Could Konami do no wrong on the SNES or what?

[Anthony1]

Man, recently I've picked up Super Castlevania IV and Contra III: The Alien Wars for the Super Nes. I had both of them back in the day, so it isn't like it's my first experience with them or anything, but man, Konami could sure do magic on the Super Nes. Plus, I also have Gradius III, which despite the horrific slowdown is an incredible shooter. I also had Axelay back in the day, I don't have it right now, but that was a great one as well.

Did Konami have any games on the Super Nes that were total duds? And what other Konami Super Nes titles should I try to grab?

Thanks.

[ManekiNeko]

I hate to rain on your parade, but some of the games that you loved were the same ones that I considered to be duds. I was never that fond of Contra III or Axelay... Contra III offered the same frustration as the first two games, along with weird and confusing 3D stages. Axelay was more style than substance, and the backgrounds that were incredible in 1992 just look like they were drawn on a tube of toilet paper today.
However, I can definitely recommend some other Konami games for the Super NES. Those include Legend of the Mystical Ninja (if you like your games with a full-bodied Japanese flavor), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (amazing for a 16-bit fighter, with a dynamic, exciting soundtrack), and surprisingly, Biker Mice from Mars. It may not look like much, but it's at least as much fun as its American counterpart Rock 'n Roll Racing... possibly even more.

JR

[Mayhem]

Don't forget Cybernator (mechs), Tiny Toon Adventures, Turtles in Time, Mystical Ninja 2 (though that Japan only)... there is a big list ;)

[kainemaxwell]

Well gradius 3 was a first gen SNES title so the slowdown was expected.

[Kid Fenris]

Actually, I think that Contra III and Axelay were two of Konami's best SNES offerings. Contra III has amazing level layouts, the dual-weapon system is excellent, and the game isn't frustrating so much as it is challenging in a fair way. I never really understood why some didn't care for the overhead stages, either. They're great fun once you grasp the control system.

Axelay more style than substance? Hardly. It has the most inventive weapons this side of Radiant Silvergun, while the level design is every bit as solid (and not nearly as tedious) as a Gradius or Lifeforce/Salamander. Not every stage looks as great as it once did, I'll admit, but the third level's unfurling cityscape remains gorgeous, and the boss encounters still look great, even after years of Psikyo and Cave wonders.

Metal Warriors is another great Konami title from the SNES stable. It's similar to Cybernator, but with the ability to switch between different mecha during play. There's also a two-player versus mode that never gets old.

[WiseSalesman]

I really hated Contra III, and Contra was one of my all time favorite games.

[BenT]

Actually, I think that Contra III and Axelay were two of Konami's best SNES offerings.

I wholeheartedly agree.

[Dire 51]

Actually, I think that Contra III and Axelay were two of Konami's best SNES offerings. Contra III has amazing level layouts, the dual-weapon system is excellent, and the game isn't frustrating so much as it is challenging in a fair way. I never really understood why some didn't care for the overhead stages, either. They're great fun once you grasp the control system.

Axelay more style than substance? Hardly. It has the most inventive weapons this side of Radiant Silvergun, while the level design is every bit as solid (and not nearly as tedious) as a Gradius or Lifeforce/Salamander. Not every stage looks as great as it once did, I'll admit, but the third level's unfurling cityscape remains gorgeous, and the boss encounters still look great, even after years of Psikyo and Cave wonders.

I'm with KF on this completely. I liked Contra III and Axelay (and Gradius III, for that matter) so much that I also got the Super Famicom versions of all three. Of course, the only one that had any major changes was Contra III. The Japanese title is Contra Spirits, there's a sound test, thirty men code and stage select that were removed from the U.S. version, plus you can get the good ending on Normal, rather than Hard. Axelay just has Japanese text instead of English, and I can't think of a single difference between the U.S. and Japanese versions of Gradius III.

I can't think of a single bad SNES game by Konami, not a one. Technically Cybernator, Metal Warriors and Zombies Ate My Neighbors were all licensed from other companies - but if they weren't quality, I doubt Konami would have picked them up.

On another note, anyone play The Adventures Of Batman & Robin? It was definitely one of the best of the later games Konami produced for the SNES.

[Anthony1]

I can't believe that anybody would dislike Contra III. I think it ranks in the Top 15 Super Nintendo games, period. Maybe even top 10.

[nildem]

10 posts in this topic yet I'm the first one to mention Sunset Riders?

Tsk, Tsk. LOL

God I loved that game. I probably spent $500 in quarters on the arcade game alone.

