Bangai-O Spirits General Discussion(OUT IN US!)

leveskikesko

leveskikesko

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To tell you the truth this will be my first Bangai-O game, so I'm not too overly familiar. But what I do know is that it looks so....awesome.

(Also it's from the people that gave you Gunstar Heroes)

Check out the spectacular 2D explosions here!
5.jpg



From what I hear it's hybrid of warioware and shooter type gameplay with some puzzles mixed in. This very weird description is why I'm hyped, and also for the fact that I can finally try this type of game out without having to pay 60 plus dollars(the expensive dreamcast game,Bangai-O, is expensive).

So, supposedly it comes out August 12th for us lucky Americans....
http://ds.ign.com/objects/963/963532.html
10/10 by Eurogamer
http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=135028

The Differences between this game and Bangai-O:
http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.c...io/bangaio.htm

Let's hype it up already, shall we?

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps-v7dCioi4[/media]
 
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This game got an okay review from GamePro. 3.50 out of 5. This game looks great, but I didn't really read the review in detail all I remember is relies too much on Trial and Error and relentless difficulty.
 
[quote name='LeafPanda']This game got an okay review from GamePro. 3.50 out of 5. This game looks great, but I didn't really read the review in detail all I remember is relies too much on Trial and Error and relentless difficulty.[/QUOTE]

the original got 85% ranking on gamerankings.com
 
[quote name='LeafPanda']This game got an okay review from GamePro. 3.50 out of 5. This game looks great, but I didn't really read the review in detail all I remember is relies too much on Trial and Error and relentless difficulty.[/quote]

Yeah, not bad. But I personally don't trust Gamepro as far as reviews go. Someone I do trust, however, has given it a perfect score. Yup, Eurogamer gave it a 10/10. And it is a Treasure game, so difficulty is to be had.

http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=936959
That's when you realise that although Bangai-O is just a shooting game, it's far from just a shooting game. Playing Bangai-O Spirits is a pleasure. If I could, I'd play it for every waking moment.
Click to expand...

But ratings shmatings, the only real way you'll know whether you'll like this game or not is by trying it out yourself.
 
[quote name='Jesus_S_Preston']Isn't there a thread already?

But yeah, I want this.[/quote]

Yeah, but I didn't like it much. It called the game Bangai-o DS iirc, that's not its name so naturally that could be confusing to people.
 
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[quote name='blandstalker']Yes, but that other thread had this link, posted by xmrblondex:


That's what totally sold me on the game.[/quote]

That's nice, but Eurogamer sold me on it.

For the sake of the thread, I'll try to hold back any thoughts regarding that...site.
 
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[quote name='JEKKI']they had this game at Anime Expo...

it was awesome!!! I'm all over this game when it comes out.[/quote]

Lucky!

It feels so good knowing that we're finally getting another 2D game in this era that isn't half baked. Thank you, Treasure!
 
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I wasn't a fan of this one when I played it. Never played like a shooter. Played more like a special attack spamming game with a lot of gimmick "Make your way to the end of the level before the time runs out" goofiness and a lot less actual balls-to-the-wall shooting.
 
[quote name='RollingSkull']I wasn't a fan of this one when I played it. Never played like a shooter. Played more like a special attack spamming game with a lot of gimmick "Make your way to the end of the level before the time runs out" goofiness and a lot less actual balls-to-the-wall shooting.[/quote]

Maybe you just don't get "it" yet. It seems like many reviewers at first weren't sure of the game, and then "it" came to them. So when I get it I'm going to really try to understand it, but I have a feeling I'll love it instantly. I love quirky games like these.

I don't think it's supposed to play like your average shooter any way.
 
The original was just nuts and fantastic beyond belief. I'll be picking this one up on Day 1, no doubt.

Props go to the long-defunct Game Express in NYC for turning me onto this game back on the Dreamcast. Your quality gaming advice and niche-title suggestions will be absolutely, sorely missed [Radiant Silvergun, Giga Wing, and ~countless~ others...].
 
[quote name='leveskikesko']That's nice, but Eurogamer sold me on it.

For the sake of the thread, I'll try to hold back any thoughts regarding that...site.[/quote]
I guess I'll hold back any thoughts regarding your...thread.

Just kidding :D

I'm pumped for this game, it just seems so cool. So many bullets!
 
I was really, really disappointed when I first saw this game and how it lacked the level art and backgrounds from the original game and just went for plain grey walls.. however, the game still looks fun to play and I'll be picking it up.

If you havent played the original, though... do so. It's worth tracking down a copy.
 
So, anyone get this game yet? Just came out today.

I'm playing the tutorial, and it seems like there's a lot to learn in this game. So, not sure if I like it yet, but I'm liking the explosions so far.
 
I got it!!

I beat the tutorial and beaten the first 10 stages in the first option in free play.

the game is AWESOME!!!

GAF describes the game as something like 'if you bring the wrong equipment into a stage u die in 2 seconds' lol

there's also stages I beat with a score of zero o_O it's weird, like they dont give u points for killing enemies... only for collecting fruit.

EDIT:

another thing about this game is the slowdown can get straight brutal at times!!

I mean it's pretty cool to me... I like old games so it's a very familiar feeling,

but like u can take like 12 seconds real time to beat a stage and it only clocks in as 4 seconds coz the game was going slow.

also if u ever pull off a 100 power counter... it's over!! your DS is gonna explode lol
 
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My main beef is with the structure, which I think IGN touched on. I just feel after the tutorial I'm thrown a bunch of already unlocked stages, but I just don't know how to approach it. It doesn't seem like the levels are numbered based on skill at all. Also I don't have a problem with the difficulty, but at least start me at an appropriate level first, and gradually up the difficulty so I get better more naturally.

With that said, the game is unlike anything else I've played and it's really fun once I have a clue of what I'm doing. I'm not sure if it's 10/10 material, but time will tell. It's kind of like my first time approaching an RPG, I'm just not sure what to make of it yet...
 
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Sounds great! I beat the heck out of the game on the Dreamcast and it occasionally brought even that console to its knees with slowdown. GREAT game though.

Does this version have a good deal of engrish and a totalquirky story like the original?
 
[quote name='Judge Groovyman']Sounds great! I beat the heck out of the game on the Dreamcast and it occasionally brought even that console to its knees with slowdown. GREAT game though.

Does this version have a good deal of engrish and a totalquirky story like the original?[/quote]

I haven't played the original, but from what I've seen there's no story at all. However, in the tutorial of about 17 levels they have some slightly funny/corny character dialogue going on while explaining the game. I'm pretty sure there's nothing beyond that.
 
IGN is right. They really should have some structured story levels with a difficulty curve. And if not that, something that signifies how hard a stage is. Game is like being pushed over the edge.

I may get knocked for this, but as far as the handheld games go, Treasure has lost their touch with these 'remakquels'. They have been good but not better than or even equal to, the games they are inspired by.

And now I sorta like Bangai-O. I get the controls now and I like the pick-up and play feel. Doesn't require hours of my time.
 
[quote name='FurryCurry']IGN is right. They really should have some structured story levels with a difficulty curve. And if not that, something that signifies how hard a stage is. Game is like being pushed over the edge.

I may get knocked for this, but as far as the handheld games go, Treasure has lost their touch with these 'remakquels'. They have been good but not better than or even equal to, the games they are inspired by.

And now I sorta like Bangai-O. I get the controls now and I like the pick-up and play feel. Doesn't require hours of my time.[/quote]

Knocked? Treasure has always been hit or miss. They have a peculiar structure that makes everything they touch "uniquely Treasure" that scores BIG in some places and seems like they are proceeding stubbornly hammering a square peg into a round hole with others.

Their portable stuff definitely has suffered. Gunstar Advance was decent when they weren't chucking poorly designed "all but the kitchen sink" crap into it. Guardian Heroes Advance would have been THE PORTABLE SMASH BROS. or something had they not made the resolution for two attacks colliding so stupid or veered so far away from standard beat'em up stuff in their story mode.

Bangai-O DS is another example. Lemme digress here... having had a chance to play the US version, I like it a bit more. It is definitely uniquely Treasure and there is a peculiar puzzle-style to it. But back to ragging on it... your health is so low... and enemy bullet spam so severe... that this isn't so much a shmup as it is a "R-button-super-attack" spamming game. The shooting is uninteresting and the puzzling is either poorly pulled together platforming crap or "select the right combo of weapons (Usually Bounce+Break or Homing+Break or a melee) or you die instantly" bullshit.

Combine that with the fact that the levels lack structure and definitely seem a lot like they were just randomly thrown together in the editor... where the biggest challenges they throw are LOLOLO FIVE MILLION ENEMIES FIRING TEN MILLION HOMING MISSILES GOOD LUCK and you just don't have a tasty brew.
 
Sounds to me like this game didn't live up to all the hype. I was right to be skeptical after watching the first trailer months ago. There's always Ketsui DS for shmup fans just few months from now.
 
Of course, the game is getting straight 9s and 10s from the sorts of mouthbreathing buffoons who say things like "But in a time when so many games are being dumbed down to win over the grandma crowd, it's a relief to know companies like Treasure and publisher D3 still have the guts to release quirky, challenging fare like this."

So maybe I'm the one with a problem.
 
[quote name='LeafPanda']Yeah I would've liked for it to have structured story levels.[/QUOTE]the Free Play stages are broken down into different categories.

when you beat one whole section, u get more story bits

or so I hear... I'm not there yet =P
 
[quote name='JEKKI']the Free Play stages are broken down into different categories.

when you beat one whole section, u get more story bits

or so I hear... I'm not there yet =P[/quote]
Well you know what I mean, like levels that follow a storyline. This might be random, but I hope we get Bangai-O 64 version for the VC. I mean look at Sin & Punishment, It could happen (thought of the kid in Angels in the Outfield(movie) who would always say that).
 
well I jus beat all stages in Treasures Best.

I can confirm story segments upon completion

and what I can say is... what little story we do get is very good.

it's very
4th Wall style
and makes the game that much more enjoyable
 
[quote name='RollingSkull']Of course, the game is getting straight 9s and 10s from the sorts of mouthbreathing buffoons who say things like "But in a time when so many games are being dumbed down to win over the grandma crowd, it's a relief to know companies like Treasure and publisher D3 still have the guts to release quirky, challenging fare like this."

So maybe I'm the one with a problem.[/quote]

No you aren't lol. We just remember (aka actually played) the original games so we know what these new ones have to measure up to.

That's good to know on beating sections of stages. That'll make it worth sticking to a section instead of skipping around blindly.
 
This is fun just to experiment with the different weapons and see the whacky results. It also reminds me of those Japanese robot toys you assemble that shoot marbles, are they related at all? The title sure sounds like it could be. :lol:
 
[quote name='RollingSkull']Of course, the game is getting straight 9s and 10s from the sorts of mouthbreathing buffoons who say things like "But in a time when so many games are being dumbed down to win over the grandma crowd, it's a relief to know companies like Treasure and publisher D3 still have the guts to release quirky, challenging fare like this."

So maybe I'm the one with a problem.[/quote]

I don't think so. You've been pretty honest about your feelings, and you've grounded them in legitimate criticism.

I find the whole think extremely confusing. Some people love it. Others are let down. I can't figure out if it's because it's not as good as the original (failure by comparison) or if it is lacking (or uneven) on its own merits. Or both.

I will definitely pick it up at some point, because I'm just going to have to form my own impressions.
 
After a few hours of play, like most Treasure games it has really started to grow on me. The presentation is without a doubt sloppy and bare-bones, but if you pull through it's quite the enjoyable experience.

I actually feel like this game isn't on the unreasonably hard side either. If you really experiment with your weapons, you should be ok. I believe many gamers are trying to play this with a preconceived notion, and that's just not how it works. You gotta play by its own rules.

I'm definitely not regretting the purchase, there's no other game remotely like this that I know of, besides the original. I'd really be interested in seeing this type of game being powered by the current gen home consoles.
 
[quote name='blandstalker']I find the whole think extremely confusing. Some people love it. Others are let down. I can't figure out if it's because it's not as good as the original (failure by comparison) or if it is lacking (or uneven) on its own merits. Or both.

I will definitely pick it up at some point, because I'm just going to have to form my own impressions.[/quote]

Probably the best way to go about it. This is a difficult game to evaluate and unlike other games I rant about, I could see a logic where folks like this game.

Some parts are fun... using the Bounce gun and angling shots so that they'll ricochet and seek foes without you even being in the "room" is fun... but since you can't even engage those enemies directly without dying more or less instantly... the game mechanics just don't feel fun.

I actually feel like this game isn't on the unreasonably hard side either. If you really experiment with your weapons, you should be ok. I believe many gamers are trying to play this with a preconceived notion, and that's just not how it works. You gotta play by its own rules.
Click to expand...
The game isn't on the unreasonably hard side. It is simply a matter of selecting the appropriate weapons/supers and spamming them with proper consistency.

I don't think the problem is preconceived notions so much as it is the game's mechanics causing certain folks indigestion and being delicious for others. It is a very peculiar and unique system... one that I think consists entirely of playing a level, dying, and deciding whether Freeze or a Break+Homing/Bounce combo is what you need to spam... that certainly has a very specific appeal.
 
I beat all the puzzle stages... no story excerpt >_< I guess it's over... but I enjoyed it for what it is.

the rest of the game is like 122 stages or something... They jus lumped them all into one place
 
http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/bangaio/bangaio.htm

Found this to be a very interesting read. It seems like the Dreamcast and DS version are more different that I first thought. Seems like the DC version had less levels, but were longer and more shooter based rather than puzzle, and also looks a heck of a lot better looking than the DS version. While the DS version seems to be more puzzle based, with more shorter levels, less structure, and downgraded graphics.

Maybe I should try out the DC version...
 
Yeah by all means try out the DC version.

Even the title of this game, Spirits, brings to mind a lighthearted and quick approach to the game. Like the little yuppie younger brother of the series.


Well I'm finally enjoying the game. I actually completely get it now. It's still not what the DC Bangai-O was but this is still a great game in it's own right. Kinda like what I said about Gunstar Super Heroes in comparision to Gunstar Heroes.
 
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this is pretty cool, I got it off another forum

[quote name='Episode_667']For those interested in downloading custom Bangai-O stages, here's a few links:

Japanese Publisher ESP's site. Click on "Special", which leads first to their map contest page, with download links to the top entries (Ikaruga stage!). Also check out the "Stage Download" link on the left sidebar for more stages.

Dengeki's second set of stage downloads. Not sure where the first set is, but you can probably find it with some Google searching.

ScHlAuChii's YouTube channel. Apparently this guy is a professional level designer (or something), his levels are brutal hard (be sure to equip reflect), but still fun, in a masochistic sort of way.[/QUOTE]
 
So the consensus on this game is: Great game and well worth buying, but different from the Dreamcast Bangai-O?

The only thing that has me worried is FurryCurry's comment that it's like the difference between Gunstar Heroes and Gunstar Super Heroes... because that would mean this is straight up ghetto.
 
the basic premise of this game is you're a robot and u gotta kill sum targets... that's it.

what makes the game is the level design, which makes it harder for you to kill your target.

sum stages are more puzzling and clockwork than others while other stages can be straight up action while others can rely on precise maneuverability throughout a stage..

u should read this:

http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/bangaio/bangaio.htm
 
Just beat all the missions last night. Fantastic game. All that was missing was some kind of story and prefferably some kind of unlockable final boss at the end. It was a little underwhelming that the last 17 stages of the "other levels" section was just the tutorial again. I thought I had a bit more game left and then realized that I'd beaten it all. Maybe there will be some good downloadable maps online.

On a side note, did anyone think the game was not really all that hard? I mean I died a lot, but most levels take somewhere between 10 and 90 seconds, so I never felt like I was held up too long at any particular part. I think that's half of what made the game so brilliant; the pacing. The controls were spot-on too. I never played the DC game, so I can't compare, but I'd say this is up there with Astro Boy as Treasure's best. and Astro Boy was only great because of it's story. This has the best gameplay.
 
The game isn't hard. It's got the perfect difficult. What makes it's brilliant is that they didn't try to copy the Dreamcast game too much.

Now I haven't played the Dreamcast game..yet, but from what I've read around the internet it seems like they took the core explosive gameplay and diced the different aspects of the long levels from Bangai O into quick, yet satisfying levels like Warioware. This is great for handheld gaming when you just want to play for that quick burst of fun. So while it may be a little bit of a departure from the last game, that's not at all a bad thing. In conclusion this is probably one of the best games on the DS because it's made for handheld play, without being overly shallow in depth.

It's a shame that it's structured and presented so oddly/basically. I think people will get scared off by this, but if you feel this way it's only temporary. Promise!

On top of it all the level sharing and creating feature is brilliant. If you ever feel like you want more from this game, just have fun creating levels or go online...there's some really creative levels out there. It's like Little Big Planet on your DS! You don't need wifi set-up on your ds, just have the ds close to the speaker and voila!
 
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