Today, I took Mode7's manhood.

[Mode7]

J2d, there's an all-clear replay at the HK-STG site that was mentioned in the Ikaruga thread. Drop me a PM if you need further directions.

Guwange-related content to appear shortly at the Symphony.

[cigsthecat]

Curious...why'd you let this one go Mode? Not interesting enough to play for the long haul? Never played it myself, so that's why I'm interested.

[J2d]

Mode7:
Yea I've seen that HK-STG hosts an All clear, I've never been able to download it though, I just end up at some page that seems to request username and password.

Guwange-related content to appear shortly at the Symphony.

Looking forward to it.

[Tracer]

Originally posted by sleeveboy
I'm guessing Click_Stick got his Progear CPS2 board in the mail today.

At first I thought he'd beaten one of Mode's high scores or something.

[JM]

Quite possibly the most disconcerting thread title in the history of TNL, good job.

JM

[Geruto]

Congrats on the purchase Click_Stick!

It's something I wouldn't buy though, since I dislike CPS systems cos of their suicide batteries. Good thinking Capcom!

[Mode7]

Curious...why'd you let this one go Mode? Not interesting enough to play for the long haul? Never played it myself, so that's why I'm interested.

It was too hard. I don't mean that in the sense of difficulty, though there's certainly plenty of that to be had. Instead, I just found very little of that soft, smooth and buttery Cave feel to which I am accustomed.

Also, I did not take to the scoring system -- I found it more aggravating than engaging. I would pick up a console port in a second, but for me it was not worth keeping a noisy and expensive CPS2 board around for.

J2d: then register! You'll receive an e-mail with a password that'll allow you to access the replay.

[J2d]

then register! You'll receive an e-mail with a password that'll allow you to access the replay.

*beats head*
And it wasn't even that hard

[Click_Stick]

Ok, let's see.

THE GAME:

It's a beast. I'm sticking to the US region defaults for now [2/8 difficulty, extend every 1.5 million] and the game is still quite a challenge. The Japanese region defaults are 4/8 and the extend is at 3 million/every 4 million after that. Screw the Asian defaults... 8/8 diffculty? Are they mad?

ATMOSPHERE:

First thing that you'll become quite comfortable with is Progear's distinct style. The enemy and stage designs are top notch. Tanks tread up mountains to take better aim, planes sail from the the sky above and below, and ships cruise along rivers doing their best to bring you down.

The environments are very pleasing to admire as you dodge storms of blue bullets: grassy hills and mountains, a cityscape at dawn where trains cruise along [shooting at you, no doubt], and industrial-esque locales.

The character designs are of the cutesy variety, but very likable.

THE SYSTEM:

There are two main ships to select from of the wide and narrow shot varieties. There are also three gunners to choose from, each offering a slightly different shooting capability.

Scoring revolves around collecting jewels that mainly larger enemies produce. Tap A to bring down enemies with your normal shot and suck in the jewels in Fighting mode by holding B. Holding B normally produces a homing shot, in addition.

I can't quite get a handle of why certain jewel types are produced when they are, however. At the end of each level you receive a Gunner Bonus, which is also quite vague.

THE MEAT:

Progear is pretty damned difficult. The patterns are beautiful to admire and pick out for weaving, but those enemies will do their best to hit you when you least expect it. Don't be surprised to find yourself constantly getting shoved into the barriers and corners as you try to stay alive. The screen is constantly filled with an incredible amount of shit to dodge.

The unique patterns are certainly a highlight.



I can tell this game is going to give me a ton of shit as I play it more and more... I've only made it to level 4 so far and I still need to get a hold of the scroing system for those ever-necessary extends.

Thank god for miniscule hit boxes, a seemingly staple element in Cave games. It's even difficult to get a feel for where that thing is.

[Ryan]

Progear is pretty damned difficult

Oh this will all just be a good warm-up for DDP : DJ

Once that puppy comes out, there is no holding back!

It's goona be damn good score table! You been practicing J2d?