Space Channel 5 Part 2 Boxset... for sale!

I have to sell the boxset so I can raise some money, so she is up for grabs on eBay.

I hope the winner takes as much care of her as I have done in my time with such a great collector's piece.

All aboard! (Tokyo Bus Guide)

Unlike Crazy Taxi, Tokyo Bus Guide is actually a game with the streets of Tokyo mapped out... and you drive a bus around and pick people up.

Easy?

Hell no!


For one thing, you actually have to get to the stops on the right schedule, order and by following highway rules. Only such a game could be conceived in Japan... but it's great fun.

I am a bit backed up with work at the moment, but here's a gameplay video and also and eBay auction where you can win one of my collection copies! Enjoy!

Sonic Team Limited Edition VMU

One of the rarest things I own - never seen this online before; the Sonic Team VMU.



It's just a standard VMU, but it's skeleton blue with the Sonic Team logo and a lovely presentation box.



Currently for sale to fund my new car.

Ikaruga

Often hailed as the best shooter on the Dreamcast, if not of all time, Ikaruga [斑鳩] is a clever bullet-hell of a game. Tactics are employed in the use of switching from white to black. When you are the same colour as oncoming bullets, you absorb them for your special weapon... getting hit by an aleternate colour destroys your ship.

This adds for a rather complicated twist in gameplay.


Here's a gameplay video to just show the complexity of the game:



I have a copy currently for sale on eBay from my collection.

Rajiruji

Radilgy or Radirgy, shortened from Radio Allergy, the proposed North American release (Rajiruji in Japanese ラジルジ) is a vertical shooter released late into the Dreamcast's official life; February 16 2006.

In addition to the game, which could only be bought through SEGA Direct in Japan in 2006 (how I ordered mine) is a phone card for use in Japan. This was quite frequent with releases in Japan through SEGA Direct, but seems more fitting in this game as you essentially play a girl (or boy) that has to rescue her father from terrorists so she (or he) can get the medicine for their radio allergy. Mental I know, but this is Japan!

So, how does it fair with the other Dreamcast shooters? (what shooters I hear you ask??). Well, it's pretty solid, but it's no Ikaruga - but what is. The styling of the game is pretty unique; cell shaded graphics (think Jet Set Radio) over VGA really make the Dreamcast seem like it was released in 2006. If you're a collector, or just into shooters; I would heavily recommend this game. There's a really fun soundtrack to the game as well - which is a refreshing change as many shooters decide to go down the 'dark and dismal' route.

There's a variety of button commands, including shoot, bomb and a like of sword attack. This adds hugely to the strategy of the game. The casing of the game shows off some of the attention to detail given within the game. It's hard to think a title of this quality was released so late in the [official] life of our beloved Dreamcast.

So sure that this would be a great title; I bought two. Yes, that's right, I have a sealed copy up for sale on eBay and you can bid on it here.

A couple of Dreamcasts for sale

A couple of my consoles for sale currently on my eBay account.

R7

Sakura Taisen

Hope they go to a good home!

Shenmue PAL vs NTSC-J

Where are the sailors? 船員はどこですか？ Whether you ask this pertinent question in English or Japanese, one thing is true... you're talking about Shenmue (hopefully). This game is without doubt one of the best games ever made. Hailed throughout the gaming world, Shenmue is an RPG with a difference. If you haven't played it, go and buy it.

The differences between the Japanese and PAL versions are quite subtle. Obviously, the PAL version also includes some interesting voice acting - but aside from that, the games are near identical.

Not so when it comes to package presentation...

The Japanese version of the game clearly has a larger focus on the excellent artwork and less about brand recognition and an 11+ rating. Online functions are advertised on the PAL pack as this was a big pushing point in Europe.

The backs are largely different too. Similar use of graphics - I prefer the PAL version this time. A nice little blurb in each language, followed up with all of the other info. One thing I think the Japanese versions always win on though, is the column on the right - showing number of players, game type, accessories etc...

Jewel case vs. the PAL format... looks like there's 3 CDs in the NTSC-J version??

Why yes! We not only get the game but also a "Shenmue Jukebox" CD for our aural pleasures, with the following tunes:

What a treat! Typical of a Japanese release  - extras that the fans will love are thrown in. As so often is the case - probably in a cost-cutting measure or just because the West "doesn't get it" (SEGA Europe or SEGA Japan deciding?? Take your pick), we were left short without this great little extra. 

Here's one of the songs:

Shenmue Promo - Pen

I have my Shenmue promo pen up for sale.

Go and get yourself a piece of gaming history!

