The Forgotten Worlds love thread

[CIT]

I recently played through the PCE Version of this game. I don't usually think of Capcom when I think of great STG developers, but in my opinion this is a true classic that gets mentioned far too rarely. Great game system and level design, awesome soundtrack and presentation, and so many "capcomisms", like the Zenny currency, bonus items, Side Arms enemies in the final stage, etc.

Who else digs this game?

And how many members have the full arcade setup at home, with spinner controls?

[Kollision]

I have yet to play the PC Engine CD version.
I heard that you need the 3-button controller to enjoy it to the fullest though, is that correct?

[CIT]

Yeah, cuz button II is fire, while buttons I and III are rotate right and left (just as on MD). If you don't have the 3B pad, you have to reach over to the run button, which is obviously pretty awkward.

I don't have the PS2 Capcom Collection, but my understanding is that you can use both analog sticks there.

[Kollision]

I don't have the PS2 Capcom Collection, but my understanding is that you can use both analog sticks there.

yes, you can
and it's awesome

[SuperDeadite]

The PCE version also supports true analog via the Micomsoft/Sharp Cyberstick and Analog Pad.

[soprano1]

Don't know about the PCE CD, but it's damn awkward to play in MAME. MD all the way.

[Lord Satori]

I rented the PS2 Capcom Collection once and I loved it. Now I have the two collections for the PSP and I still love it.

[dpful]

I love this game. I had the arcade board hacked with an outofire on the left and right rotates (so it played like on the genesis). I hadn't played it with the spinners ever, but I bet it would be great.

This game dominates in this department: Sweet cut scenes + speech, dramatic set pieces, aiming fun--- if you've got a mame setup, calibrate it and play it. The arcade version is so good. maybe a little long winded when you get to the clouds, or even the pyramid, but those first two levels are the bomb.

[exidy]

use to play this back when it came out. One of my all time favorite games.
I currently have an upright but it needs a little tlc.

[louisg]

The arcade machine feels great. Forgotten Worlds with that weighted dial goes from being just a competent shmup to being a joy to play.

I've probably played the Genesis version the most, and I always felt like it starts out really inspired and by a few levels in kind of wears thin. I can't remember if I felt that way about the other versions. But that was one of those games that was on my mind when I re-bought myself a Genesis. I have a lot of nostalgia for that game, with fond memories of staying up late with a friend playing it. And that samurai boss is still really awesome.

I feel like Forgotten Worlds gets an unfair amount of criticism. It's really a pretty good game. It won't blow you away these days, but it has enough that it does differently to warrant keeping a cartridge (or CD) around.

[Jeneki]

I was able to finish Forgotten Worlds on PC-E using a two button controller. I suppose the button awkwardness will depend on how you hold the controller. I normally rest thumbpad controllers on my knee or something, using my fingertips to push buttons. So it didn't really bother me much. If you're using your thumb to push buttons though I could see it as pretty bad.

The Genesis version is also great. I found it really easy to adjust to that version when I tried it at a meetup. The cutscene dialog is a bit censored, but who really cares.

[system11]

I restored this one, still have it - actually new side art is being printed as we speak and it'll be finished.

[exidy]

Hah.. I miss that one! Looks great though.

[Jeneki]

Now we're talking! I always loved that "push to fire" spinner.

[CIT]

I restored this one, still have it - actually new side art is being printed as we speak and it'll be finished.

Wow, that looks fantastic! Did you need to put a lot of work into restoration or was it more or less in good shape?


Question:

Were there different controller setups for the arcade version?

I think I remember a version (think it was JP-arcade), where the spinner was part of the joystick, and the fire button separate (which would seem a bit more comfortable to control). Or am I imagining things?

[system11]

I restored this one, still have it - actually new side art is being printed as we speak and it'll be finished.

Wow, that looks fantastic! Did you need to put a lot of work into restoration or was it more or less in good shape?

It was a mixed bag. The hard stuff (control panel art, bezel) were in decent shape. Other bits less so:

http://www.system11.org/temp/Arcade/Cab ... orlds7.jpg

I had to repair the corners, bottom front were broken clean off - reconstructed with filler and a lot of patience. You can tell if you kneel down to peer at it, other than that no. Screen was old and tired so I put a brand new one in. Spinners needed new washers, these don't exist anymore so I had to invent something new - also rebuilt them using all the best parts from several sets I had. Fitted a giant stepdown so it can run off UK power, new t-molding, lots of cleaning. Then Elend vectored the art for me from various sources and sides are being printed now.

[parallaxscroll2]

Forgotten Worlds (Lost Worlds in Japanese arcades?) was really amazing. First Capcom CPS1 game.





I owned the Genesis version and then the Turbo Duo version. Always wanted the PCE release with the Avenue Pad 3.













I wasn't too happy with EGM teasing us with a "Forgotten Worlds Deluxe" for the Sega CD though, and before the real Mega CD / Sega CD had been shown

Sorry no full resolution image of the article.

[Damocles]

I got into this game when I hooked up my original X-Box to play Nightfire. Good stuff, especially with the twin-stick aiming.

[EmperorIng]

I am only familiar with the Genesis port, but I really like it! The classic "Capcomisms" that have been mentioned make the game feel really alive and fun. It's a very competent multi-direction scrolling-shooter, with lots of fun stages and bosses. I think I like particularly how life is handled: 1 life, but with opportunities to buy armor and health. It makes the game very manageable, as well as incentivize NOT picking those things up (all the time anyway) in order to get the better upgrades toward the end of the game (Mega Twins/Chiki Chiki Boys does this as well).

This is a small thing, but I find that I really love black backgrounds in these early Capcom games. For some reason it helps with adding in a strange and appealing atmosphere. Atmosphere is something already that the game does in spades (cool levels, cool fitting music, etc.).

I have gotten to the final boss, but I haven't been able to take him out yet. My appreciation in this topic should spur me on to greater things!

[parallaxscroll2]

I've played the arcade version emulated and the port in Capcom Classics Collection Vol 1 on Xbox (also on PS2 and PSP CCC Remixed).

Genesis version was really good, but missing two levels.