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The new home-brew RPG for Megadrive is available for pre-order and a demo has been released. You can get it here.
Looks interesting and I'm going to order a copy. Anyone else?
http://www.piersolar.com/
I did do a search but couldn't find anything.
Pier Solar New Megadrive RPG - demo released, Pre-orders open
#2
Posted 06 September 2008 - 11:46 PM
The beta rom sounds like a nice idea. I'm not quite sure how they can offer a 64mbit game with additional soundtrack and booklet for $35 though.
#3
Posted 07 September 2008 - 01:39 AM
You know, I was interested until I saw the writing (in)ability that had gone into the website: typos and misused words galore, never mind plain old clunky descriptions, which doesn't bode too well for a game in a genre that sells on script more than anything else.
#4
Posted 07 September 2008 - 01:29 PM
Wiper, on Sep 7 2008, 02:39 AM, said:
You know, I was interested until I saw the writing (in)ability that had gone into the website: typos and misused words galore, never mind plain old clunky descriptions, which doesn't bode too well for a game in a genre that sells on script more than anything else.
And although the spritework isnt too bad, it's a bit bland, lifeless,far too much like parts of Star Ocean and to top it all off, did anyone watch the trailer and see the character artwork? Shocking!
If you're gonna sell the damn game, comission someone from fucking Deviant Art and they'll do a better job of it :(
#5
Posted 07 September 2008 - 02:25 PM
I'm not sure I really see the point in releasing games for completely dead consoles.
#6
Posted 07 September 2008 - 02:29 PM
VermilionSands, on Sep 7 2008, 03:25 PM, said:
I'm not sure I really see the point in releasing games for completely dead consoles.
People stil buy games for defunct systems. Look at the likes of the Vectrex. That has a very strong community behind it and theres always new releases being made yet it was released way back in 1983. Consoles never really die if theres a big enough community. The Jaguar is another one as that gets new releases every so often. People want new games for them.
#7
Posted 07 September 2008 - 02:35 PM
I don't doubt that there's a market for this stuff, but I do wonder what difference it makes that this is on the Megadrive. Are people really attached to the controller or something?
The Vectrex thing I can understand. It has a funny controller and a unique screen that isn't easily emulated.
Also, the game looks well shit.
The Vectrex thing I can understand. It has a funny controller and a unique screen that isn't easily emulated.
Also, the game looks well shit.
#8
Posted 07 September 2008 - 02:43 PM
VermilionSands, on Sep 7 2008, 03:35 PM, said:
I don't doubt that there's a market for this stuff, but I do wonder what difference it makes that this is on the Megadrive. Are people really attached to the controller or something?
I wouldn't have thought they create the games for much financial gain. A lot of places that offer titles like this where they recreate the packaging and carts etc tend to do so quite close to cost. Its more about getting something new out for the system rather than being in it for the money. I guess a lot of it is just for kudos because how many people could claim they made a Megadrive game or any other game for that matter.
#9
Posted 07 September 2008 - 03:17 PM
Well I for one am extremely happy to see dedicated retro enthusiasts going to so much trouble to produce new games for vintage machines. This looks terrific, and I've just pre-ordered it. Thanks for the heads up, Grey Fox.
#10
Posted 08 September 2008 - 04:41 PM
Preordered mine last night. Went for the Posterity Pack!
I had a quick go at the demo, I must say it hasnt gripped me completely yet. However when it comes to new retro software Im all for supporting the teams to encourage more to be released!
Also cause I know that later down the line, my collecting obsession will only make me want to own it!
I had a quick go at the demo, I must say it hasnt gripped me completely yet. However when it comes to new retro software Im all for supporting the teams to encourage more to be released!
Also cause I know that later down the line, my collecting obsession will only make me want to own it!
#11
Posted 09 September 2008 - 04:58 PM
Cauterize, on Sep 8 2008, 05:41 PM, said:
Preordered mine last night. Went for the Posterity Pack!