Shenmue 1 and 2 relisted

Because I was stupid and didn't put the name as Shenmue, but Shemue. ばか外人！ Anyway.

Here are all my auctions, more to come.

Long time no see

There comes a time when we all need a bit of money. Hell, we always needs some money for something, it would seem. I have a few items in my collection that I would like to see go to some good homes. Over the next few weeks I will be selling a few games, VMUs and controllers here in the hope that a die-hard Dreamcast fan will pick them up.

Shenmue 1: PAL, Boxed (eBay link)

Shenmue 2: PAL, Boxed (eBay link)

Last Hope: Region Free, New, Sealed, Boxed (eBay link)

Wind and Water Puzzle Battles: Region Free, New, Sealed, Boxed (eBay link)

Space Channel 5: PAL, Boxed (eBay link)

Dreameye Camera (ドリームアイ): Boxed, NTSC (eBay link)

and a big sorry to everyone for the lack of posts recently. I'm in the final year of my Ph.D thesis and things are a bit tough, time-wise!

You can follow me on Twitter, as I pretty much post on there daily about general stuff. Also worth adding me if you'd like to be kept abreast of what's going on eBay.

EA's NHL franchise

Just wanted to make a little post about a game I stumbled back upon recently. I often play NHL09 on my PS3 and I love the game. This weekend I am at my girlfriend's place - she doesn't have a PS3.

I leant her my Mega Drive though, bundled with all my old games. One such game is EA sports NHL (1991) on the Mega Drive.

I was surprised at how well the game played. It's 18 years old. I am sure that's older than a lot of PS3 owners!

Not too much has changed in the past 18 years though. The AI in this game is great, the shot taking is great - the fights are actually better than the more recent games... obviously the graphics are a world apart - as is the sound.

I'd definitely pick up this game for a quick hockey fix though - it's awesome.

For comparison... here's one of my NHL09 goals...

  

EA SPORTS World: OT goal

Paint it black

I picked up a bit of a scuzzy PAL Dreamcast on eBay. Nothing really wrong with it, just some yellowing:

I had a can of spray paint that was left over from when I sprayed some wood for something years ago... and I remember how much I loved the smell of solvents. Anyway, I got spraying.Paint that is.

So, all-in-all, I recommend it. Here's the finished article:

Share your modded Dreamcast ideas/pictures/stories!

Samba de Amigo Maracas

Olá! Sorry for any followers/readers/randomers for not posting in a while, I've been mental-busy with work. After a brief trip down to the Parcelforce depot in Manchester (in a rough red light district - just where you want to walk with a nice new parcel...) to pay a ridiculous customs charge due to exchange rate bullshit, I picked up something I have wanted for a long, long time:

From My SEGA collection

Yes, Samba de Amigo and Maracas.

The arcade version used magnetic sensors to determine the position of the maracas. As this was costly (with arcade machines selling for £1000s) it had to be reworked for the home version.

The first and best home version is the Dreamcast version. Each maraca has a cord which is plugged into a bar that rests on the floor at your feet. Each maraca has an ultrasonic emitter mounted on its chord; allowing the system to triangulate the position of each maraca - in the same way that the first iPhone used A-GPS for finding its location.

Included in the box is a plastic mat with two brown footprints; which helps the players position themselves in relation to the sensor bar.

Apparently, the maracas can be used to control the character in Mr Driller.

In the Wii version, the player uses the inferior Wii Remote, which leads to a gameplay experience lacking the 'tightness' of the original.

Didn't pick this game up originally, back in 1999/2000 due to the massive expense. Back then, I used to have to properly save and wait to buy a game. If I could have, I would have bought 80-90% of Dreamcast games on release. I only own Forza 2 on the 360 and have a few games for my PS3.

Anyway, Samba!

Plasma TV, PS3, 360, Saturn and Dreamcast

I just rearranged my lounge to better focus my plasma television. When I finish tidying up, I will post some photos of the entire lounge, but as it stands; it's a bit messy. Here's a couple of teasers:

Space Channel 5 part 2: Special Limited Edition Boxset

Everyone knows about Space Channel 5. Not everyone has seen this though; the limited edition boxset, only on sale in Japan, comprising headphones, pouch and game. Here are some pictures to enjoy.

The box is in fantastic condition. Arrived from Japan in just a jiffy bag - I was a bit scared!

The back of the box has some excellent blurb about the headphones. Worth paying attention to...

Well displayed here; game and headphones. It's obvious what this game is all about - the music.

The headphones are actually really good. They have a strong dynamic range and a good bass response. I must say though, I reckon I look like a right twat with them on. More than normal. It does come with a pair of black pads rather than the fluffy white ones... but... *they keep you so warm!*

Not opened the bag with the pouch - this boxset is minty fresh and it is staying that way. 

This is possibly the rarest thing I own...? Possibly...

Hold it cowboy!

I mentioned the SEGA Light Phaser in this post. It was released for the Sega Master System, and is basically a light gun, only its design is based on Zillion (game and anime).

Taken from SEGA Nerds:

"A man in Brazil held a 60-year-old woman hostage for 10 hours using one of these Light Phasers, before finally giving himself up to authorities. No one was hurt. Shocker.

After the incident, authorities proceeded to make fun of him for never upgrading to the Sega Lock-on model."

Moved to the Dark Side

Yes, that's correct. I'm getting a PS3.

Note - this didn't happen but we'd like to do that to the bloody thing

My brother's XBOX 360 just died (for the second time), but not RRoD, this time it just displays no video out. Some forum-goers are saying that the NXE had something to do with it. Microsoft are saying "fuck off" basically; so we are.

We are both buying PS3s today and that will be the end of our time with the XBOX 360. It's been fun XBOX, but you're too unreliable. I have a 20 year old Master System that was built to last. You're not.

And here she is:

From PS3

Sega Master System - 1986

The Sega Master System is a computer console from the "third generation" or "8-bit era" and enjoyed success in Europe especially, where it was a rival to the NES. It was released in 1986 (making the one I own 23 years old), and followed on from the Japanese only "Sega Mark III" console.

From My SEGA collection

This "power base" model comes with Super Hang-on built in as well as another game (more on that later). The more recent Mark II Master System came with Alex Kidd in Miracle World built in, to compete with Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. Alex Kidd became Sega's unofficial mascot, later officially replaced by Sonic the Hedgehog.

The Master System has almost the exact same hardware components as the Game Gear, which actually sold better in Japan. Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 [8-bit] are two fantastic, gorgeous games.

The pad is a very square affair, and only has a D-pad and two buttons. One can also plug in a Mega Drive controller for use in all games, though only the Dpad and buttons A and B will work.

The Light Phaser was a light gun for the system, modelled on the Zillion anime series gun, which SEGA sponsored in the 80s.

It's nice to have a real piece of SEGAs gaming legacy in the west, notably their presence in Europe. I remember being at school and nobody had a NES. Everyone had a Master System or Game Gear (me). It was only with the birth of the SNES that the war heated up...

Katana [Dreamcast]

I'm currently doing a little mod on my Dreamcast (more to follow), and came across something rather interesting...

Nothing particularly interesting there, you think? Look closer...

"katana" inscribed on the motherboard. 

The katana was the Japanese version of the Dreamcast prototype. There were two basically, the SEGA USA "Dural" and the SEGA Japan "Katana". Eventually, SEGA went with the Japanese one, though both were pretty similar. It's a shame the Dreamcast didn't have a built in DVD player... but it was far too expensive in 1998. Things could have been rather different... but then again, Sega was in so much debt by 1999, even though the Dreamcast was doing quite well, there was nothing to be done against the Sony machine.

Game Boy Micro

Skived the afternoon off and went into town. I was in search of a couple of items, namely; anything Dreamcast related, and a game boy micro. According to the monkey in GAME, game boy micros are no longer manufactured - so they don't have any. Not even in the trade-in section. Utter tosh. I hate that shop.

I buggered of the Entertainment Exchange (CEX - try saying that out loud) and they didn't have any either - in both stores. Crap. eBay it would be - but I couldn't be arsed buying one on eBay as I already have a couple of games and just want the system ASAP for some portable fun gaming.

Enter Gamestation. I went to the counter and asked the emo-girl there if they had a game boy micro at all. She was obviously excited by this, as she jumped up and down and said "oooOOh! I don't know! Give me a sec!" so I waited and she popped back with a Game Boy Micro. Well, two of them. One blue and one silver. Sorry, one silver and one "really funky blue" one. The inner hedgehog in me spoke up; "blue please". £14. Bargain.

Time to boot up Sonic Advance 2 and 3 and see if I can actually play those two games. If I can, I can give a little review about them - what with them officially being in my sega collection!

They also had a copy of "Confidential Mission" on the Dreamcast. This was £9.99 and I jumped at the chance. I didn't get it when I had the chance, and now I have 2 light guns, it's a worthwhile purchase. Review to follow soon!

Not a bad little find to be honest. It's always nice getting what you want.