Thanks! Sorry to take it and forgetting to credit you (but I've heard so many people say it lately that it might be just the go to nowadays haha). Thanks for all of the work you do, it's great stuff!
And it's even better in Advanced V.G. 2, courtesy of the late Takahiro Kimura who worked on Code Geass, among other franchises. I'm surprised this game didn't make this list, perhaps maybe because it's more derivative of Street Fighter II and King of Fighters, while Asuka 120% stands on its own with its distinct mechanics.
It is a shame that Sony of America restricted 2D games on the PS1. There were so many 2D gems that North America didn't receive. I mean, it is a moot point now with the translation and other patches. I'm glad we can finally remedy the mistakes of the past. 😄 Funny thing is that many of these PS1 2D games just aged much better than many of the PS1's 3D games.
Games like Gensou Suikoden II, Breath of Fires III and IV and Grandia look so fantastic to this day. I love the look of Vandal Hearts and Arc the Lads I and II as well. I haven't played Arc the Lad III yet; so I can't comment on it.
It was probably a good decision though, because it solidly positioned the PlayStation as an entirely new type of console that plays 3D games. I do think they should have brought these 2D games later on in the console's lifetime - maybe 2 years later when the PS was already a strong brand.
I found your closing statements about the context of the time period these games released and how that relates to them not getting brought over really insightful. It's fascinating that clean 2d pixel art is an art style today but they really never looked that way on a CRT, the Dracula eye bleed is such a good example of that, the weirdest part is I'm so used to the perfect pixels and huge polygons that now shaders look wrong haha. I also love that anyone that wanted to make a game for the N64 has to sit on a shelf competing with Mario 64, no wonder it had so few games. Thanks for making this awesome video, your passion for Asuka 120% really comes through so I'll definitely be checking it out any way I can.
Thank you I really appreciate it! I did a lot of research into this aspect to try and proper contextualize things and not just crap on random execs. Special shoutout to the various Twitter accounts that showcase pixels on a CRT display too. As for Nintendo stuff, that really seemed to become a problem in the N64 area but is still around to an extent today. Guess it shows how good Nintendo is at making their games and selling them to their audience.
@@SandNoodle It was really spot on. I think one thing that is really important to consider is that the Playstation was Sony's debut console so going all in on 3D helped make it look like they had produced something way ahead of everything that had come previously.
@@goatboneone other thing that came up in my research (after I recorded audio unfortunately) was that SCEA and SCEE were not under SCEI in the corporate structure until a re-org in early 1997, so that could partially explain the quite different launches and early strategies of the regions
@@SandNoodle I remember Vic Ireland (Working Designs) had a hard time with Sony early that generation, but found them more amenable circa '97, right around the time he quit supporting Sega after the E3 '97 fiasco.
Recently picked up an Anbernic RG35XX and I've been chasing new experiences rather than just replaying the same 20-30 games I always play. This is exactly what I needed
I know I've already commented but I've just finished the video and I just wanted to say that this is the best video I've ever seen from a channel with such a low video count. I look forward to more (although I won't hold my breath 😅)
Adventures of Little Ralph was pretty great. A real pity they didn't release it in the west. I enjoyed a lot of those "next gen" 2D games. With their fancy new features like real transparency, more animation frames, (better) zooming, scaling, etc.
It's always nice to see more contents about the PS1 and its games in recent years ❤ Other PS1 JP exclusive, 2D games that you might like: - Panzer Bandit - Kousoku Gran Doll - Kaisoku Tenshi Rapid Angel - Carol the DarkAngel (not a game, more like a comic book but interactive)
Hi, I enjoyed the video, thanks for exposing me to something new! If you're open to a little feedback, at some points I had difficulty hearing you clearly. Not sure if maybe the underscore is a little too loud in the mix, or just my bad ears :)
I just rage quit from playing a godawful modern FPS when the algorithm gifted me this video. The crisp colors, the optimism of the time period shining through and the highly distilled gameplay really perked me up. The editorial choices and commentary are top notch to the point where something unheard of happened. I actually want to download every game selected for the video. Well the fighting games I would save for when there's a couch with a buddy lined up but really this recommended games list hit it out of the park.
