengers, Robocop 2, Boogie Wings, Nitroball, SpinMaster, Fighter's History Dynamite, Locked 'N Loaded, and the Magical Drop trilogy were all great.
There's a few titles in there I'd drop, and add Dragon Gun (if that can be made playable, again control issues), Night Slashers, and Ed Randy. It is a great list though.

[Leo_A]

It's not so much that their 90s stuff just sucks and there isn't anything of redeeming value in it. It's just a part of their history I usually ignore.

Data East entered the 1990s as one of the greatest B tier arcade developers of the 1980s, which was often fighting it out and succeeding against giants like Atari, Namco, Sega, Williams, and Midway in the coinop marketplace.

That quickly ended when the 90s rolled around. You can easily see the progression of Data East's fall from greatness as each release seemingly was more mediocre than the last, as it struggled along slowly dying until it's death in the late 1990s.

G Mode doesn't even own several of the titles being mentioned in this thread as wishes for this collection instead of what's slated to be on it. Karnov, Captain America & the Avengers, Robocop 2, Edward Randy, Dragon Gun, Night Slashers, etc. Sadly, they didn't get the entire Data East library, just a healthy slice of it. They only own 60 or so Data East classics, including a few handheld and console titles among the arcade titles. Most of what they own is concentrated on the 80s titles.

Does anyone know who got the rights to the pinball releases?

[Leo_A]

http://www.majescoentertainment.com/catalog/nintendo-wii/data-east-arcade-classics/boxshot.jpg

Thought I'd give this thread a bump since we're closing it on the release of this collection in a few weeks. I can't wait for this to be released, includes many of my favorite Data East classics.

First, here is a trailer for this upcoming collection:

http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/data-east-arcade-classics-drops-in-feb-2010-for-20-new-traile/

Unsure if the date Joystiq provides is correct, I've been hearing a January date (Which the trailer also uses).

And here is the latest list of features for this title. Also, this collection is going to retail for $19.99.

Includes 15 classic arcade games: BurgerTime, Peter Pepper's Ice Cream Factory (the rare sequel to Burger Time), Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja, Burnin' Rubber (Bump n' Jump), Caveman Ninja, Crude Buster, Express Raider, Heavy Barrel, Lock ‘n' Chase, Magical Drop III, Secret Agent, Side Pocket, Street Hoop, Super Real Darwin and Wizard Fire

Unlock multiple rewards by achieving 75 different goals. Earn Music Soundtracks, Gallery Items, Classic Arcade Marquees and Bezels, and much more

Link your high scores to your Mii characters

Save, load and pause the game at any point during play; no quarters required

Supports the Wii Remote, Wii Remote with Nunchuk, Classic Controller and GameCube controller

Team up with or play against your friends in any game-they're all two player in addition to single player

Also worth mentioning for anyone that hasn't been following this title and is bothered to see it not included, fan favorite Karnov isn't on here. Wasn't one of the titles G-Mode purchased when Data East went under. The following Data East titles are the ones G-Mode bought and have available for compilation use, so perhaps we'll get some new volumes in the future if this one succeeds.

List of G-Mode's Data East properties
Act-Fancer Cybernetick Hyper Weapon
Bad Dudes vs. Dragonninja
Battle Wings (B-Wings)
Bloody Wolf / Battle Rangers
Boogie Wings/The Great Ragtime Show
Break Thru
Burger Time
Burger Time Deluxe
Burnin' Rubber / Bump N' Jump
Caveman Games
China Town
Cobra Command
Cobra Command (Sega Mega Drive)
Congo's Caper
Darwin 4078
Desert Assault (aka Desert Storm Gulf War / Thunder Zone)
Dunk Dream / Street Hoop / Street Slam
Dunk Dream 96′
Express Raider / Western Express
Fighter's History
Fighter's History Dynamite
Fire Trap
Gate of Doom ( Dark Seal )
Gondomania
Ghostlop
Heavy Barrel
Joe and Mac 2 : Lost in the Tropics
Joe & Mac Caveman Ninja
Joe & Mac Returns
Kamikaze Cabbie
Karate Champ
Last Mission
Liberation
Lock N Chase
Locked 'n Loaded
Mad Alien (aka Mad Rider, Highway Chase)
Magical Drop / Chain Reaction
Magical Drop F
Magical Drop II
Magical Drop III
Magical Drop Pocket
Metal Clash
Midnight Resistence
Mutant Fighters: Death Brade
Mysterious Stones
Nitro Ball
Peter Peppers Ice Cream Factory
Psychonics Oscar
Road Blaster
Shackled
Shoot Out
Side Pocket
Side Pocket 2
Side Pocket 3
Sly Spy
Spinmaster / Miracle Adventure
Super Birdie Rush
Super Burger Time
Super Real Darwin
Tattoo Assassin
Trio The Punch - Never Forget Me…
Tumble Pop
Two Crude Dudes / Crude Busters
Wizard Fire ( Dark Seal II )
Wonder Planet

[Zap!]

