VGCollect Forum
General and Gaming => General => Topic started by: insektmute on February 14, 2013, 04:30:11 pm
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Branched off from the SHMUP Recommendation Thread (http://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,2349.0.html). For those totally in the dark about this genre, run and gun games differ from beat 'em ups and shoot 'em ups, mainly in that they rely predominantly on singular characters firing guns. No ships flying around, no bullet patterns, and very few (if any) physical attacks.
Feel free to go all-out with as many suggestions as you want, but try to avoid posting duplicates. I'll keep a main list of everything sorted up top here, as I'm able to. If a game has multiple releases, try and list the best version you know of. Metal Slug X, for example, has a PS1 port, but it's generally considered inferior to the Neo-Geo original.
Starting us off:
Arcade
- Contra
- Dolphin Blue
- GunForce 2
- Gun.Smoke
- Robotron: 2084
- Smash T.V.
Game Boy
- Contra: The Alien Wars
- Operation C
Game Boy Advance
- Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX
- CT Special Forces
- CT Special Forces 2: Back in the Trenches
- Gunstar Super Heroes
- Metal Slug Advance
Genesis
- Alien Soldier
- Calibur .50
- Contra: Hard Corps
- Gunstar Heroes
- Mega Turrican
- Mercs
- Sunset Riders
- Vectorman
- Vectorman 2
Neo-Geo
- Cyber-Lip
- Ikari Warriors
- Metal Slug
- Metal Slug X
- Metal Slug 3
- Ninja Commando
- Shock Troopers: 2nd Squad
NES
- Commando
- Contra
- Rush 'n Attack
- Super C
Nintendo DS
- Contra 4
- Metal Slug 7
PlayStation
- Apocalypse
- Contra: Legacy of War
- CT Special Forces [EU]
- CT Special Forces 2 [EU]
- Gunners Heaven [JP]
- Metal Slug X
- ONE
PlayStation 2
- Contra: Shattered Soldier
- Gunstar Heroes Treasure Box: Sega Ages 2500 Vol. 25 (Gunstar Heroes + Alien Soldier)
- Metal Slug Anthology
Saturn
- Assault Suits Leynos 2 [JP]
SNES/SFC
- Assault Suits Valken [JP]
- Contra III: The Alien Wars
- Sunset Riders
- Super Turrican
- Super Turrican 2
Wii
- Contra Rebirth
- Metal Slug Anthology
XBLA
- Hard Corps: Uprising
- Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team
Xbox
- Metal Slug 4 & 5
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Arcade
Contra
Robotron: 2084
NES
Rush 'n Attack
Contra
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XBLA
Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team
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A few that haven't been named:
NES:
-Super C
SNES:
-Contra III: The Alien Wars
-Super Turrican
Sega Genesis:
-Contra: Hard Corps
-Gunstar Heroes
-Mega Turrican
PS1:
-Apocalypse (Starring Bruce Willis, and flamethrowers!)
-Contra: Legacy of War
-Metal Slug X
PS2:
-Metal Slug Anthology (and on Wii)
XBox:
-Metal Slug 4 & 5 (both on 1 release)
Nintendo DS:
-Contra 4
-Metal Slug 7
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Crap. I totally forgot Contra 4 was released on DS...
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Crap. I totally forgot Contra 4 was released on DS...
I keep wondering if it's really any good. Sooo many mixed reviews on all the somewhat recent Contra and Metal Slug games.
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Crap. I totally forgot Contra 4 was released on DS...
I keep wondering if it's really any good. Sooo many mixed reviews on all the somewhat recent Contra and Metal Slug games.
If you like 2D run-n-gun games, you'll love it. If you like the Contra and Metal Slug series, then you'll love them. I have a feeling it's the younger crowd that's not too keen on 2D gaming that may be putting those reviews.
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Does Bionic Commando on NES count as a run-n-gun, or an action-adventure? If it does count as a run-n-gun, then it definitely belongs up there. One of the best games ever made.
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If you like 2D run-n-gun games, you'll love it. If you like the Contra and Metal Slug series, then you'll love them. I have a feeling it's the younger crowd that's not too keen on 2D gaming that may be putting those reviews.
Cool, I'll have to check it out. Most of the reviews I've seen are actually from the hardcore 2D crowd, but I think a lot of them are much more jaded about this stuff than I am, or expect all of them to be as difficult as say, Contra: Hard Corps.
Does Bionic Commando on NES count as a run-n-gun, or an action-adventure? If it does count as a run-n-gun, then it definitely belongs up there. One of the best games ever made.
It's probably open to debate, but I'd say no, mainly because of pacing. It's a great game, no question, but so much of it is centered around platforming and evading enemies that I'd put it closer to action-adventure style games like Metroid or Castlevania than frantic shooters like Contra or Metal Slug.
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Cybernator & Super Turrican 2 on the SNES get my vote.
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Apocalypse for PS1 doesn't make the list?
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Apocalypse was added hours ago. Cybernator *technically* was added by me, but under the Japanese version, Assault Suits Valken, since the US release was censored like crazy.