Same here! It says on the website that if you go for the Posterity Pack your name (or whatever else you want in there) will feature in the manual, the end credits, and "much more"... not sure what that might entail exactly, but with any luck I'll turn up in some remote village running a tavern (or a brothel).
#12
Posted 09 September 2008 - 05:09 PM
I'm all for new games for classic systems, but I don't half get the feeling that much of the story is going to be shoehorned into a couple of bits of dialogue with no tact or subtext.
And it'll probably be like, "yes your the choosen one. go kill alot of enemas".
It wouldn't hurt getting spellcheckers ffs. And maybe looking for (auditioning, even) amateur writers to peruse the story.
And it'll probably be like, "yes your the choosen one. go kill alot of enemas".
It wouldn't hurt getting spellcheckers ffs. And maybe looking for (auditioning, even) amateur writers to peruse the story.
#13
Posted 09 September 2008 - 06:22 PM
By the way, people seem to be doing a lot of this kind of coding (and very few of them have decent grammar). Is it really that difficult making a Mega Drive game? Is it all plain code, or is there a tool with a GUI or something?
#14
Posted 10 September 2008 - 12:28 PM
Considering the Megadrive could have 64 colours on screen at once I find it strange that this (and too many other megadrive games) seem to look waaay too drab. Monkey Island in 16 colours looks more vibrant than this.
#15
Posted 10 September 2008 - 06:57 PM
Hmmm after reading various forums, there is a lot of negative feedback regarding new Megadrive releases.
However, theyre not being looked at from the right perspective.
The teams behind these are small, have fulltime jobs and are working on developing a game for a long dead system, most likely without the original dev hardware and manuals.
Wether or not the grammar is bad, the graphics may look slightly dull here n there... This is a fantastic achievement and something unique.
These guys are doing the best they can & i dont see anyone else coding for these systems we love!
However, theyre not being looked at from the right perspective.
The teams behind these are small, have fulltime jobs and are working on developing a game for a long dead system, most likely without the original dev hardware and manuals.
Wether or not the grammar is bad, the graphics may look slightly dull here n there... This is a fantastic achievement and something unique.
These guys are doing the best they can & i dont see anyone else coding for these systems we love!
#16
Posted 10 September 2008 - 07:41 PM
There a may be a reason for that.
I mean, it's all very well and good saying how great and talented they are for making a game on a truly dead format, but what's the actual point? Why not dedicate their skills to making a PC game or something? I'm sure their time will be better spent making a decent game than struggling with antiquated hardware. More people would actually play it as well. It'd be cheaper too.
I mean, it's all very well and good saying how great and talented they are for making a game on a truly dead format, but what's the actual point? Why not dedicate their skills to making a PC game or something? I'm sure their time will be better spent making a decent game than struggling with antiquated hardware. More people would actually play it as well. It'd be cheaper too.
#17
Posted 10 September 2008 - 08:05 PM
VermilionSands, on Sep 10 2008, 08:41 PM, said:
There a may be a reason for that.
I mean, it's all very well and good saying how great and talented they are for making a game on a truly dead format, but what's the actual point? Why not dedicate their skills to making a PC game or something? I'm sure their time will be better spent making a decent game than struggling with antiquated hardware. More people would actually play it as well. It'd be cheaper too.
I mean, it's all very well and good saying how great and talented they are for making a game on a truly dead format, but what's the actual point? Why not dedicate their skills to making a PC game or something? I'm sure their time will be better spent making a decent game than struggling with antiquated hardware. More people would actually play it as well. It'd be cheaper too.
Because one can argue that the term 'decent game' was something left behind in the 16bit era of gaming... I know ill be opening a can of worms saying this but its something i truly believe.
The point is quite simple. There is still a very large fan base/interest in the Megadrive (and all the other retro consoles) and if you have the ability to create something for a console that you love, then why not!? Its not about the costs, its about the game and the effort behind it.
It may too be 'antiquated hardware' but that hardware is whats shaped the modern games of today that you refer to.