I freaking love Asuka 120% as well. No matter which version you play, you’re gonna have a good time. I know I did. Also, I don’t care what anyone says, I think the PS1 held its own with 2D fighters. I’d say it was competent with that part. But yeah, it was a huge shame that most 2D content didn’t get released outside of Japan during the 5th gen of consoles. They thought it was “outdated”, but Japan didn’t think so.
Please, a bishoujo 2D fighter (or heroine fighter as I like to call it) on the PS5. It’s why I’m clamouring for Arcana Heart Six Stars to be brought to Switch and PS5.
That would certainly be interesting and Sakura Wars is something I've been wanting to get around to playing for ages, but from a surface level it just looks like the game was just too big in scope and budget and Sega had no faith in its mishmash of genres and setting appealing to western audiences at the time. Especially since by the time the game could have feasibly been localized the Saturn would've been largely dead to Sega of America's eyes.
This was quite the experience! Some of these honestly look kinda fun, might check these out soon. Also what's that game at 1:26? I swear I've seen it before
Yes it was announced in 2021 (I don't remember seeing anything about a localization though?) but I haven't seen any info since. I sincerely hope it's coming but I wouldn't be surprised if we never hear about it again
(Leads league in completed air yards in 2022) 2022: Justin is missing these easy short route hitches...THEY ARE RIGHT THERE HE DOES NOT SEE IT!!!! (Was a short pass machine his 1st game in 2023) 2023: Justin is missing these deep receivers who are WIDE OPEN......THEY ARE RIGHT THERE HE DOES NOT SEE IT!!!! Let the man go to already so he can be coached up into what we know he can be lol.... -Browns Fan
I'm 53, I love games from every era, it doesn't age well is bullshit, would you say the same about a book or a film, if it's good it will stand the test of time
The one that played over my title sequence was the arranged version of the Castlevania symphony of the night theme that plays when you put the disc in a conventional CD player
That's the Blaster Master game for Playstation, and the song is off the Umihara Kawase Shun soundtrack (you can find it all for download on archive .org btw)
And in the end, 2D held up visually while the 3D showed it's age and generally does (less so these days). The tech innovation was the short-term goal for the industry, not necessarily wanting things to hold up for posterity as time went on.
It is the japan-exclusive port of Ultima Underworld to the PlayStation. To be completely honest I couldn't figure out how to leave the first room in the game, oops
Almost all the PS1 games I have the best memories of used predominantly 2d graphics.. Symphony of the Night, Suikoden, Darkstalkers. Early 3d graphics are uglyyyy!
There's such a different charm between the amazing (relatively) high-fidelity pixel art and the almost crude, jagged 3D art of the PS1/Saturn if you ask me. I love both equally for wildly different reasons, but I felt the need to share the underappreciated 2D art that rarely made it out of japan here :)
@SandNoodle the only 3d stuff I really appreciate from that era was minimalist type stuff like in the Tobal series. Other stuff is nostalgic to me, but still ugly haha
Great video! I absolutely love this period of gaming, especially with the arrival of a new console maker. You can see Sony were really trying to figure things out with their strategy.
This channel deserves way more subs, especially considering how many views it has.This was a well put together video and I appreciate you. Wouldn't it be hilarious if I didn't sub?
That is from Umihara Kawase Shun. Unfortunately the name of the song escapes me now, but it's all on Archive dot org and it's player if you want to find it! It's absolutely lovely and I knew i had to use it as the closing theme
CRTpixels here! Excellent video and very wild to see someone use my SOTN Dracula example here haha. Subscribed! Keep up the great work!
Thanks! Sorry to take it and forgetting to credit you (but I've heard so many people say it lately that it might be just the go to nowadays haha). Thanks for all of the work you do, it's great stuff!
@@SandNoodle Nah no need to credit. It’s always appreciated if someone uses my photos, but not necessary.
What example?
@@kaisersigma1see 34:40 ish
As an indie dev always looking for 5th gen sources of inspiration, I thank you for this video, well done!
I also am inspired by the 5th generation for my work. How can I follow you?
loll
The character design for that Asuka game is pure 90's perfection.