[Dire 51]

Sunset Riders is one of the Konami SNES carts I'm still looking for, as is Sparkster.

[Anthony1]

Sunset Riders is one of the Konami SNES carts I'm still looking for, as is Sparkster.


I didn't know that there was a SNES version of Sparkster. Or are you talking about the Genny version?

[Dire 51]

The SNES version. It and the Genesis version are two different games entirely. I have RKA and the Genesis version of Sparkster, I just need the SNES version to complete the set.

On a related note, Sparkster has a cameo in Ganbare Goemon 2: Kiteretsu Shougun Matsuginesu for the Super Famicom.

[Drexel923]

All the Konami games I've ever played for the SNES were great. Konami usually makes pretty good games in general though, except for most of their sports and disney ones.

[WiseSalesman]

Sunset Riders is one of the Konami SNES carts I'm still looking for, as is Sparkster.

There's a place around here that has it, but he wants a ridiculous amount of money for it (it was either $15 or $25).

[Dire 51]

Too much. I'll keep looking.

[DDCecil]

I love all of the SNES non-sport Konami games, the weakest one in my opinion, was Axelay. I just couldn't play past the 1st level without becoming really bored, but I did force myself through the entire game. Another gem is Tsuyoshi Taisen Pazurudama, still my favorite puzzle game of all-time.

[Captain Wrong]

Yeah, I kinda agree with ManekiNeko. I didn't think Contra III was that great and I'm convinced the reason Axelay is so highly regarded is the SNES really didn't have much else as far as shmups go. Not that it's a horrible game or anything. I just don't think it's quite as good as people seem to think. (Of course, I don't like Radiant Silvergun either, see my other post from tonight. :))

Gradius III has some cool weapons options that the arcade didn't have, but the slowdown, first generation or not, kills it for me.

[ArnoldRimmer83]

I never played a Konami game on Snes that completely sucked. They were definately one of the best developers on Snes. Super Castlvania 4, Contra 3, Gradius 3, Sunset Riders, and Legend of the Mystical Ninja are some of my favorites. Especially Mystical Ninja.

Dire 51 - I have played Batman and Robin. That was a terrific game. Konami managed to capture the feel of the cartoon incredibly well. It's also nice to see Konami making a game on a GOOD cartoon licesnse instead of say Biker Mice from Mars. (Which was a good game, but the cartoon was cheesy as hell)

[Gamereviewgod]

NFL Football....by Konami....for the SNES...

WORST....SPORTS GAME.....EVER.

Other than that, I'm stunned to the dislike for Contra II here. Amazing soundtrack, kick ass weapons, and let us not forget some of the best mode 7 on the system. Still the best game in the series IMHO. I also love Axelay....maybe not as much as some other shooters, but it's still one hell of a game..and that sound! Oh man, what incredible sound for a SNES game.

[digitalpress]

I didn't know that there was a SNES version of Sparkster. Or are you talking about the Genny version?

http://www.digitpress.com/lists/snes.pdf

Use the force/lists, Luke.

[digitalpress]

Just for kicks, I pulled this list from our database - all Konami games on SNES/Super Famicom:

