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The very first CD-ROM game console was the PC Engine. It’s actually an 8-bit system that came out before the 16-bit consoles like the Super Famicom and the Mega Drive. But thanks to the huge storage capacity of CDs, it offered impressive graphics and CD-quality sound.

Gamer_lafan

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20,295 views • 10 months ago •via X (Twitter)

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When you look at games on the PC Engine and Neo Geo—arguably the most powerful 8-bit and 16-bit consoles—it can honestly feel overwhelming. Fatal Fury Special was ported to the PC Engine CD, and at that level, it’s fair to call it an almost perfect conversion. The Super Famicom version suffered from hardware limitations and was handled by Takara, a different company, so the results weren’t particularly impressive. In contrast, the PC Engine CD version of Fatal Fury Special was developed directly by SNK as a test case for CD-based game production before the release of the Neo Geo CD, which explains its exceptionally high level of quality.

When you look at games on the PC Engine and Neo Geo—arguably the most powerful 8-bit and 16-bit consoles—it can honestly feel overwhelming. Fatal Fury Special was ported to the PC Engine CD, and at that level, it’s fair to call it an almost perfect conversion. The Super Famicom version suffered from hardware limitations and was handled by Takara, a different company, so the results weren’t particularly impressive. In contrast, the PC Engine CD version of Fatal Fury Special was developed directly by SNK as a test case for CD-based game production before the release of the Neo Geo CD, which explains its exceptionally high level of quality.

Gamer_lafan

29,865 views • 5 months ago

The PC Engine was so expensive in the late ’80s and early ’90s that it was hard to find even in the homes of well-off friends. On top of that, it had one of the first CD-ROM add-ons, which made it feel incredibly high-tech at the time. Because of its larger storage capacity, many arcade games were ported to it, and the CD-quality audio was absolutely amazing. The real issue, though, was the price. You had to buy everything separately—the PC Engine itself, the CD interface (docking unit), the CD-ROM drive, the system card, and the game CDs.

The PC Engine was so expensive in the late ’80s and early ’90s that it was hard to find even in the homes of well-off friends. On top of that, it had one of the first CD-ROM add-ons, which made it feel incredibly high-tech at the time. Because of its larger storage capacity, many arcade games were ported to it, and the CD-quality audio was absolutely amazing. The real issue, though, was the price. You had to buy everything separately—the PC Engine itself, the CD interface (docking unit), the CD-ROM drive, the system card, and the game CDs.

Gamer_lafan

40,264 views • 3 months ago

If I had to pick one of the greatest PC Engine games, this title simply can’t be left out: Castlevania: Rondo of Blood. Even considering that it was released in 1993, it’s still praised for its incredible level of polish, with outstanding graphics, sound, opening sequence, voice acting, controls, and multiple branching paths. The CD format played a huge role in making all of that possible, which naturally made it stand out compared to competing consoles at the time like the Super Famicom and Mega Drive. If you ever get the chance, it’s definitely a game worth playing at least once.

If I had to pick one of the greatest PC Engine games, this title simply can’t be left out: Castlevania: Rondo of Blood. Even considering that it was released in 1993, it’s still praised for its incredible level of polish, with outstanding graphics, sound, opening sequence, voice acting, controls, and multiple branching paths. The CD format played a huge role in making all of that possible, which naturally made it stand out compared to competing consoles at the time like the Super Famicom and Mega Drive. If you ever get the chance, it’s definitely a game worth playing at least once.

Gamer_lafan

31,540 views • 1 month ago

The 1990s were a time when SNK and Capcom were fiercely competing to bring their arcade games to home consoles. Capcom kept upgrading its hardware from CPS1 to CPS3, while SNK stuck with a single platform—the Neo Geo—which was powerful enough to keep receiving new releases from 1990 all the way to 2004. Because of that, many SNK games ported to 8-bit and 16-bit consoles often suffered in quality. However, the PC Engine, despite being an 8-bit system, managed to deliver surprisingly strong ports of SNK games thanks to the power of CD technology. That said, it was incredibly expensive at the time, so I could only admire it at game shops. If I had owned one back then and used it to listen to CDs and play games, it probably would have felt even more impressive than a PlayStation 5 Pro does today.

The 1990s were a time when SNK and Capcom were fiercely competing to bring their arcade games to home consoles. Capcom kept upgrading its hardware from CPS1 to CPS3, while SNK stuck with a single platform—the Neo Geo—which was powerful enough to keep receiving new releases from 1990 all the way to 2004. Because of that, many SNK games ported to 8-bit and 16-bit consoles often suffered in quality. However, the PC Engine, despite being an 8-bit system, managed to deliver surprisingly strong ports of SNK games thanks to the power of CD technology. That said, it was incredibly expensive at the time, so I could only admire it at game shops. If I had owned one back then and used it to listen to CDs and play games, it probably would have felt even more impressive than a PlayStation 5 Pro does today.