Its kind of amazing how well each character's appearance conveys both their fighting styles and personalities
And it's even better in Advanced V.G. 2, courtesy of the late Takahiro Kimura who worked on Code Geass, among other franchises. I'm surprised this game didn't make this list, perhaps maybe because it's more derivative of Street Fighter II and King of Fighters, while Asuka 120% stands on its own with its distinct mechanics.
@@PrekiFromPolandthank! I didn't know about his work, he had an impressive catalog.
It is a shame that Sony of America restricted 2D games on the PS1. There were so many 2D gems that North America didn't receive. I mean, it is a moot point now with the translation and other patches. I'm glad we can finally remedy the mistakes of the past. 😄 Funny thing is that many of these PS1 2D games just aged much better than many of the PS1's 3D games.
Games like Gensou Suikoden II, Breath of Fires III and IV and Grandia look so fantastic to this day. I love the look of Vandal Hearts and Arc the Lads I and II as well. I haven't played Arc the Lad III yet; so I can't comment on it.
It was probably a good decision though, because it solidly positioned the PlayStation as an entirely new type of console that plays 3D games. I do think they should have brought these 2D games later on in the console's lifetime - maybe 2 years later when the PS was already a strong brand.
I found your closing statements about the context of the time period these games released and how that relates to them not getting brought over really insightful. It's fascinating that clean 2d pixel art is an art style today but they really never looked that way on a CRT, the Dracula eye bleed is such a good example of that, the weirdest part is I'm so used to the perfect pixels and huge polygons that now shaders look wrong haha. I also love that anyone that wanted to make a game for the N64 has to sit on a shelf competing with Mario 64, no wonder it had so few games.
Thanks for making this awesome video, your passion for Asuka 120% really comes through so I'll definitely be checking it out any way I can.
Thank you I really appreciate it! I did a lot of research into this aspect to try and proper contextualize things and not just crap on random execs. Special shoutout to the various Twitter accounts that showcase pixels on a CRT display too. As for Nintendo stuff, that really seemed to become a problem in the N64 area but is still around to an extent today. Guess it shows how good Nintendo is at making their games and selling them to their audience.
@@SandNoodle It was really spot on. I think one thing that is really important to consider is that the Playstation was Sony's debut console so going all in on 3D helped make it look like they had produced something way ahead of everything that had come previously.
@@goatboneone other thing that came up in my research (after I recorded audio unfortunately) was that SCEA and SCEE were not under SCEI in the corporate structure until a re-org in early 1997, so that could partially explain the quite different launches and early strategies of the regions
@@SandNoodle I remember Vic Ireland (Working Designs) had a hard time with Sony early that generation, but found them more amenable circa '97, right around the time he quit supporting Sega after the E3 '97 fiasco.
The world's strongest videoessayon2dgamesnotportedtothewest out there!
Recently picked up an Anbernic RG35XX and I've been chasing new experiences rather than just replaying the same 20-30 games I always play. This is exactly what I needed
Gunners Heaven and Wolf Fang Kooga are mucho fantastico! Harmful Park is also great fun! My favorites from your selection :)
Glad to hear! I will need to check out Wolf Fang Kooga that looks great, thanks!
I know I've already commented but I've just finished the video and I just wanted to say that this is the best video I've ever seen from a channel with such a low video count. I look forward to more (although I won't hold my breath 😅)
Adventures of Little Ralph was pretty great. A real pity they didn't release it in the west. I enjoyed a lot of those "next gen" 2D games. With their fancy new features like real transparency, more animation frames, (better) zooming, scaling, etc.
Yo this is really good, keep it up!
thanks for video. I just never knew these kind of interesting games were exclusive in Japan only. very nice to know. thanks again
It's always nice to see more contents about the PS1 and its games in recent years ❤
Other PS1 JP exclusive, 2D games that you might like:
- Panzer Bandit
- Kousoku Gran Doll
- Kaisoku Tenshi Rapid Angel
- Carol the DarkAngel (not a game, more like a comic book but interactive)
Yes there are quite a lot of excellent or bizarre 2D games on the PS in Japan. Give Kitchen Panic a try sometime
Great stuff! Thanks for putting this together!
Great video, my dude! You're deserving of more subs!
This is why I like retro. Good video.
Here before the 100 subs, this channel is going to explode fam, good work!
Hi, I enjoyed the video, thanks for exposing me to something new! If you're open to a little feedback, at some points I had difficulty hearing you clearly. Not sure if maybe the underscore is a little too loud in the mix, or just my bad ears :)
Harmful Park also has a fan translation by Hilltop Translations, as does Dr. Slump (shows up for like, a second in the outtro section)
Yeah Hilltop is great! I'm really looking forward to their BokuNatsu 2 translation
I just rage quit from playing a godawful modern FPS when the algorithm gifted me this video. The crisp colors, the optimism of the time period shining through and the highly distilled gameplay really perked me up. The editorial choices and commentary are top notch to the point where something unheard of happened. I actually want to download every game selected for the video. Well the fighting games I would save for when there's a couch with a buddy lined up but really this recommended games list hit it out of the park.
I freaking love Asuka 120% as well. No matter which version you play, you’re gonna have a good time. I know I did. Also, I don’t care what anyone says, I think the PS1 held its own with 2D fighters. I’d say it was competent with that part. But yeah, it was a huge shame that most 2D content didn’t get released outside of Japan during the 5th gen of consoles. They thought it was “outdated”, but Japan didn’t think so.
And also, I really like the high school setting in anime. It’s one of my favourite settings.
Please, a bishoujo 2D fighter (or heroine fighter as I like to call it) on the PS5. It’s why I’m clamouring for Arcana Heart Six Stars to be brought to Switch and PS5.
Hey man, great video! It’s been blessed by algorithm and I’m glad i found your channel. Seeing lots of quality and potential here
Great video! I hope that your sub count rises exponentially and people get to see your quality content!
Excellent video! Please, upload more stuff like this ❤
Great review, Can you make a video about why Games like Sakura war never released outside Japan.
That would certainly be interesting and Sakura Wars is something I've been wanting to get around to playing for ages, but from a surface level it just looks like the game was just too big in scope and budget and Sega had no faith in its mishmash of genres and setting appealing to western audiences at the time. Especially since by the time the game could have feasibly been localized the Saturn would've been largely dead to Sega of America's eyes.
Great vid noodle!
Thank you so much Bongus! Glad you enjoyed it.
Subbed
Wow your video is very well done. I subscribed instantly. Amazing job bro
Cool vid broski! Finally UA-cam recommends something good instead of a bunch of stuff I've already watched. Hell must be freezing over
Great video, hoping for more of these from you.
Subbed!
When I first got into import games, this was one of the first games I learned about. Its really a great game.
Good video and well written text.
Thank you 🙂
I love videos about these topics. That fighting game looks so good
Aaah good times... Back in the days I told my friends that Umihara is Gon mother (Hunter X Hunter) 😂😂
That's brilliant, I hope someone is making that rom hack
Great work! Hope you keep dropping knowledge
Mad respect. Ive come to be very interested in this japan exclusive stuff. Btw, first vid in 2 years? Nice
Great video !!! 👍👍
Let's Fight a Japanese 2D Playstation Exclusive
Great video!
Great vid, you've bagged a sub
I’m on the lookout for excellent fighting games that stayed in Japan.
25:43 reminds me of a tournament fighter Gundam game. Was released in US great game.
This was quite the experience! Some of these honestly look kinda fun, might check these out soon. Also what's that game at 1:26? I swear I've seen it before
Rakugaki Showtime an interesting of not particularly good arena fighterish thing by Treasure
+1 for Gunners Heaven xD
I have Gunner's Heaven somewhere in my parents' attic. I need to find it.
Asuka 120% Is actually coming to the Switch and fully translated.
Yes it was announced in 2021 (I don't remember seeing anything about a localization though?) but I haven't seen any info since. I sincerely hope it's coming but I wouldn't be surprised if we never hear about it again
@@SandNoodle Found the info on the wiki page of the game.
(Leads league in completed air yards in 2022)
2022: Justin is missing these easy short route hitches...THEY ARE RIGHT THERE HE DOES NOT SEE IT!!!!
(Was a short pass machine his 1st game in 2023)
2023: Justin is missing these deep receivers who are WIDE OPEN......THEY ARE RIGHT THERE HE DOES NOT SEE IT!!!!
Let the man go to already so he can be coached up into what we know he can be lol....
-Browns Fan
Thanks bro you are a genius😊
I'm 53, I love games from every era, it doesn't age well is bullshit, would you say the same about a book or a film, if it's good it will stand the test of time
Great vid. Sub earned
What a great video, makes me want to look into fan translations. Can anyone tell me what that intro song was? It SLAPPED.
The one that played over my title sequence was the arranged version of the Castlevania symphony of the night theme that plays when you put the disc in a conventional CD player
Parodius was released in Europe.
開幕カザマ〜🤤
That second song you used in this video is hot! What is the name of it?!
I'm not entirely sure on the track off the top of my head but I think it's from the Gaia Seed OST
Whats the game at 35:28?
And name of japanese song at end of video?
Really good video btw
That's the Blaster Master game for Playstation, and the song is off the Umihara Kawase Shun soundtrack (you can find it all for download on archive .org btw)
@@SandNoodle Thanks
Gunners heaven was sold as rapid reload in Europe, so it's not a Japanese exclusive
The best shit.. lol I’m thinking about switching my gaming channel to retro gaming
Please add video chapters
Done! Sorry about that, I did not know how to do it until about 5 minutes ago lol
What is the name of the game at 0.33 with the tank? Is that some sorta Metal Slug spinoff title?
Nope, a mediocre Blaster Master reboot
@@SandNoodle I see. Thank you for the quick reply sir. Subscribeed now BTW.
But what is a CastleMANia?
And in the end, 2D held up visually while the 3D showed it's age and generally does (less so these days). The tech innovation was the short-term goal for the industry, not necessarily wanting things to hold up for posterity as time went on.
NOW I WANNA KNOW THE MUSIC @ 2:10
The main theme from Castlevania Symphony of the Night, the arranged version played when the disc is put in a conventional CD player
Japan always had the best games.....While the rest of us had to have all that 3d shite.
the theme of 2:17 is from which game?
That's the arranged theme from Castlevania Symphony of the Night that you hear when you put the game disc into a conventional CD player
What game is that at 1:50?
It is the japan-exclusive port of Ultima Underworld to the PlayStation. To be completely honest I couldn't figure out how to leave the first room in the game, oops
@@SandNoodle Thanks
Gunners heaven leaved Japan like rapid reload (pal version)
Excellent video! / Can anyone help me out with the game shown on 0:33 ? thanks :)
Blaster Master: blasting again for Playstation
1:49 What's the game title?
The japan-only port of Ultima Underworld to the PS1
@@SandNoodle thank you so much 🙂
Almost all the PS1 games I have the best memories of used predominantly 2d graphics.. Symphony of the Night, Suikoden, Darkstalkers. Early 3d graphics are uglyyyy!
There's such a different charm between the amazing (relatively) high-fidelity pixel art and the almost crude, jagged 3D art of the PS1/Saturn if you ask me. I love both equally for wildly different reasons, but I felt the need to share the underappreciated 2D art that rarely made it out of japan here :)
@SandNoodle the only 3d stuff I really appreciate from that era was minimalist type stuff like in the Tobal series. Other stuff is nostalgic to me, but still ugly haha
hey man, got your video on my recommendations, keep up the good work, wouldnt mind another videos like these but abt another consoles.
Great video!
Great video! I absolutely love this period of gaming, especially with the arrival of a new console maker. You can see Sony were really trying to figure things out with their strategy.
What is that game at 0:50 ?
That's the Playstation version of Battle Arena Toshinden!
@@SandNoodle0:33 what is that game with weird looking tank
@@dvdbox360Blaster Master: Blasting Again for the PS1. I'll need to include info on each game in the video itself next time lol
@@SandNoodle Yeah, I used to play the arcade version… Turns out, it was the sequel.
This channel deserves way more subs, especially considering how many views it has.This was a well put together video and I appreciate you. Wouldn't it be hilarious if I didn't sub?
I'll jump on your nostalgia wagon : D
Hello sir, I liked the video, would you happen to know what the song in 39:20 was?
That is from Umihara Kawase Shun. Unfortunately the name of the song escapes me now, but it's all on Archive dot org and it's player if you want to find it! It's absolutely lovely and I knew i had to use it as the closing theme
Dragon Quest Monsters 1+2
Shame I don't know enough Japanese to reasonably play that release, its got a nice style