Dragon Buster for Famicom Review & Retrospective 1987

[@19775021]

Both the game and this channel are unjustifiably underrated.

[@kale280]

this might be my favorite video on youtube ever. idk why or how, but good on you man.

[@HPRshredder]

Glad you've enjoyed it!

[@jamesgames4553]

How does this not have 100,000 views? The production quality and the way the qualities and history of the game are articulated is really good here and in the other Famicom videos I’ve watched. Keep up the good work!

[@HPRshredder]

Thank you for the comment! I’m working on ways to get more eyes on the videos. I’m glad you enjoy them - there are many more on the way

[@Sakeenster]

Awwe, we got shoutouts at the end too how sweet 🥲💛 Another freaking great video! I really can see your editing getting better with every video you put out, and your videos were already so good. So nice that you’re back to posting 😊

[@itsasecrettoeverybody]

I missed the show so much!

[@HPRshredder]

I missed your comments! Good to be back.

[@thewingedavenger1007]

Great review! This game is so important to gaming history but almost no one reviews it. I think you did well to use the term ARPG, because this is a seminal game to that genre. The original version is from 1984, and before that I believe the only good games which had action-RPG elements were Adventure (1980), Venture (1981), AD&D: Cloudy Mountain (1982) and AD&D: Treasure of Tarmin (1983). Dragon Buster was a step froward from all of those because of the vastness of the game, even in its original arcade iteration. In 1985 we got Xanadu (MSX) which was a vaster Dragon Buster, and of course in 1986 Zelda came out. Zelda was definitely standing on the shoulders of giants.

[@Hummingbird78]

I’m not super interested in playing but I’m definitely super interested in hearing you talk about playing

[@konradciembka2059]

I had this game on my psp as part of an arcade game collection and I loved it. Never got past round 6 but I still had fun

[@HPRshredder]

I feel like it takes a certain amount of luck with good item drops. It's a hard game, but there's something that keeps you coming back.

[@LezardDesu]

Never heard of this one before. Admittedly at first it seemed sort of janky with the enemies juggling you but honestly it looks pretty fun! I think this absolutely would have done well on the NES, it's a shame it was never brought over. Thanks again for the excellent in depth videos of these games.

[@HPRshredder]

I meant to add your name to the special thanks section because I appreciate your comments -- but I forgot in this one sine it had been so long and I didn't have them in the last one due to the themes. Definitely look out for it in the season 2 finale!

[@TheCrawl]

HE'S BAAAACK

[@TheCrawl]

You had me at "A RPG dungeon crawler." I guess I gotta check this out! Also: "I'm an adventure-type gamer. ...an *elite* gamer. Major league gamer." New channel tagline imo

[@MattyStoked]

Bustin' makes me feel good! Loved this one, as always. I didn't know anything about this game before just now, your enthusiasm for this one comes right over and kinda makes me want to play it!

[@HPRshredder]

If you're into this sort of game I would definitely say give it a go, but potentially the arcade version would be more fun based on what one of my subs has said and the footage I've seen myself. Thanks for the comment, though! I always look forward to seeing your takes on my latest vids as another creator.

[@averyrogers8103]

thank god ur back i needed a new vid

[@tokugawa7]

Been bummed out with some personal mumbo jumbo lately... And seeing you uploaded another video put a smile on my face. You're the best. Your videos are probably my favorite content on KZbin. Hope you've been well. Thanks again.

[@tokugawa7]

You may have seen this but i couldn't help but think of gun buster when I seen the title. If you haven't it's certainly up your alley. Also want to watch the 6 episodes in English subs and not the condensed movie. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunbuster

[@HPRshredder]

Sorry you've been bummed out -- that seems to be going around lately. I know for me it's part of the reason it took so long to get this one out the door. But I'm really glad you enjoyed it and keep coming back! I've been doing a little better and managing to stay motivated. Hopefully the turnaround for the next one is a lot shorter. And I haven't heard of Gunbuster, but it definitely *does* seem up my alley. Just watched the opening and I like the vibe!

[@UltimateRandomGamer]

I'm happy to see another video from you. I have only barely played this version, but the original arcade version is one of my favorite arcade games, and it's always nice to see another westerner who likes it (even if it isn't the version I play).

[@UltimateRandomGamer]

I just want to clarify that from what little I played of the Famicom version, I thought its controls were stiffer than the arcade version and the field of view is worse since the screen doesn't scroll with you in the center of the screen, but a bit to left or right of it. But I'm not sure about it being a bad port like some others say it is, and Japanese players seem to be more forgiving towards it.

[@HPRshredder]

I'm surprised anyone had experience with it in the comments at all! I completely agree with you based on the footage of the arcade version that I have seen. I like Clovis more locked to the center of the screen. My reaction time wasn't fast enough in a lot of instances because my field of vision was so limited. I did get used to it, but I would have definitely preferred to be able to see further. Thanks for the comments!

[@danielarcher369]

Cool, never knew this game existed!

[@TheKonamiMan]

Great video as always. Gonna give this a other go on my Switch since it is in one of those Namco NES/Famicom collections.

[@valeska_kevinleahy]

Hey man, just wanted to say your work is phenomenal. I love the over-all cozy vibe that emanates from you and the set, the colors and music. Your reflections are well put and interesting, and really make me feel like I know these old games. I know you mentioned how hard it is to be a small youtuber... I hope you keep going, because your content is much more engaging and worthwhile than most video game stuff on youtube!!! Maybe the channel just needs a day or two in the sun of the algorithm, and you'll take off!

[@HPRshredder]

Thank so much for the kind words. I'm glad it's resonating with you! I have every intention to keep going so you don't need to worry about that. I'm deep into editing and I know I keep saying it but it really should be out soon for real this time! Again, thank you for the comment. I do really believe in what I'm making and I've been really encouraged by a slight uptick over the past few months I've been experiencing despite not uploading. I think that with the next few videos on the channel things could really grow some more! But I'm really happy and thankful to have the level of engagement I have currently. I'd get less than a hundred views per video for my first 5 or so for a period of months and so to have reached this point alone feels very rewarding.

[@wyleFTW]

​@@HPRshredderthis is one of the only reviews for dragon buster on youtube so you picked a great game to make a review on. I played it a lot on namco museum on my PlayStation as a kid so I got a kick out of your review, glad somebody else appreciates how cool this game is! There's not a lot of access to it I guess that's why the game's not so popular, can only really be found in obscure places

[@TheCoOpBros]

“…an elite gamer” hahah Catching up on some HPR and wow this is one of the best ones yet!! Love the Yugioh references too haha But seriously feel like this video just flows really well, great job dude and thanks for the little shout out❤

[@HPRshredder]

You're welcome, thanks for the kind words my dudes!

[@God777JESUSfreak777]

Glad to see you back!

[@HPRshredder]

Good to be active again!

[@JerryTerrifying]

I saw an episode of Game Center CX about Dragon Buster and bought it. I still need to play it someday.

[@HPRshredder]

I only discovered that show this year and it does kind of remind me of the process of playing these for myself. I need to find that episode and see how far he made it.

[@MrFoxInc]

Well worth the wait, very nice video! Weirdly, just seeing the cover of the game had me like "oh yeah, that game" but in actuality I had no idea what it really was and I may have missed out, so I appreciate this review. Really wanna give it a go now actually! And I agree, it could really have been a hit in the west, not sure why they didn't go for it. Also that packaging and that MANUAL, HMMM magnifico, thanks for those close ups 🕺

[@HPRshredder]

It kind of reminds me of Dragon's Lair in the art department because it kind of has that Don Bluth look to it. Glad you enjoyed the video! Always look forward to your comments.

[@realsquirrelhours565]

Missed this one somehow, I think I must've been sidetracked or something. I've meant to give this game a try, always thought that sword swinging animation was seriously bizarre, especially in the original arcade version. Kinda reminds me of Ninja Kid with that overworld, although this definitely seems to be the better game in every regard. I'll have to pick a copy up sooner or later and give it a go. Wonderful review as always!

[@HPRshredder]

Yeah, the swinging takes a little getting used to, but the timing is similar to just about every other video game slash in this era. It's the special moves that take a little practice. Thanks for the comment, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@JoshForeman]

What a fantastic find! Never heard of it, but it looks delightful. Overworld maps are such a fantastic way to add a sense of scope and narrative depth, I can't think of any game with an overworld map that I didn't love. Really interesting about the double jump too. I was actually researching double jumping last year as I was designing the double jump for our game, and I'm sad to say I did NOT learn about this first go at it!

[@HPRshredder]

I appreciate all these comments, man! I'm super glad you've been enjoying the back catalog of videos!

[@ragintombo]

YES! I know what I'm watching tonight.

[@neverchris]

Great video man! I recently did a video on Wonder Boy in Monster Land and read how the developers were inspired by this so I wanted to learn more. Great production too.

[@CerealCommander]

Welcome back 🤠 so happy to see you back. One thing I noticed you missed was actual footage of Mario Kart 64, probably a small oversight on your part.

[@HPRshredder]

Thanks, man! But at the very end I think you'll find some audio from "that" game ;-)

[@CaptainMangles]

This game looks great, too bad we didn't get it!

[@Bloodreign1]

But we did, just not on the NES, instead PSP by way of Namco Battle Museum, and Namco Museum Vol 2 PS1.

[@Exmotable]

glad you keep on keeping on man. hero juggling should be a profession by only the baddest of bad guys.

[@HPRshredder]

Here’s to keeping on keeping on

[@fazzeai]

Hey, another banger video!

[@HPRshredder]

😎

[@codyseevers6405]

Quilty production. Keep up the hard work, it will pay off

[@RetroZoltan]

I’m happy to finally see your latest vid. I love your style, I hope to be as good as you one day! The downward stab “first” may be in competition with Rastan that I believe was in the arcade the same year. Wonder which was first! This game looks way too hard, but am curious … I have played harder for sure.