Gamer_lafan

17,915 views • 2 months ago

People who started playing games after the PlayStation era probably know the company Konami mainly through titles like Winning Eleven, Metal Gear, and Silent Hill. But Konami was actually a company that created a huge variety of games, from the arcade era of the 1980s all the way through the 16-bit console generation. Their work on 8-bit consoles was especially impressive. Konami did an excellent job of adapting many arcade classics to fit the limited hardware of 8-bit systems. Super Contra is a good example of that. Back then, there was even a saying that you could buy a game just by seeing the Konami logo and you wouldn’t be disappointed. 🎮

Gamer_lafan

14,478 views • 4 months ago

Let me introduce the 3DO Alive 2 made by LG Electronics. Its design is similar to the PlayStation 1, but personally, I think this one looks even cooler. Back when the Super Famicom and Mega Drive were dominant, the first 32-bit console, the 3DO, was released — (1/2)

Let me introduce the 3DO Alive 2 made by LG Electronics. Its design is similar to the PlayStation 1, but personally, I think this one looks even cooler. Back when the Super Famicom and Mega Drive were dominant, the first 32-bit console, the 3DO, was released — (1/2)

Gamer_lafan

41,337 views • 8 months ago

Let me introduce “Kung Fu”, one of the early titles for the PC Engine. It was a launch title for the system and was promoted for its impressively large character sprites. Back then, it was hard to achieve this level of impact and visual power on an 8-bit console.

Let me introduce “Kung Fu”, one of the early titles for the PC Engine. It was a launch title for the system and was promoted for its impressively large character sprites. Back then, it was hard to achieve this level of impact and visual power on an 8-bit console.

Gamer_lafan

23,217 views • 8 months ago

There was a device called Wondermega, which combined the Mega Drive and the Mega-CD into a single unit. Considering that the PlayStation 5 disc model launched at 75,000 yen, it’s shocking that the Wondermega was released back in 1992 for 90,000 yen. When I was young, I never once saw anyone who actually owned one. One of the Wondermega’s most distinctive features was its motorized CD lid that opened and closed automatically—absolutely magical at the time. Other than that, it didn’t really have any standout features. There was a Mega-CD game released under the name Final Fight CD. Unlike the Super Famicom version—which lacked two-player support and didn’t include Guy—this version was ported at a level that was almost identical to the arcade original. I’d say it’s probably the most popular title in the entire Mega-CD library.

There was a device called Wondermega, which combined the Mega Drive and the Mega-CD into a single unit. Considering that the PlayStation 5 disc model launched at 75,000 yen, it’s shocking that the Wondermega was released back in 1992 for 90,000 yen. When I was young, I never once saw anyone who actually owned one. One of the Wondermega’s most distinctive features was its motorized CD lid that opened and closed automatically—absolutely magical at the time. Other than that, it didn’t really have any standout features. There was a Mega-CD game released under the name Final Fight CD. Unlike the Super Famicom version—which lacked two-player support and didn’t include Guy—this version was ported at a level that was almost identical to the arcade original. I’d say it’s probably the most popular title in the entire Mega-CD library.

Gamer_lafan

29,036 views • 5 months ago

Let me introduce the PC Engine GT, a game console that was released one year after the Game Boy. Its performance was so impressive that it cost nearly six times more than the Game Boy. What’s amazing is that it had the same specs as the home console PC Engine, (1/2)

Let me introduce the PC Engine GT, a game console that was released one year after the Game Boy. Its performance was so impressive that it cost nearly six times more than the Game Boy. What’s amazing is that it had the same specs as the home console PC Engine, (1/2)

Gamer_lafan

62,362 views • 8 months ago

Fatal Fury Special on the PC Engine CD – stunning visuals, CD-quality sound, and one of the best Neo Geo fighters perfectly brought home. A true 90s gem!

Fatal Fury Special on the PC Engine CD – stunning visuals, CD-quality sound, and one of the best Neo Geo fighters perfectly brought home. A true 90s gem!

Gamer_lafan

14,365 views • 10 months ago

NEC, the company behind the PC Engine, was well known for creating cutting-edge devices. From the first CD-ROM game system to portable LCD monitors, they released products that drove gamers crazy. Even after nearly 35 years, the hardware still feels premium.

NEC, the company behind the PC Engine, was well known for creating cutting-edge devices. From the first CD-ROM game system to portable LCD monitors, they released products that drove gamers crazy. Even after nearly 35 years, the hardware still feels premium.

