Nemesis/Gradius what a iconic shooter with a unforgetable tune! one of my favorite arcade shmups. I knew it had been ported to a few systems but I had no idea there was this many! Some of them look fantastic so I'll have to check em out. When I requested this comparison I obvs didn't realise how big the list would be so big thanks for all the hard work of tracking down these roms and setting emulators up etc. It certainly shows m8, nice one! Yeah, it's the first time I've seen a non arcade game in the top spot, deserves it too imo, it's a stunning port. Great vid :)
Yeah Lucas this game is a classic for sure.... I have spent years passing it by in my Arcade wheel but now i will never go by it again without firing it up so thanks for picking it....it was a great great pick mate
Great video thank you. I picked up a pc engine 2.5 years ago and have been blown away by it. What an amazing little machine. I’ve got Gradius and I agree with your assessment. Next up Parodius and Salamander I think
4 games of this type I played loads of R-Type ofc, armalyte, the game in the video and a follow up to it (I think) and that was salamander on the arcade. Ahhhh them was the days, great video buddy as always an was nice to see some versions I hadn't seen. Catch you on the next one 🙂
What a great list. I knew from my experience that PCEngine/Turbographix was going to be high on the list. I knew this version was the best one for Gradius 2, but was pleasantly surprised to see this version winning out for the first game as well. PCEngine/Turbographix has a desert-style level that is encountered shortly after the upside volcano level, and a boneyard-style level is around the same spot on the MSX as well. Not many people know about these since Nemesis/Gradius is tough even by shoot-em'up standards.
Hi OSG, great video, really liked it - I had the cpc version, it was nice to play and I thought it looked good though I have heard only recently that critics were harsh on it’s looks - much love to you OSG 🌞
Great video - really enjoyed seeing the differences and your opinions on so many different versions. BTW - I'm very active in the ColecoVision scene and own virtually every commercial and homebrew game released. While the roms for many homebrew games have been released by their developers/publishers, there are many more that haven't, including Gradius. That said, if you need any help with finding out the status of rom releases I am the current custodian of the ColecoVision collectors database (atariage.com/forums/topic/300939-colecovision-collectors-database-%E2%80%93-v300-2019/) which includes a database of all homebrew roms released and where to find them. Also, if you need any footage of gameplay for any ColecoVision games I'd be only too happy to help you out there. Back to the ColecoVision version of Gradius, it is essentially a port of the original MSX game so you'd likely place it in the same position as that. That said, Opcode Games is working on releasing an enhanced version of the game. I've seen an early preview video of it and the scrolling is buttery smooth - a rare thing to see on the ColecoVision!!!! Keep up the good work - I thoroughly enjoy all of your videos.
Good selection there. Can't argue with the Spectrum placing, it is very much a missed opportunity and should have had used the AY chip. What amazes me is there being no Amiga/Atari ST version of the game.
Great vid. Have you done R-Type? Nemesis was an obvious inspiration. Loved the 64 and NES versions. Can't recall playing any other. The PC Engine is a console I never played or emulated, even tho it has so many great shooters.
I loved this game but found it rock hard and it just ate my 10p pieces. I ended up becoming very good at Scramble instead. Cracking to see it again. I think I only ever played this on the C64and Gameboy in terms of home versions.
The ColecoVision version is essentially the MSX version, but the programmer spent time and made some improvements. However, he recently went back and made even more improvements and is planning to re-release it soon. I can send you a copy if you want to review it.
@@oldstylegaming that's the thing about setting emulators up is time, at least it's done now and can try other games/roms, have u tried raspberry pi 4?
@@oldstylegaming Yes, the gameplay was amazing and it remains my favourite C64 shoot-em-up. It has actually influenced my design of Parallaxain (the weapons selector and the laser).
Its surprising how playable all these versions were mate, I guess thats down to how good the game is in general ..they really tried with all the ports and it shows
I grew up with the MSX version, and would say that it's a very playable version, by Konami themself. I would put it up with the cluster of NES versions, but not above them.
I agree with you about the PC Engine..It's the best and especially plays the best. I wouldn't rate very high the C64 version tho, a nice shmup per se but doesn't really feel like the arcade. MSX on the other hand is perfectly acceptable to me, choppy scrolling aside it's a decent and playable conversion.
@@oldstylegaming same for me, as a Commodore guy myself. But i never liked how off is C64 Nemesis compared to Salamander. That one seems like it was made by Konami themselves
I remember being good at Nemesis and R-Type as a kid but I suck now. Guess I’ve been spoiled by the more forgiving modern game mechanics. My daughter doesn’t understand why I am ashamed when I don’t do as well as I think I should. I guess she will understand when she is old :)
I hated the C64 version after coming from the MSX. Smoother scrolling, sure, but it just doesn't feel right. And it plays the Level 1 music the whole time. MSX graphics were better defined too. Compare the end-level bosses!
Classuc game but I was never able to enjoy it. To frustrating because when you lose a life, you also lose the power ups. Without powerups it is a game over for me
Nemesis/Gradius what a iconic shooter with a unforgetable tune! one of my favorite arcade shmups. I knew it had been ported to a few systems but I had no idea there was this many! Some of them look fantastic so I'll have to check em out. When I requested this comparison I obvs didn't realise how big the list would be so big thanks for all the hard work of tracking down these roms and setting emulators up etc. It certainly shows m8, nice one! Yeah, it's the first time I've seen a non arcade game in the top spot, deserves it too imo, it's a stunning port. Great vid :)
Yeah Lucas this game is a classic for sure.... I have spent years passing it by in my Arcade wheel but now i will never go by it again without firing it up so thanks for picking it....it was a great great pick mate
Love your videos. Best retro gaming channel on here. Lot of time and effort put into these for our pleasure. Thank you.
Great effort! Thats a big task right there! :) And a toughie because there are so many good versions.
Really hard mate. I really wanted to get the ColecoVision and the Sega MasterSystem fan made game but ive held off for a week now with no reply :-(
@@oldstylegaming damn, i hope you get a reply, that'd be a nice update!
Ill keep you posted mate
@@oldstylegaming cheers ;)
Super comprehensive comparison video! Awesome work!!!
Great video mate, truly difficult to separate the top three as they are all great. Nice one :)
it was mate.....but i think i got it right for me anyway
Great video thank you. I picked up a pc engine 2.5 years ago and have been blown away by it. What an amazing little machine. I’ve got Gradius and I agree with your assessment. Next up Parodius and Salamander I think
Long live the TG16 & PC Engine!!! Great list here my friend.
Thanks! 👍
Great video as ever.
Thanks!
The PC Engine has so many great shooters...
Yeah this and R-Type or on another level and i think a game called Dragon Spirit (or something) was also pretty good
4 games of this type I played loads of R-Type ofc, armalyte, the game in the video and a follow up to it (I think) and that was salamander on the arcade. Ahhhh them was the days, great video buddy as always an was nice to see some versions I hadn't seen. Catch you on the next one 🙂
this one was enjoyable to make :-) although has taken some time
Great video, well researched.
I really like these comparison videos.
Thanks mate :-)
What a great list. I knew from my experience that PCEngine/Turbographix was going to be high on the list. I knew this version was the best one for Gradius 2, but was pleasantly surprised to see this version winning out for the first game as well.
PCEngine/Turbographix has a desert-style level that is encountered shortly after the upside volcano level, and a boneyard-style level is around the same spot on the MSX as well. Not many people know about these since Nemesis/Gradius is tough even by shoot-em'up standards.
Its a great version thats for sure, i had geard of the extra stage on this version
Hi OSG, great video, really liked it - I had the cpc version, it was nice to play and I thought it looked good though I have heard only recently that critics were harsh on it’s looks - much love to you OSG 🌞
thanks mate your love means a lot to me :-) glad you liked the video
@@oldstylegaming - Dude! now you made that sound gay! Right, Im off to my local Pride March! 😂
Lol dont tell my wife hahahaha
Great video - really enjoyed seeing the differences and your opinions on so many different versions. BTW - I'm very active in the ColecoVision scene and own virtually every commercial and homebrew game released. While the roms for many homebrew games have been released by their developers/publishers, there are many more that haven't, including Gradius. That said, if you need any help with finding out the status of rom releases I am the current custodian of the ColecoVision collectors database (atariage.com/forums/topic/300939-colecovision-collectors-database-%E2%80%93-v300-2019/) which includes a database of all homebrew roms released and where to find them. Also, if you need any footage of gameplay for any ColecoVision games I'd be only too happy to help you out there. Back to the ColecoVision version of Gradius, it is essentially a port of the original MSX game so you'd likely place it in the same position as that. That said, Opcode Games is working on releasing an enhanced version of the game. I've seen an early preview video of it and the scrolling is buttery smooth - a rare thing to see on the ColecoVision!!!! Keep up the good work - I thoroughly enjoy all of your videos.
Good selection there. Can't argue with the Spectrum placing, it is very much a missed opportunity and should have had used the AY chip. What amazes me is there being no Amiga/Atari ST version of the game.
Yeah I cant believe no amiga/st version...or even megadrive or snes weird
@@oldstylegaming There is a new clone for the Amiga called Tinyus
@@explodingmonad4535 yeah thats a great version mate, wasnt out when i did this though tinyBobble is class too
@@oldstylegaming thanks mate :) will check out!
Great vid. Have you done R-Type? Nemesis was an obvious inspiration. Loved the 64 and NES versions. Can't recall playing any other. The PC Engine is a console I never played or emulated, even tho it has so many great shooters.
I loved this game but found it rock hard and it just ate my 10p pieces. I ended up becoming very good at Scramble instead. Cracking to see it again. I think I only ever played this on the C64and Gameboy in terms of home versions.
The ColecoVision version is essentially the MSX version, but the programmer spent time and made some improvements. However, he recently went back and made even more improvements and is planning to re-release it soon. I can send you a copy if you want to review it.
Sure id love that :-)
Well done on this Video, as it would've been time consuming
Yeah it was a bit as I had to set some emulators up and chase some roms but still enjoyable
@@oldstylegaming that's the thing about setting emulators up is time, at least it's done now and can try other games/roms, have u tried raspberry pi 4?
I had Rasp Pi 3 with retropie on but i prefer my PC as it emulates everything even PS3 and Xbox
Note the messed up trees in the C64 version, which I always thought was sloppy / rushed coding.
Yeah looks wise the C64 version does lack "love" its like we gotta get this out quick attitude ...but at least the gameplay was all there
@@oldstylegaming Yes, the gameplay was amazing and it remains my favourite C64 shoot-em-up. It has actually influenced my design of Parallaxain (the weapons selector and the laser).
Would be even sweeter if I could spell Parallaxian!
@@kodiak64 lol... it's not a spelling test...we all mates here
nice to hear hawkeye in the background :D
Cant beat a bit of Jeroen Tel he actually commented on one of my videos with Hawkeye in before
@@oldstylegaming awesome!!!!
Hi, just to let you know you can press ‘m’ in game on the c64 and you will get the music you like
Turbograph is missing dinosaur skeletons due to lack of memory! It got only floating dino heads!
Nice work.... But you should try Nemesis 2 on the msx2.... It was great
Ill check that out...i may even do a full nemesis\gradius games video
great choice of game, i played the arcade version a lot, i could easily spend 5 quid on that game, , then i got it on speccy, and played it to death
Its surprising how playable all these versions were mate, I guess thats down to how good the game is in general ..they really tried with all the ports and it shows
i believe the darkness of the wii virtual console games was another prevention measure toward epilepsy.
maybe mate...maybe
I grew up with the MSX version, and would say that it's a very playable version, by Konami themself. I would put it up with the cluster of NES versions, but not above them.
The PC Engine port even has an exclusive new stage!
That makes it even better :-)
Shooters! Finally!
You want more shooters?
@@oldstylegaming Whenever possible, yes!
Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B,A Start!
Is this a cheat for the NES? Let us in on this, please!
I agree with you about the PC Engine..It's the best and especially plays the best. I wouldn't rate very high the C64 version tho, a nice shmup per se but doesn't really feel like the arcade. MSX on the other hand is perfectly acceptable to me, choppy scrolling aside it's a decent and playable conversion.
The MSX2 homebrew version is great. sorry the C64 always gets some extra nostalgia points as it was the place i played most games first
@@oldstylegaming same for me, as a Commodore guy myself. But i never liked how off is C64 Nemesis compared to Salamander. That one seems like it was made by Konami themselves
Yeah Salamander is Awesome
I miss the MSX-1 version.
Hi OSG.. I know you love shoot em ups. Do you hear game named "Nebulas Ray" from Namco? İf you don't then I strongly recommended. İt's awesome:)
I have played that its a great game mate
No release on Commodore? Now I know where Team 17 got the inspiration for Project X on😁 Nice game, I love shooters!
on the Commodore 64 yeah but not on the Amiga...or any of the 16 bits which is weird..i bet this would have been class on them
@@oldstylegaming Would've loved a Amiga port, possibly missed classic there :(
No amiga/atari ST/SNES/genesis, thats surprising to me
Me too mate
I remember being good at Nemesis and R-Type as a kid but I suck now. Guess I’ve been spoiled by the more forgiving modern game mechanics.
My daughter doesn’t understand why I am ashamed when I don’t do as well as I think I should. I guess she will understand when she is old :)
Yeah kids will never understand what we had though
Reminds me of salamander my fav game....well life force on nes was
Salamander is a spin off of Nemesis so thats why it reminds you of it. it has the same ship I think
@@oldstylegaming yea I think the vic viper? Not sure I dident like gradius for some reason but I only played the original on nes and the 3rd on snes
you really gotta check out the TurboGrafx version mate its awesome
@@oldstylegaming you know I've never ever played one I remember them being real cheap back in the 90s(usa) but never even tried emulators maybe I will
I hated the C64 version after coming from the MSX. Smoother scrolling, sure, but it just doesn't feel right. And it plays the Level 1 music the whole time. MSX graphics were better defined too. Compare the end-level bosses!
Classuc game but I was never able to enjoy it. To frustrating because when you lose a life, you also lose the power ups. Without powerups it is a game over for me
I feel your pain mate its a nightmare when you die lol
If you can, try Gradius V on the PS2 which brilliantly solves the problem allowing you to resume your game exactly where you lost a ship.
how can you say ps1 looks sharper than the saturn!!!!!!!!!!!! nothing like osg.....
it is though, it actually moves a bit better too