Sounds great, I'm really looking forward to this!

[Flashback2012]

I did a Wiki search on Karnov and it yielded some interesting info I wasn't aware of. A group of ex-Data East people formed the company Paon and own the rights to Karnov, Atomic Runner, and Herakuresu no Eikō (which is getting a US release on the DS under the name Glory of Heracles). When this title got announced I had to wonder why Karnov wasn't listed. I assumed at first that it was being held for a V2 release.

One game I wish we could get is Captain America and the Avengers. I used to play the hell out of that game in the arcade. I figured the rights to that game are either with Marvel or in limbo from the bankruptcy. I was doing some cross-referencing with the list Leo posted along with the Wiki page on Data East's releases and noticed some games that don't show up on the G-Mode list like Captain Silver, High Seas Havoc/Captain Lang, and Outlaws of the Lost Dynasty/Dark Legend. I'm sure there's more but I have to wonder whatever happened to the IPs and who acquired them. :?

[ubersaurus]

I hope it works with Gamecube controllers so I can utilize my nifty arcade stick for this collection. Nothing like Burgertime with actual hardware!

[Leo_A]

I hope it works with Gamecube controllers so I can utilize my nifty arcade stick for this collection. Nothing like Burgertime with actual hardware!

As the product specifics I posted about on the past page state, it will have GameCube controller support. It's one of the rare Wii titles that gives you a full range of options utilizing any controller input the Wii has to offer.

So you should be all set unless they disable controller support for anything that doesn't have an analog stick (Has happened with a handful of GCN compilations in the past, despite the titles in question still allowing digital control, they just won't work with an all digital controller). But I highly doubt that will happen this time around.

"Supports the Wii Remote, Wii Remote with Nunchuk, Classic Controller and GameCube controller"

[Icarus Moonsight]

My issue is, Star Soldier R stated is worked with the Classic Control. So I bought it, dl'ed it and hooked up my Hori stick and a whole lotta nothing from the digital stick... If Hudson can fail it, so can DataEast.

[Press_Start]

[b]Includes 15 classic arcade games: BurgerTime, Peter Pepper's Ice Cream Factory (the rare sequel to Burger Time), Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja, Burnin' Rubber (Bump n' Jump), Caveman Ninja, Crude Buster, Express Raider, Heavy Barrel, Lock ‘n' Chase, Magical Drop III, Secret Agent, Side Pocket, Street Hoop, Super Real Darwin and Wizard Fire


No Tumblepop?.....I'll pass for now. :(

[Leo_A]

I did a Wiki search on Karnov and it yielded some interesting info I wasn't aware of. A group of ex-Data East people formed the company Paon and own the rights to Karnov, Atomic Runner, and Herakuresu no Eikō (which is getting a US release on the DS under the name Glory of Heracles). When this title got announced I had to wonder why Karnov wasn't listed. I assumed at first that it was being held for a V2 release.

One game I wish we could get is Captain America and the Avengers. I used to play the hell out of that game in the arcade. I figured the rights to that game are either with Marvel or in limbo from the bankruptcy. I was doing some cross-referencing with the list Leo posted along with the Wiki page on Data East's releases and noticed some games that don't show up on the G-Mode list like Captain Silver, High Seas Havoc/Captain Lang, and Outlaws of the Lost Dynasty/Dark Legend. I'm sure there's more but I have to wonder whatever happened to the IPs and who acquired them. :?

As you know, Paon Corporation acquired several titles. Createch, Digisoft, and WorkJam are known to also have purchased some titles. But the fate of the titles that relied on IP, such as Captain America, and their pinball releases, seems to be unknown.

It's possible even G-Mode owns some of it and just has never revealed they acquired it, since the necessary licensing for something like Captain America would be prohibitively expensive. It wouldn't be a viable release to bother even advertising as available for outside licensing to companies that want to license one of G-Mode's properties (Such as Majesco). But I doubt it, why purchase something you can't utilize.