Game Title
Adventures of Batman & Robin, The (by Konami, for SNES)
Akumajo Dracula (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Animaniacs (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Animaniacs (by Konami, for SNES)
Axelay (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Axelay (by Konami, for SNES)
Batman Returns (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Batman Returns (by Konami, for SNES)
Biker Mice from Mars (by Konami, for SNES)
Castlevania: Dracula X (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Castlevania: Dracula X (by Konami, for SNES)
Chibi Marukochan (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Contra III: The Alien Wars (by Konami, for SNES)
Contra Spirits (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Cybernator (by Konami, for SNES)
Dungeon Magic (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Ganbare Goemon (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Ganbare Goemon 2 (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Ganbare Goemon 3 (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Ganbare Goemon 4: Kira Kira Douchuu (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Gokujyou Parodius (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Gradius III (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Gradius III (by Konami, for SNES)
International Superstar Soccer Deluxe (by Konami, for SNES)
International Superstar Soccer (by Konami, for SNES)
Jikkyou Oshaberi Parodius: Forever with Me (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Jikkyou Pro Wrestling '96 (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Legend of the Mystical Ninja, The (by Konami, for SNES)
Lethal Enforcers (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Lethal Enforcers (by Konami, for SNES)
Live World Soccer 2: Fighting Eleven (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Live World Soccer: Perfect Eleven (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Metal Warriors (by Konami, for SNES)
Moryo Senki Madara 2 (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
NBA Jikkyo Basketball (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
NBA: Give 'n Go (by Konami, for SNES)
NFL Football (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
NFL Football (by Konami, for SNES)
Parodius (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Pawafuru Puroyakyu (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Pawafuru Puroyakyu 2 (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Pawafuru Puroyakyu 3 (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Pawafuru Puroyakyu '96 (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Pawafuru Puroyakyu '97 (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Pawafuru Puroyakyu '98 (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Pop 'n Twinbee (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Prince of Persia (by Konami, for SNES)
Shin Majan (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Soreyuke Ebisumaru (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Sparkster (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Sparkster (by Konami, for SNES)
Stable Star (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Sunset Riders (by Konami, for SNES)
Super Castlevania IV (by Konami, for SNES)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (by Konami, for SNES)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (by Konami, for SNES)
Tiny Toon Adventures (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Busts Loose (by Konami, for SNES)
Tiny Toon Adventures: Wacky Sports Challenge (by Konami, for SNES)
Tiny Toon Sports (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Tokimeki Memorial (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Tsuyoshi Pazurudama (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
TwinBee Rainbow Bell Adventure (import) (by Konami, for SNES)
Zombies Ate My Neighbors (by Konami, for SNES)

[Mayhem]

Hmmm... you saying that ISS Deluxe came out in the US? To my knowledge only the first one did. I have never been able to find a copy of the sequel in US format...

[digitalpress]

Hmmm... you saying that ISS Deluxe came out in the US? To my knowledge only the first one did. I have never been able to find a copy of the sequel in US format...

Yeah... does this help, Mat?

http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/games/coverg/57/604657_full.jpg (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/g/InternationalSuperstarSoccerDeluxe-702728/overview.php)

[Mayhem]

For the most part yes... nowhere I knew at the time was carrying this on import. I needed the US version as I couldn't play the PAL one on my US SNES. I looked everywhere... even on the net (during its "early" days as this was 95/96) and found nothing either. I just assumed due to the fact the US isn't exactly football friendly, that the sequel hadn't come out there (for the same reasons that ISS2000 for N64 didn't make it to the US either).

Guess I will have to keep a track and spot if one crops up on eBay... I have the original in NTSC format so far...

[Dire 51]

Arnold - I still pull AoB&R out every so often to see if I can get by Clayface... so far, no luck. Fantastic use of the license, though... it beats the hell out of Sega's AoB&R for the Genesis. Don't get me wrong - that was a good game too - but the SNES game was so much better.

[jaydubnb]

I really hated Contra III, and Contra was one of my all time favorite games.

I know how you feel. When i first played Contra 3 something was lacking. It looked cool, but I didnt dig the level design. Its funny, most of the Konami SNES games i've played used Mode 7 beautifully (ie rotating room in Castlevania IV, the overhead levels in Axelay, throwing enemies out of the screen in Turtles) but its use in C3's overhead boards SUCKED and totally destroyed any level to level rhythm.

[buttasuperb]

Zombies Ate My Neighbors is one of the best 2 player co-op games ever. Hours of runnin and gunnin fun.

TMNT Tournament Fighters is a very underrated fighter on the SNES. I remember I got it for christmas one year, and was very surprised at the quality of the game. Great character roster too.

I'm still looking for Metal Warriors. Probably one of the last SNES games I still need to get.

[Anthony1]

WOW. :eek 2:


I just played Sunset Riders for the first time. Oh my goodness. This game is swizz-eat :-P Man, I had no freaking idea. For some reason, I always thought this was either a Final Fight type game, or a shooter like Lethal Enforcers.

I'm guessing a numer of the Alien Wars team did Sunset Riders because some of the sound effects are virtually identical! And the style of the music is almost exactly like Alien Wars, at least in the first level. The gameplay isn't really like Contra 3, but it's much slower paced. At least the bullets that people shoot at you is slower paced, but some of the trademark shooting from high ground and low ground is there, ala Contra.


Man, this game is pretty damn pimp. Back when I said that Konami could do no wrong on the SNES, I didn't even know that this game was that pimp. Konami basically pwned the SNES

[Bratwurst]

I hate to rain on your parade,

Ah, a classic ManekiNeko assblast from the past.

[dbiersdorf]

Batman Forever - talk about a shitty game.

[poloplayr]

... Axelay was more style than substance, and the backgrounds that were incredible in 1992 just look like they were drawn on a tube of toilet paper today...