And if anything, its a nice breath of fresh air compared to the non stop releases of tedious first person shooters...
#18
Posted 10 September 2008 - 08:21 PM
I disagree with the sentiment that there havn't been any decent games since the mid-nineties and think that's a bit backwards, but that's a debate for another time.
On topic, I doesn't really follow that if you want to release something in the spirit and style of 16-bit gaming then you have to release it for a dead machine. It's limiting the audience, making life difficult for yourself and making the whole endeavor seem a little bit precious. I mean, the Megadrive was just a means of playing the games that were out for it at the time. I find it odd that anyone would be attached to the machine itself. It's like being in love with an old classic iPod over the music it plays, and deciding to release some songs just for that gadget that won't play on anything else. That might be a pretty weak analogy, but the point stands, I think. It's not like there's even anything particularly unique to the Megadrive controller, given that a USB pad could easily perform the same role.
In an era where they could release a retro-styled RPG as a cheap download and have thousands upon thousands of people experience it, it seems a waste of talent to limit themselves to such a niche.
On topic, I doesn't really follow that if you want to release something in the spirit and style of 16-bit gaming then you have to release it for a dead machine. It's limiting the audience, making life difficult for yourself and making the whole endeavor seem a little bit precious. I mean, the Megadrive was just a means of playing the games that were out for it at the time. I find it odd that anyone would be attached to the machine itself. It's like being in love with an old classic iPod over the music it plays, and deciding to release some songs just for that gadget that won't play on anything else. That might be a pretty weak analogy, but the point stands, I think. It's not like there's even anything particularly unique to the Megadrive controller, given that a USB pad could easily perform the same role.
In an era where they could release a retro-styled RPG as a cheap download and have thousands upon thousands of people experience it, it seems a waste of talent to limit themselves to such a niche.
#19
Posted 10 September 2008 - 08:44 PM
VermilionSands, on Sep 10 2008, 09:21 PM, said:
I disagree with the sentiment that there havn't been any decent games since the mid-nineties and think that's a bit backwards, but that's a debate for another time.
On topic, I doesn't really follow that if you want to release something in the spirit and style of 16-bit gaming then you have to release it for a dead machine. It's limiting the audience, making life difficult for yourself and making the whole endeavor seem a little bit precious. I mean, the Megadrive was just a means of playing the games that were out for it at the time. I find it odd that anyone would be attached to the machine itself. It's like being in love with an old classic iPod over the music it plays, and deciding to release some songs just for that gadget that won't play on anything else. That might be a pretty weak analogy, but the point stands, I think. It's not like there's even anything particularly unique to the Megadrive controller, given that a USB pad could easily perform the same role.
In an era where they could release a retro-styled RPG as a cheap download and have thousands upon thousands of people experience it, it seems a waste of talent to limit themselves to such a niche.
On topic, I doesn't really follow that if you want to release something in the spirit and style of 16-bit gaming then you have to release it for a dead machine. It's limiting the audience, making life difficult for yourself and making the whole endeavor seem a little bit precious. I mean, the Megadrive was just a means of playing the games that were out for it at the time. I find it odd that anyone would be attached to the machine itself. It's like being in love with an old classic iPod over the music it plays, and deciding to release some songs just for that gadget that won't play on anything else. That might be a pretty weak analogy, but the point stands, I think. It's not like there's even anything particularly unique to the Megadrive controller, given that a USB pad could easily perform the same role.
In an era where they could release a retro-styled RPG as a cheap download and have thousands upon thousands of people experience it, it seems a waste of talent to limit themselves to such a niche.
I wasn't referring to every single game ever made since then, however the ratio of bad to good has certainly increased.
It maybe limiting the audience as you say, however youll find its limiting it to the die hard who will enjoy it.
Its all well saying that it should be released in a 16bit style on XBL or PSN or WiiWare etc, however in my opinion the current gaming audience is not one that will ever appreciate it nor give it the time it deserves.