Also, some titles associated with Data East were titles they just licensed for distribution and never owned, such as Kung Fu Master.


My issue is, Star Soldier R stated is worked with the Classic Control. So I bought it, dl'ed it and hooked up my Hori stick and a whole lotta nothing from the digital stick... If Hudson can fail it, so can DataEast.

Sad to hear that still happens, there's no reason a title that can benefit so much from digital control should disable digital only controllers. I'd love to know the logic of that, it's happened on the PS2 and Xbox as well. If you have the option of digital d-pad control, there's no reason to lock out all digital controllers like the Hori pad or arcade sticks that can take full advantage of it.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I have yet to try my SC2 PS2/XB/GC stick on Star Soldier R. It's supposed to send it's input in analog to the system, or it has an analog stick itself. Not exactly sure, but failing that, I think I might have to actually get something I've been avoiding, The Shaft stick for Wii. Bonus there being, I'll get to try using an arcade stick with Brawl. I'm sure that application will be more interesting than play beneficial or comfortable though. :)

It's kind of loopy, I mean, I'm thinking about owning three sticks just to cover my bases that would be easy to handle on the dev side. Some groups are too small for some to care about. And that's the result. I'm definitely going to pick this up, but if I don't want to buy another stick or something after playing it, it will be fortunate for me.

[ubersaurus]

My issue is, Star Soldier R stated is worked with the Classic Control. So I bought it, dl'ed it and hooked up my Hori stick and a whole lotta nothing from the digital stick... If Hudson can fail it, so can DataEast.

Well, the stick I have uses a Cthulhu PCB, which has different gamecube modes. I'm gonna have to test it on Star Soldier R, but it seems to me like at least one of em should work.

EDIT: Oh right, SSR doesn't support the cube controller. Lame!

On the upshot, if the Tatsunoko vs Capcom stick Madcatz is putting out is anything like their SF4 ones, then you should be able to change the stick's setting from Pad to one of the analog sticks.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Yeah, that's why both my sticks won't work with SSR and I'd need a third... One is GC, the other is the Hori Fighter Stick Wii that plugs into the Wiimote. Astounding how they managed that.

You're right. That should solve it. I'm sure it'll be similar to the 360/PS3 layouts, why make a new production line right? I'm glad I can forget about 'The Shaft' at least.

[Zap!]

So when is this coming out? One date I had been hearing was the second week of January, but Amazon puts it at February 9, 2010. I so can't wait for this.

[Melf]

I was wondering about this the other day. I thought it had been released with a low print run, and I had missed it. Good to know I didn't!

[Leo_A]

The publisher list a February date on their website, so I suspect the game has been delayed from the January date we had initially (Which was also shown in the trailer) to February.

[Only16bits]

I love these compilations but I want more games in the same disc...

[Zap!]

This game officially comes out today in the US. I'm gonna stop by a local GS later and pick it up if it's in. Anyone else?

[Leo_A]

I've got it preordered from Amazon.com using the cheapest shipping method. I imagine I'll have it in a week or so.

Game Informer

"Unless you're a hardcore fan of BurgerTime, Peter Pepper's Ice Cream Factory or Bad Dudes, you're better off saving your quarters." [Issue#203, p.97]

50/100

Not that in matters much because of where the review is originating from. I think the quality of games like Bump 'n' Jump is a given to most of those making this purchase. I just hope a few mainstream reviewers that don't dislike classic gaming will be examining this and informing others of the quality of the emulation and the bonuses.

Those are the areas most people want to hear the most about when considering buying a compilation of material they're already familiar with and love.

Edit - I'm pretty sure this game has been pushed back at least 1 week. Even if it hadn't, I doubt you'd of located a copy today. I was thinking it was Wednesday when I read your post. The game's release date before the delay was today and this isn't a major release that is already sitting in stock rooms waiting for the release date, so the earliest you could expect it that far East is tomorrow.

[heybtbm]

This game officially comes out today in the US. I'm gonna stop by a local GS later and pick it up if it's in. Anyone else?

Delayed to February 17th.

[Leo_A]

Heavy Barrel without an LS-30? Madness.
How'd it work? I've never came across a Heavy Barrel cabinet, but I always assumed it was a traditional joystick for movement, but which could be rotated for aiming your shots? Seems like a Robotron style control setup using dual analog sticks would do it justice.
These games can't be reprogrammed willy-nilly. Emulation is what many of these companies have to depend upon; the original design teams are long gone.

