The lost Makaimura [Ghosts'n Goblins] game.

[Recap]

Once, when the Dreamcast system was going to be released, it was asked to some important Capcom people in Japan if there was any chance to see a 128-bit Makaimura (Ghosts'n Goblins for Western markets), since it was one of the most beloved Capcom series worldwide. Their answer was a big "no"; they didn't want their classic saga to be altered in any way, it was too good as it was and a 128-bit episode just wouldn't be suitable to keep the series' spirit.

Funny, 'cause just a couple of years before they released for the Japanese market a sort of sequel to Chohmakaimura (the latest, SFC chapter in the series if we ignore the spin-off which is the Demon's Blazon sub-series). Its name is Arthur to Astarot no Nazomakaimura ~Incredible Toons~ and was based on a Western 2D puzzle game by Sierra. Oddly enough, there was a 3DO version in addition to the regular PS and SS ones.

Of course, the game was not only a break out to the series' gameplay premises, it also was a substandard product, not worthy to belong to this fantastic saga. Quoting Paleface's writings from his excellent site ( http://paleface.net/cgi-bin/gdb/n.pl?c=news ):

Puzzle game with Ghosts & Goblins characters where in each new single-screen stage you place a certain allotment of props among various monsters, platforms and traps, then press Start and watch as the whole Rube Goldberg contraption springs to life. A little confusing since the goal for each stage is in Japanese, but generally you're trying to knock off as many characters and items as possible.

There's just bizarre stuff here, like the monsters who blow air forward when hit in the head, or knock the projectile over their shoulders when struck on the back. All the little toons animate in great detail and it's a hoot just to watch Arthur walk up to a door (compelled there by a little demon trophy he likes, perhaps), stop, look at it, fish in his belt, pull out a torch, light it, then plunge into the doorway to emerge at the door's partner somewhere else on the screen. And that's just one little component of the whole machine (and just one combination with that component--monsters stop and bring out little lights when they go through the doorway too).

[Lordmrw]

i'm just kind of curious as to what happened to those guys who were redoing ghouls and ghosts for the pc. I wish i remembered the gamefan issue that had that interview.

[sleeve]

Aw shit, I didn't know Paleface had his own site.

Have to check that out.

[kabuki]

The Incredible Machine is an awesome game, and this looks like a competent rip-off

[dcharlie]

Also, there is a Makaimura game for the Wonderswan which has considerable new elements in it , but is more in the mould of the traditional Makaimura.

Certain levels flip to be in "tate" mode - with you absailing down levels on a rope.

Awesome stuff.