The majority of my modern age gaming friends are graphics orientated and have lost the plot with gaming.
The games they download off the XLA/PSN/WiiStore are given a matter of minutes before gathering virtual dust on the dashboards, with Shooter/Neon Car Racer 8 being loaded promptly after.
I dont quite follow your iPod reference as i feel the music industry is something completely different.
Music from every era is played regardless of the player, where as games (not yet rereleased) obviously require the hardware it was intended for.
And as for the niche you have refered to, that is the one they want to impress and sell to. From what I gather, the guys arent too fussed if they dont sell that many, they just want their product to go out to the ones that will enjoy it. And on that matter, Beggar Prince despite being a rereleased and tranlated game is now on its third (if im not mistaken) print run, which is rather impressive
#20
Posted 10 September 2008 - 09:05 PM
Cauterize, on Sep 10 2008, 09:44 PM, said:
I wasn't referring to every single game ever made since then, however the ratio of good to bad has certainly increased.
It maybe limiting the audience as you say, however youll find its limiting it to the die hard who will enjoy it.
Its all well saying that it should be released in a 16bit style on XBL or PSN or WiiWare etc, however in my opinion the current gaming audience is not one that will ever appreciate it nor give it the time it deserves.
The majority of my modern age gaming friends are graphics orientated and have lost the plot with gaming.
The games they download off the XLA/PSN/WiiStore are given a matter of minutes before gathering virtual dust on the dashboards, with Shooter/Neon Car Racer 8 being loaded promptly after.
It maybe limiting the audience as you say, however youll find its limiting it to the die hard who will enjoy it.
Its all well saying that it should be released in a 16bit style on XBL or PSN or WiiWare etc, however in my opinion the current gaming audience is not one that will ever appreciate it nor give it the time it deserves.
The majority of my modern age gaming friends are graphics orientated and have lost the plot with gaming.
The games they download off the XLA/PSN/WiiStore are given a matter of minutes before gathering virtual dust on the dashboards, with Shooter/Neon Car Racer 8 being loaded promptly after.
This makes no sense whatsoever. Releasing it to a wider market might not change the gaming habits of the majority, but will certainly reel in a few and make the game more readily available to the kind of people that are interested in 2D. On the other hand, releasing the game as a Megadrive cartridge is a massive and pointless hurdle that will put a lot of people off. As for graphics whores, you're talking about people that would never play this sort of game anyway, and as such are an irrelevence to the topic at hand.
I think you're being hugely patronising to the majority of gamers, too.
Cauterize, on Sep 10 2008, 09:44 PM, said:
I dont quite follow your iPod reference as i feel the music industry is something completely different.
Music from every era is played regardless of the player, where as games (not yet rereleased) obviously require the hardware it was intended for.
Music from every era is played regardless of the player, where as games (not yet rereleased) obviously require the hardware it was intended for.
You're kind of proving my point. Yeah, music of every era is playable regardless of player, and that's something that the games industry would do well to emulate where possible. Obviously markets and technology put the kibosh on that when it comes to newly released games, but when we're talking about old games, or those that seek to emulate them stylistically, there's no need for it at all. The technology is there to run Pier Solar or Beggar Prince on pretty much any PC/Mac or modern console and the format specific release is an artifical hurdle to people enjoying the game.
Cauterize, on Sep 10 2008, 09:44 PM, said:
And as for the niche you have refered to, that is the one they want to impress and sell to. From what I gather, the guys arent too fussed if they dont sell that many, they just want their product to go out to the ones that will enjoy it. And on that matter, Beggar Prince despite being a rereleased and tranlated game is now on its third (if im not mistaken) print run, which is rather impressive
Their finances bother me little, but the inherent kind of preciousness and snobbery that surrounds these kind of releases does. It's as if they're suggesting that unless you're willing to dig out an old Megadrive, set it up and spend money on the cartridge then you aren't really worthy of playing the game, and certainly aren't experiencing it properly. Nonsense.