With any luck they'll make an option for you to rotate the Wii controller as you use the controller otherwise as normal.


Talking with a member of the team, he confirmed that this game will map your aiming to the right joystick, just as I speculated they would (Which you somehow thought was impossible). I never understood your rotating the Wii controller suggestion, but when using the Wiimote on it's side, you can only shoot in the direction you're moving.

How it works with the Wiimote/Nunchuk combination didn't come up, but I imagine that combination will support independent aiming.

I suspect SNK's upcoming collection of pre Neo Geo games being developed by this company, including several titles using the LS-30, will work similarly with aiming being mapped to the right analog on the PS2 version.

[Xexyz]

Wait, you know who developed this compilation? Can you disclose this information? I'll sigh a huge breath of relief if it's not Digital Eclipse or Ignition Entertainment.

[Leo_A]

It's no secret, it's being developed by G1M2. They're also at work with SNK Arcade Classics 0 for the PSP and PS2.

[Zap!]

Delayed to February 17th.

That sucks, hopefully it's the last delay.

[Xexyz]

So G1M2 are the guys that worked on all the Japanese SNK fighting compilations? That's definitely good news for this game and the upcoming SNK Arcade Classics 0.

[Leo_A]

As far as I know, they've done the SNK compilations for the Japanese marketplace and have a pretty good track record (Unlike the junk done by Terminal Reality for SNK like the King of Fighters Collection: The Orochi Saga).

It's just not widely known who they are since these games are all labeled everywhere as having been developed by SNK Playmore since G1M2 was just a contract developer.

Not to derail the topic at hand, but SNK Arcade Classics Volume 0 appears to be shaping up to be something special. SNK's glory years, especially if you weren't a fighting game fan, were the pre Neo Geo days with greats like the Vanguard series and the Ikari Warriors trilogy.

It appears to have a nice lineup of games, although Vanguard 1 sadly appears to be missing (I suppose due to copyrighted music that they "borrowed" back in the day, although the rare sequel is slated to be on this at least). I've been wanting an arcade accurate port of Vanguard for years. The 5200 version had a lot of promose, but ultimately the controller ruins it. The game is crying out for release on a modern console with a controller that will allow independent movement and targeting. Hopefully it will find it's way on to a compilation one of these days.

With or without Vanguard, it's nice to know we have another nice compilation on it's way after this Data East release and that both games are coming from a skilled developer that puts a lot of care into their efforts.

[swlovinist]

This is great to hear. I will be getting the Data East Collection, as well as SNK classics 0.

[Melf]

A pre-Neo Geo collection for PS2? Hell yes!

This DE set delay actually works for me, as I get paid the 18th.

[PapaStu]

The Pre-order for this game has been pretty screwed up (at least for a shipping date from Amazon). I'm currently getting a 'you'll see it between Feb 18-March 5' from them. Seriously? This implies to me that they arn't done pushing back the release of this yet.

[Flashback2012]

I love these compilations but I want more games in the same disc...

I'd rather pay for one disc @ $50 that has 40-50 games on it than pay for three discs @ $20 a piece that have 15-20 games on them. I guess I just don't have enough faith in companies to put out subsequent releases of a game that gets the "Volume" tag added to it's name. Do you know how long I've been waiting for RapJam Vol. 2?! ROFL



I've got it preordered from Amazon.com using the cheapest shipping method. I imagine I'll have it in a week or so.

Game Informer

"Unless you're a hardcore fan of BurgerTime, Peter Pepper's Ice Cream Factory or Bad Dudes, you're better off saving your quarters." [Issue#203, p.97]

50/100

Not that in matters much because of where the review is originating from. I think the quality of games like Bump 'n' Jump is a given to most of those making this purchase. I just hope a few mainstream reviewers that don't dislike classic gaming will be examining this and informing others of the quality of the emulation and the bonuses.

Good to know that I am a hardcore fan of those games then. I have NEVER relied on Game Informer's "influential and highly thought out" ratings for games they've reviewed. I get the mag every month, and it goes straight from my mailbox to a drawer in my bathroom so I have something to read while I'm on the crapper. I looked at their year in review issue a couple of months ago and all of the editors listed their top 10's for the year. All I saw on every list was mainstream hype and tripe, with almost no real niche gems making anyone's list.

At any rate, I'm almost pleased the game got delayed. I have a check coming up with a ton of overtime on it and I'll get it then. :bigmac: