Prompted by this tweet:
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/1599055869869694979
Behold the power of the briefcase!
The PC-Engine CD released 34 years ago today. This is what would be localized as the Turbografx-16 CD in North America. While it has a pretty beloved library, especially when factoring in the Japanese imports, the two most interesting factoids of the system is that it is not only the first game console to use CD-Rom as a media, but it is also the first device to offer CD-Rom games-- even before PC or Apple platforms.
Back in the 80s, limited storage sizes were probably one of the biggest hinderances for game development, CD-Rom was an alternative that gave what seemed to be limitless storage (at the time lol) to expand the scope of games, but also normalize voice acting/live music in games.
My personal first memory:
Ys Book I + II Intro
Due to YouTube embeds being wonky, here is a direct link.
Seeing this back in 1989 was like seeing something from the future. Full voice acting, awesome music! I couldn't believe my eyes and ears... My uncle was a huge fan of underdog game consoles and ended up having one of these instead of a Genesis/Mega Drive.
Though I had a Turbografx, I actually never got the CD system until I went to Japan in 2002.
My favorite game:
Akumajou Dracula X: Rondo of Blood Intro
The first thing I purchased on my first trip to Japan was a PC-Engine & CD in the briefcase, just like in the linked image above. The small tatami room I was staying in had a little Sharp CRT beside the bed and I actually unboxed and played this while succumbing to jetlag in the early hours.
I felt like it was probably my favorite game ever, right then.
I still think it is.
I won't get into the whys & how, but I implore anyone that has an interest in action games or the Castlevania series in any way to play this game at your earliest convenience. It's one of those "sacred cows" that actually hold up to scrutiny.
Also the music whips ass (get it?):
Other notables:
The PC-Engine CD has so many notable installments, or originating titles, of legendary franchises in Japanese games that you'd probably be better served by actually looking at a list of the the library or finding a YouTube video that breaks down the library. These two are pretty good while giving historical context:
www.youtube.com
www.youtube.com
Some titles I personally recommend are (I like shmups lol):
Edit: Forgot to mention-- still the best add-on for a game console!
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/1599055869869694979
Behold the power of the briefcase!
The PC-Engine CD released 34 years ago today. This is what would be localized as the Turbografx-16 CD in North America. While it has a pretty beloved library, especially when factoring in the Japanese imports, the two most interesting factoids of the system is that it is not only the first game console to use CD-Rom as a media, but it is also the first device to offer CD-Rom games-- even before PC or Apple platforms.
Back in the 80s, limited storage sizes were probably one of the biggest hinderances for game development, CD-Rom was an alternative that gave what seemed to be limitless storage (at the time lol) to expand the scope of games, but also normalize voice acting/live music in games.
My personal first memory:
Ys Book I + II Intro
Due to YouTube embeds being wonky, here is a direct link.
Seeing this back in 1989 was like seeing something from the future. Full voice acting, awesome music! I couldn't believe my eyes and ears... My uncle was a huge fan of underdog game consoles and ended up having one of these instead of a Genesis/Mega Drive.
Though I had a Turbografx, I actually never got the CD system until I went to Japan in 2002.
My favorite game:
Akumajou Dracula X: Rondo of Blood Intro
The first thing I purchased on my first trip to Japan was a PC-Engine & CD in the briefcase, just like in the linked image above. The small tatami room I was staying in had a little Sharp CRT beside the bed and I actually unboxed and played this while succumbing to jetlag in the early hours.
I felt like it was probably my favorite game ever, right then.
I still think it is.
I won't get into the whys & how, but I implore anyone that has an interest in action games or the Castlevania series in any way to play this game at your earliest convenience. It's one of those "sacred cows" that actually hold up to scrutiny.
Also the music whips ass (get it?):
Other notables:
The PC-Engine CD has so many notable installments, or originating titles, of legendary franchises in Japanese games that you'd probably be better served by actually looking at a list of the the library or finding a YouTube video that breaks down the library. These two are pretty good while giving historical context:
History of the Amazing PC ENGINE! [Book I]
Find out how Hudson and NEC's mighty little console took Japan by storm in the History of the Amazing PC Engine! [Book I] and became a best seller, crushing ...
www.youtube.com
THE PC ENGINE ROCKS! - Happy Console Gamer
PC Engine Review the TurboGrafx over hereLike the show? Support the show! Patreon us! https://www.patreon.com/happyconsolegamerSUBSCRIBE! and add me on Twitt...
www.youtube.com
Some titles I personally recommend are (I like shmups lol):
- Seirei Senshi Spriggan
- Gate of Thunder
- Lords of Thunder
- Ys IV: Dawn of Ys
- Sapphire
- Gradius II: Goepher no Yabou
Edit: Forgot to mention-- still the best add-on for a game console!
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