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I didn't realize Cybernator was the same game.
I'd like to add Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX (GBA). It isn't a pure port of The Alien Wars on the SNES. It has added levels and such (I actually think it's superior to the SNES version after playing it for the first time this week).
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I didn't realize Cybernator was the same game.
I'd like to add Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX (GBA). It isn't a pure port of The Alien Wars on the SNES. It has added levels and such (I actually think it's superior to the SNES version after playing it for the first time this week).
I didn't for a long time either, up until I started checking more into the Assault Suit series after playing Leynos. Sad that we never got an un-fucked version of Cybernator/Valken in NA :(
The GBA's an oddly great system for run and gun goodness, though. Metal Slug Advance is awesome, and and I actually like Gunstar Super Heroes better than Gunstar Heroes (blasphemy?).
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GBA- CT Special Forces both 1 and 2 awesome run n guns that look a lot like Metal Slug, released on the Playstation as well,only in Europe though.
Wii-Contra Rebirth
PS1-ONE
SNES-Sunset Riders
If we're doing top down as well...
NES-Commando, Ikari Warriors
Genesis-Mercs, Calibur .50
Arcade-Gunforce 2, Gun. Smoke
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Arcade
Smash T.V.
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GBA- CT Special Forces both 1 and 2 awesome run n guns that look a lot like Metal Slug, released on the Playstation as well,only in Europe though.
Wii-Contra Rebirth
PS1-ONE
SNES-Sunset Riders
If we're doing top down as well...
NES-Commando, Ikari Warriors
Genesis-Mercs, Calibur .50
Arcade-Gunforce 2, Gun. Smoke
Got 'em all on there, but put Ikari Warriors under Neo-Geo, since AES/MVS are basically interchangeable.
Also, how the hell have I not played GunForce 2??? It looks kind of awesome!
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PlayStation 2
- Metal Slug Anthology
NO.
Only buy this if you like load times, slowed down gameplay, and delayed button presses.
TERMINAL REALITY SUCKS. Though the arcade version of 6 is okay in that disc.
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PlayStation 2
- Metal Slug Anthology
NO.
Only buy this if you like load times, slowed down gameplay, and delayed button presses.
TERMINAL REALITY SUCKS. Though the arcade version of 6 is okay in that disc.
I own the game, and it works fine. I love the collection. I suppose if you have a Neo-Geo MVS or AES, then those would be the ideal versions. But not all of us have that.
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I own the game, and it works fine. I love the collection. I suppose if you have a Neo-Geo MVS or AES, then those would be the ideal versions. But not all of us have that.
I don't own an AES, I played the games in arcades when I was younger, and the minute I started playing the disc after buying it I was all "the hell is this crap"? :\
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The different models of PS2s run different games differently sometimes. Think that might be the issue here?
For example: My brother owns the original "fat" model PS2 and his copy of Namco Museum 50th Anniversary runs perfectly for him, but on my PS2 slim it resets everytime you start up one of games from the selection menu (and the disc has virtually no scratches). Champions: Return to Arms also is known to give certain models some issues.
I admit, there's some slowdown here and there. But it's not crippling the gameplay or freezing up the game, and I don't run into it often. And I've never found an issue with the controls.
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The different models of PS2s run different games differently sometimes. Think that might be the issue here?
For example: My brother owns the original "fat" model PS2 and his copy of Namco Museum 50th Anniversary runs perfectly for him, but on my PS2 slim it resets everytime you start up one of games from the selection menu (and the disc has virtually no scratches). Champions: Return to Arms also is known to give certain models some issues.
I admit, there's some slowdown here and there. But it's not crippling the gameplay or freezing up the game, and I don't run into it often. And I've never found an issue with the controls.
I thought that might be the case, but I also own SNK Arcade Classics and KOF Orochi Saga (US version)... which have similar issues. :\
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The different models of PS2s run different games differently sometimes. Think that might be the issue here?
For example: My brother owns the original "fat" model PS2 and his copy of Namco Museum 50th Anniversary runs perfectly for him, but on my PS2 slim it resets everytime you start up one of games from the selection menu (and the disc has virtually no scratches). Champions: Return to Arms also is known to give certain models some issues.
I admit, there's some slowdown here and there. But it's not crippling the gameplay or freezing up the game, and I don't run into it often. And I've never found an issue with the controls.
I thought that might be the case, but I also own SNK Arcade Classics and KOF Orochi Saga (US version)... which have similar issues. :\
Oh man, I like the SNK Arcade Classics compilation even more! I play it A LOT! It's the next best thing to actually owning a Neo Geo AES.
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I thought that might be the case, but I also own SNK Arcade Classics and KOF Orochi Saga (US version)... which have similar issues. :\
I've read quite a few reports that the PS2 and Wii versions of MSA are jacked, and I'm inclined to believe it. SNK's ports are an extremely mixed bag, with some being just utterly piss-poor (every port of Last Blade ever, Orochi Saga, NESTS Collection, SNK Arcade Classics, etc), and a lot of the US versions are censored or missing features. They even removed 480p support for the US releases of King of Fighters XI and NeoGeo Battle Coliseum, which is just mind boggling.