Sorry but that was the dumbest thing I've heard in a while.

[Ed Oscuro]

I'm guessing a numer of the Alien Wars team did Sunset Riders because some of the sound effects are virtually identical! And the style of the music is almost exactly like Alien Wars, at least in the first level.
The gameplay is what struck me as most similar.

Sound effects being reused in a SNES title is nothing notable; I'm sure Konami kept libraries available, and basically the hardware determines what you're going to hear. The arcade version of Sunset Riders has sound effects that are not at all like Contra III's (I know, I played around with it last night!) If anything, I would say that Sunset Riders is closest to Mystic Warriors as far as general "feel" goes.

The music...I can 'hear' it any time (I'm not crazy!), I'm not quite sure it's that close but I'll check into it. It does sound closer to Contra III than it does Rocket Knight Adventures, I think...hard to tell without seeing the credits scroll, as these games all came out within a three year span.

For my money, the Genesis version is worth a look. Slightly different level layout (a bit cut down, but different too), and the intro's gone, but some of the music sounds "better."

And I still like Contra: The Hard Corps better than Contra III, overall. :P

[Fighter17]

Legend of The Mystical Ninja (or Ganbare Goemon in Japan). Very very fun game for 2 players. Too bad the rest of the SNES Goemon games didn't came out in the US because of the weird nature of the series.

Gradius III and the Parodius games for the SNES are just too slow from their arcade counterparts.

Then there was Metal Warriors and Cybernator which Konami just publish but didn't developed.

Konami kick ass in the 1990s.

[jajaja]

Sunset Riders is indeed a great game! I remember I played the arcade version alittle. I always liked this game. Really cool with 2 player also :)

[chrisbid]

konami has a very impressive SNES library, but i agree that contra III and gradious III have too many issues to be up among the great titles for the system.

[Ed Oscuro]

Well, I for one don't like Contra III as much as Super CV IV, but holy cow that's a hard act to beat!

What's wrong with it? The controls are good, the first stage graphics get a bit repetitive at times, but there's plenty of good shooting and jumping to be had. The top-down segments don't really grab me, but it's an interesting concept and fits with the theme of the series.

I personally prefer Hard Corps (import anyway) - the branching paths keep it from getting stale, and if you want a quick game you can always duck into the game show ;)

[n8littlefield]

Well, I'm of the unpopular opinion here - but I didn't like Super Castlevania IV. The worst part is, I can't explain why.

I love the Castlevania series, it's actually my favorite game series ever. I remember back in the day being so disappointed only having a Genesis and not being able to play the SNES Castlevania games, and kept hearing how brilliant SCIV was. Then, I finally got one, and have to say I was (and still am) disappointed.

There's just something about the graphic style that I don't like. It doesn't feel like Castlevania to me. The main character feels large onscreen to me, and the controls just don't feel right.

I actually like second on on the SNES better, even though I know it's considered to be a weak port of another game, and like Bloodlines better than both of them. There just something about SCIV that I don't like.

[NE146]

Well, I'm of the unpopular opinion here - but I didn't like Super Castlevania IV. The worst part is, I can't explain why.

Yeah you know, I bought Super Castlevania IV THE DAY it came out. I also beat it within a couple of weeks.

But even then when the game was brand new and supposedly "mind blowing", I was pretty much unimpressed with it. I mean it gave a good ride until the end, but it didn't have that SNES magic that other games like F-Zero, SMW, Actraiser, etc. had.

To me, it was just filler while we waited for Contra III and Street Fighter 2 to come out :)

[MegaDrive20XX]

Damn, am I the only one that saw TWO of the best sequels by Konami ever made are MISSING from this thread??

I'm talking none other then...

Jikkyou Oshaberi Parodius

Gokujou Parodius (Kid Dracula > All)

[Ruudos]

Batman Forever - talk about a shitty game.

I'm pretty sure that's an Acclaim game, and not a Konami game.


Ohh, and ISS Deluxe is one of the best soccer games ever made. People in this topic who said that their sports game aren't that graet, obviously haven't played this gem.

[Haoie]

Pop N Twinbee. Now that was a shooter!! It's so underlooked, with I'd think the best Twinbee outing.

Poor guy, he deserves another game.

[klausien]

Batman Returns was from Konami and it was a pretty cool Final Fight clone. Add another good one to the list!

[pseudonym]

Super Castlevania 4 is a really good game but I can still find minor faults with it. It's a easy game for one - when I first got it I was expecting to get my ass kicked all over the place like the earlier Castlevania games but I pretty much breezed through the game.

The game also lags in some of the worst possible places, ie: where you need to be quick or have to time yourself in order to get across.

Dracula was a disapointment again as well, despite the big buildup in the last stage. 3 different bosses and some dramatic music and it didn't take me very long to defeat him to finish the game.

[-hellvin-]

I'm not too much of a contra III fan as well..just never really struck a chord with me. Same with Castlevania IV. It just seemed mediocre compared to most of the other offerings in the series. Off that list, the #1 game for me is "Zombies ate my neighbors". Great fun, and I like it a little better than the genesis version.

[cyberfluxor]

I own a lot of the games listed from Konami in this thread because I know they have good games, so when I see them I buy it.

That Cybernator game is pretty awesome. It has the real feel of a mech walking around blasting crap away with a big gun. The stages are layed out really nice and the graphics aren't that bad at all. It would be like playing Earthworm Jim: - comedy + realism - lush organic feel + mech, technical level.

Another great game is Prince of Persia. For all those that don't know this series, the original was freaking awesome! You had to be careful moving around because the controls were odd. You are given infinite lives (In some versions) but limited time to get out of the maze; if you die you begin all over. Yup, fun stuff. It's just a shame they didn't do PoP2.

If shooters are what you're into, the cheesy Lethal Enforcers is also available on the SNES. The graphics aren't special by todays standards, but back then to see the live action characters and scenes moving around it was crazy. This game takes place in the city chasing bank robbers. As you keep shooting and taking guys down you wonder "How many twins are there and how are there so many people getting all this money from 1 location?". Great game though if you don't want to play Area 51 but need that action on a SNES. BTW: The sequal takes place in the wild west chasing, you guessed it, more bank robbers!

The last one I'll touch up on is Gradius III, as most people have. I personally think it's a great side scrolling shooter with awesome graphics, weapons, and worlds you fly through. The bosses are unique and fun to kill in their own ways. The only downsides are the lag, especially in the bubble world, and difficulty. I still haven't beaten this game because of that damn maze world and your guy going too damn fast. Why can't he take it slow. But if you do manage to make it through the maze you get to take on several big bosses in a row, and then continue on. WTF?!

[starsoldier1]

Gradius III is my favourite 16-bit shooter out there! There is just so many weapons and cool stages in it.

[Dire 51]

The last one I'll touch up on is Gradius III, as most people have. I personally think it's a great side scrolling shooter with awesome graphics, weapons, and worlds you fly through. The bosses are unique and fun to kill in their own ways. The only downsides are the lag, especially in the bubble world, and difficulty. I still haven't beaten this game because of that damn maze world and your guy going too damn fast. Why can't he take it slow. But if you do manage to make it through the maze you get to take on several big bosses in a row, and then continue on. WTF?!

Judging by your last few sentences, you must be a relative newcomer to the Gradius series, or you just haven't played many of the other games in the series. What you are dealing with there are Gradius staples: the high speed zone and the boss stage (I'm too tired to look up the *actual* names of these stages at the moment). You usually encounter one of each in every Gradius game, except for the earliest ones. IIRC, the earliest Gradius game to feature these types of stages was Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou (arcade).

The boss you fight at the end of the high-speed zone is the boss of that stage. Destroy him, and that stage is clear. From there, it's on to the "boss parade". If you successfully destroy all five (and anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong about the number) bosses, that stage is clear. You then move on to the final two levels.

BTW, just to reiterate if I've said it before, Gradius III is my favorite SNES game ever, slowdown be damned.

[starsoldier1]

Yup, your right! It was 5 bosses in stage 8 of Gradius III: The Missile cannon, the Crystal guardian, the giant twin sided laser boss, the Round Missile Carrier, and then the final Gate Laser Boss. If you want to beat the game easier Cyberfluxor try to use the game's slowdown to your advantage on stage 7 and try to destroy the bosses as fast as possible when the blue lens appears with the one of the Laser weapons.

[Bronty-2]

totally agree, gradius 3 rocks, slowdown be damned!!!

[Dire 51]

Yup, your right! It was 5 bosses in stage 8 of Gradius III: The Missile cannon, the Crystal guardian, the giant twin sided laser boss, the Round Missile Carrier, and then the final Gate Laser Boss.

Thanks for confirming that. :) I really need to stop playing the arcade version and fire up the SNES game again sometime soon...