Gamer_lafan

63,851 views • 6 months ago

If SNK had the Neo Geo AES, Capcom had the CPS Changer. Both were designed to let people enjoy arcade games at home, but unlike the AES, the CPS Changer wasn’t really built as a traditional home console from the ground up. In many ways, it felt more like an official supergun made by Capcom themselves. It even supported the Super Famicom CPS Fighter stick. A lot of people had the chance to experience MVS hardware thanks to the AES, but the CPS Changer was much rarer, so not many people ever got to see one in person. When you first connect it to a TV, the controller gives off a bit of a Super Famicom vibe, but once the game starts, the polished graphics and incredible sound immediately make it clear that you’re basically playing real arcade hardware at home.

If SNK had the Neo Geo AES, Capcom had the CPS Changer. Both were designed to let people enjoy arcade games at home, but unlike the AES, the CPS Changer wasn’t really built as a traditional home console from the ground up. In many ways, it felt more like an official supergun made by Capcom themselves. It even supported the Super Famicom CPS Fighter stick. A lot of people had the chance to experience MVS hardware thanks to the AES, but the CPS Changer was much rarer, so not many people ever got to see one in person. When you first connect it to a TV, the controller gives off a bit of a Super Famicom vibe, but once the game starts, the polished graphics and incredible sound immediately make it clear that you’re basically playing real arcade hardware at home.

Gamer_lafan

22,575 views • 1 month ago

PC-Engine CD-Rom System

PC-Engine CD-Rom System

Gamer_lafan

12,490 views • 1 year ago

Ever played Shining Force CD on the Sega CD/Mega CD? Or even heard of it? A unique chapter in the series that brought together classic Game Gear scenarios with enhanced 16-bit visuals, CD-quality music, and that great tactical gameplay.

Ever played Shining Force CD on the Sega CD/Mega CD? Or even heard of it? A unique chapter in the series that brought together classic Game Gear scenarios with enhanced 16-bit visuals, CD-quality music, and that great tactical gameplay.

FantasyAnime

21,653 views • 3 months ago

PC Engine’s Street Fighter II’ Dash was something I first encountered while collecting, and it genuinely surprised me. The fact that such a game could fit on a tiny HuCard was impressive in itself, and the actual gameplay didn’t feel lacking at all—even when compared to the Super Famicom or the Mega Drive versions. I also tried playing it on the PC Engine GT. The screen was decent enough to be playable, but the controls were almost impossible. With Start, Select, and Buttons I and II already taking up both hands, you’re basically forced to use three fingers, and then use your foot to hit the button that switches the remaining attacks. Trying to play Street Fighter like that is honestly absurd.

PC Engine’s Street Fighter II’ Dash was something I first encountered while collecting, and it genuinely surprised me. The fact that such a game could fit on a tiny HuCard was impressive in itself, and the actual gameplay didn’t feel lacking at all—even when compared to the Super Famicom or the Mega Drive versions. I also tried playing it on the PC Engine GT. The screen was decent enough to be playable, but the controls were almost impossible. With Start, Select, and Buttons I and II already taking up both hands, you’re basically forced to use three fingers, and then use your foot to hit the button that switches the remaining attacks. Trying to play Street Fighter like that is honestly absurd.

Gamer_lafan

30,575 views • 5 months ago

In 1994, the first 32-bit next-generation console appeared, and it was the 3DO. What surprised me the most was that Super Street Fighter II X, which was hugely popular in arcades at the time, was available on this system. I still remember standing in a game shop, completely mesmerized, staring at that game for a long time. I was really hoping it would come out on the Super Famicom too, but maybe because of hardware limitations, it never did. That made it even more shocking. By the way, the model I’m talking about is the 3DO ALIVE 2 made by LG Electronics. For a lot of foreign friends, this is probably something they’ve never seen before.

In 1994, the first 32-bit next-generation console appeared, and it was the 3DO. What surprised me the most was that Super Street Fighter II X, which was hugely popular in arcades at the time, was available on this system. I still remember standing in a game shop, completely mesmerized, staring at that game for a long time. I was really hoping it would come out on the Super Famicom too, but maybe because of hardware limitations, it never did. That made it even more shocking. By the way, the model I’m talking about is the 3DO ALIVE 2 made by LG Electronics. For a lot of foreign friends, this is probably something they’ve never seen before.

Gamer_lafan

49,709 views • 5 months ago

The X68000 was one of the best home computers for enjoying classic Konami and Capcom arcade games. Its hardware was so powerful that, aside from the Neo Geo, it was virtually the only system capable of delivering near-perfect arcade conversions at the time. Unfortunately, it was extremely expensive and sold exclusively in Japan, so very few people ever had the chance to experience it. Even today, decades after its release, the quality of its games is still incredibly impressive. Ghouls ’n Ghosts is a perfect example. Compared to the Mega Drive and PC Engine versions, the X68000 port is on an entirely different level in terms of accuracy and overall quality. It’s still amazing to think that a game this good could fit on just two floppy disks.

The X68000 was one of the best home computers for enjoying classic Konami and Capcom arcade games. Its hardware was so powerful that, aside from the Neo Geo, it was virtually the only system capable of delivering near-perfect arcade conversions at the time. Unfortunately, it was extremely expensive and sold exclusively in Japan, so very few people ever had the chance to experience it. Even today, decades after its release, the quality of its games is still incredibly impressive. Ghouls ’n Ghosts is a perfect example. Compared to the Mega Drive and PC Engine versions, the X68000 port is on an entirely different level in terms of accuracy and overall quality. It’s still amazing to think that a game this good could fit on just two floppy disks.

Gamer_lafan

20,263 views • 13 days ago

Do you know The Simpsons animation? Konami made an arcade game using the Simpsons IP, and it was a lot of fun. I naturally expected it to be ported to home consoles and waited for it, but in the end, it never came out on any console. Interestingly, though, it was ported to PC. It had a few shortcomings, but I have great memories of playing it on a 386 computer and having a really good time. Anyone else play it?

Do you know The Simpsons animation? Konami made an arcade game using the Simpsons IP, and it was a lot of fun. I naturally expected it to be ported to home consoles and waited for it, but in the end, it never came out on any console. Interestingly, though, it was ported to PC. It had a few shortcomings, but I have great memories of playing it on a 386 computer and having a really good time. Anyone else play it?

Gamer_lafan

98,988 views • 5 months ago

Street Fighter II was a massive hit in arcades, but even before that, Final Fight was already incredibly popular. At the time, rumors were circulating that the game would be ported to PC, so when it was suddenly announced for the Super Famicom, it came as a huge shock. Although Guy was missing and two-player co-op wasn’t supported, the mere fact that we could play Final Fight at home felt like a blessing in itself. Looking back now, the Super Famicom version was released in December 1990, when the system’s maximum cartridge size was 8 megabits (1 megabyte). Considering that the arcade version had more than twice that amount of data, it seems clear that these limitations led to those difficult compromises. Beat ’em up games were already popular in arcades before Final Fight, but after its release, the genre truly boomed, eventually leading to Capcom’s finest belt-scrolling action titles—culminating in Dungeons & Dragons, the pinnacle of their beat ’em up legacy.

Street Fighter II was a massive hit in arcades, but even before that, Final Fight was already incredibly popular. At the time, rumors were circulating that the game would be ported to PC, so when it was suddenly announced for the Super Famicom, it came as a huge shock. Although Guy was missing and two-player co-op wasn’t supported, the mere fact that we could play Final Fight at home felt like a blessing in itself. Looking back now, the Super Famicom version was released in December 1990, when the system’s maximum cartridge size was 8 megabits (1 megabyte). Considering that the arcade version had more than twice that amount of data, it seems clear that these limitations led to those difficult compromises. Beat ’em up games were already popular in arcades before Final Fight, but after its release, the genre truly boomed, eventually leading to Capcom’s finest belt-scrolling action titles—culminating in Dungeons & Dragons, the pinnacle of their beat ’em up legacy.

Gamer_lafan

21,159 views • 5 months ago

Ever since I bought an arcade cabinet, I’ve become really interested in arcade games. Similar to console games, you can buy arcade game PCBs and run them by connecting them directly. Capcom games are a bit unique in that they use a six-button layout, so they require a separate connector, but aside from that, the setup is surprisingly simple. You can also play these games through emulators, but the feeling of enjoying them on real hardware is something else entirely. Super Street Fighter II was the first game for Capcom’s arcade system, CPS2, and compared to CPS1, both the graphics and sound were significantly improved.

Ever since I bought an arcade cabinet, I’ve become really interested in arcade games. Similar to console games, you can buy arcade game PCBs and run them by connecting them directly. Capcom games are a bit unique in that they use a six-button layout, so they require a separate connector, but aside from that, the setup is surprisingly simple. You can also play these games through emulators, but the feeling of enjoying them on real hardware is something else entirely. Super Street Fighter II was the first game for Capcom’s arcade system, CPS2, and compared to CPS1, both the graphics and sound were significantly improved.

Gamer_lafan

19,263 views • 5 months ago