It gets even muddier with ports that are technically inferior, but offer cool bonuses or Neo-Geo CD quality sound. Real Bout Garou Densetsu: Dominated Mind on PS1 is like this - missing frames of animation, but decently playable, and has a cool Blue Mary music video and redbook audio.
I've actually been thinking of starting a thread where we sort out arcade port quality, since I have a mountain of notes on this stuff, but haven't had enough free time to dig into it. Most gamers don't seem to particularly care either, so I'm torn on whether it'd really be a worthwhile effort.
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Owning Metal Slug 5 on the AES I can definatley say that the compilation, at least for wii, is not that bad, I mean the loading times suck, the controlls are meh and it's missing some frames of animation, I also think the wii version took out part of a level. But that aside they're still fun and playable. I'd recommend them. But all the ports I've ever played of KOF just suck
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Owning Metal Slug 5 on the AES I can definatley say that the compilation, at least for wii, is not that bad, I mean the loading times suck, the controlls are meh and it's missing some frames of animation, I also think the wii version took out part of a level. But that aside they're still fun and playable. I'd recommend them. But all the ports I've ever played of KOF just suck
I guess that's the thing, though. Missing frames are a huge problem, and since you can usually turn to MAME or something if you just want something relatively playable, the expectation for ports is that you're getting as close to arcade perfect as possible.
There are some good KOF ports though, particularly the Saturn version of '95, and 2002/2003, XI, '94 Re-Bout, '98 Ultimate Match, 2002 Unlimited Match on PS2. You're basically OK as long as you avoid any of the KOF ports on PS1 and Dreamcast, and the Orochi and NESTS collections on PS2.
I could seriously go on about which ports are good/bad, how they differ, etc. for a long time, but I'll stop here, since this isn't a thread about SNK :p
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and the Orochi and NESTS collections on PS2.
... what. The G1M2 developed Japanese releases?
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and the Orochi and NESTS collections on PS2.
... what. The G1M2 developed Japanese releases?
Yerp. Both notoriously screwy, if I recall - I'm at work right now, so I can't check my notes for why, but I'll see if I can dig around for a quick answer if you want specifics.
Edit: Specifics, just from a quick search around...
NESTS Collection - No AES intros, nasty sprite flicker (worse than Orochi), weird brightness and contrast problems, graphics appear to be slightly upscaled, etc.
Orochi Collection - '94 has weird lag and voice glitches, muffled audio, sprite flicker, etc.
There's some other stuff I've run across previously, but it took me hours of digging to get a cohesive idea of each one, and a lot of this stuff is highly subjective. Personally, I can deal with *some* sprite flicker, but audio issues, missing frames, and lag are inexcusable, and if the flicker is too constant, it drives me nuts. Some people complain about the 2002/2003 port too, claiming the backgrounds are recolored and blurred, while I think it's fantastic, so your mileage may vary.
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Ha also check out Cyber-Lip on the AES, since this is a thread about run n gun =)
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Ha also check out Cyber-Lip on the AES, since this is a thread about run n gun =)
I s that game really good? I almost bought it like a month ago and talked myself out of it.
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I've actually been thinking of starting a thread where we sort out arcade port quality, since I have a mountain of notes on this stuff, but haven't had enough free time to dig into it. Most gamers don't seem to particularly care either, so I'm torn on whether it'd really be a worthwhile effort.
I eat that stuff up, please make a thread!
I can't really recommend anything that hasn't already been said, so I'll just throw in another thumbs up for Alien Soldier. :)
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Original Game Boy:
-Contra: The Alien Wars
-Operation C
Genesis:
-Vectorman 1 & 2
So Vectorman is questionable. But there seems to be constant gunning as you're platforming, much like Contra. IMO, if Contra is included, then Vectorman should be as well.
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Just a heads up, but I'll be slow on updating the main list this weekend. Grandma's in town, and so my time has been mostly kidnapped until early morning/late evening :/
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Ha also check out Cyber-Lip on the AES, since this is a thread about run n gun =)
I s that game really good? I almost bought it like a month ago and talked myself out of it.
Cyber-Lip is decent, I've played it fairly recently at a somewhat local arcade and to be honest it's nothing great,it's kind of slow and you cant really shoot in any direction, but the bosses are huge, fun and satisfying to kill. To be fair though you can do a lot better for cheaper.
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I eat that stuff up, please make a thread!
I can't really recommend anything that hasn't already been said, so I'll just throw in another thumbs up for Alien Soldier. :)
I'll see what I can put together over the next week or so, since my notes are all over the place, and a lot of past sources that I'd used before appear to be gone. Even if it's just a couple people contributing, I think I'd be potentially really useful for people. I'd like to also take into account progressive scan support, since this can be a big deal for people playing on LCDs.
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Sunset Riders is also on Genesis.