[@HPRshredder]

Your content is great, Zoltan. I’m flattered you paint mine as something to aspire to. The gear I have does a lot of the work for me. That and the editing software. But I really appreciate the comments. Just checked out Rastan (never heard of it) and it looks sick! But unless there was something earlier than the 1987 Taito release Dragon Buster (arcade version from 1984) predates it. I did not look into it that heavily though, so it may not be the first! But as far as I can tell it seems likely.

[@RetroZoltan]

@@HPRshredder curious! Rastan has the best music. It’s so bizarre and really pulls you in!

[@codyseevers6405]

Picked this game up in a game bundle the other day that I had my eye on for the 60 to 72 pin converter that was included. I figured a bonus Famicom cart was a plus. I end up playing this game for four hours I eventually got to stage four dungeon 3 so far definitely worth the 10 bucks I spent on the bundle of 6 items of odds and evens of retro gaming. After viewing this I feel I understand it a bit more as far as story and how the axe plays in any way thanks for the neat vid

[@HPRshredder]

Thanks so much for the comment, it means a lot! I'll be posting another video this month that I'm still working on editing. In fact, two videos will be uploaded this month if things go according to plan. A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes to ensure that I'm able to eliminate excessively long gaps between content. I have definitely not given up! I agree about Dragon Buster though. It's really cheap and feels like a good value for the fun it provides. It's not super deep, but it doesn't really need to be.

[@codyseevers6405]

@@HPRshredder I'll be looking out for those vids. Definitely know what you mean. Seen my brother work his butt off for years with content creation. He now owns his own production company out in LA.

[@ClassicCo-op]

That juggling shit would drive me nuts haha. This is another one I haven’t heard about. Looks like some interesting gameplay throughout. Always love the CRT shots you get!

[@HPRshredder]

If you're better at the game than I am, it'll happen less. I was biased a bit in the clip selection because it's more fun to watch than a flawless victory lol.

[@ChronoChristian]

Man I missed this

[@HPRshredder]

Me too, man. This footage was shot before Brett's wedding.

[@sheets75]

If they had brought this over to the west in one of the first waves, it absolutely would have been a hit. Simple run-and-chop will always have an audience and this is nowhere near as bad some stuff that got imported (Nintendo "Seal of Quality" my ass...).

[@lostconciousness4255]

what a fun looking game, never heard of it until this video.

[@HPRshredder]

It's pretty fun once you get used to it! It's also really inexpensive if you like playing on physical hardware.

[@robart1979]

I think i have played dragon buster 2 it was notably good when i played it

[@Beanboi420]

Alt art Buster Blader go brazy😎

[@mr.g4990]

Hey, not bad at all for an early 1987 title - surely developed the year before. Quite ambitious for its time, I think this game has enough appeal. I suppose my kid self would have been intrigued, and disciplined enough to complete it. Thanks for the insight on a title I wasn't aware of.

[@HPRshredder]

Thanks for the comment, Mr. G! It seems like one of those games that if you owned it as a kid you would love it, because it offers a lot of replay value and when you only own a few games (most kids only own a few) that can go a long way.

[@verdman54]

Consumable weapons sounds like Nintendo put that play in their back pocket for many years later in BOTW

[@HPRshredder]

I wouldn’t be surprised at all if some of the dev team for TotK played Dragon Buster as kids.

[@mark6302]

4:19 first game to have ragdoll too

[@yes.6892]

There's a game called road to duraga that's a fan game to both this game and tower of duraga that's a lot of fun and feels like a real retro call back to the era they're from, I recommend it!

[@HPRshredder]

I looked into it on KZbin but I wasn't able to find anything on it. But that does sound interesting. I still need to play Duraga myself. It reminds me a lot of Gauntlet in the way that it looks.

[@m.a.packer5450]

The main character on the title card kind of looks like a cross between Goku and Wally Cleaver

[@bluedistortions]

I'm just now realizing the Japanese sure like the word "buster." Never understood why Megaman had a "mega buster," when we would say arm cannon. Apparently that's a general word for "weapon" to them.

[@F3z07]

Don't forget the classic pillows song "Little Busters"

[@paulinetrivago.7540]

Another first that this game holds, at least as far as my research has gone, this is the first video game in which you rescue a princess?? Or at least a princess that has a name

[@agamemnon8163]

U should do Megamen next

[@HPRshredder]

Megaman is currently slotted to be the 31st episode! Or the first episode of "Season 4". It'll be a little bit but I'm really excited for that one. I already have all games for the next season on-hand so I'm hoping I can get there relatively quickly.

[@almeidachannel7121]

Nice video ! Sub & Big Like ! Nice Sharing !

[@HPRshredder]

ありがとうございます！

[@almeidachannel7121]

@@HPRshredder Thank you for your reply ! If you are interested in the nostalgic game culture of Japan, please subscribe to the my channel !

[@HPRshredder]

I’ll check it out!

[@almeidachannel7121]

@@HPRshredder Thanks (^0^)

[@RetroZoltan]

So … I’m hoping your making a video soon! I’m having withdrawals.

[@HPRshredder]

Truthfully, I’m a bit behind. I still have a lot of work to do. But behind the scenes I am in the process of (likely) changing jobs - specifically, I interviewed for one that I believe will leave me with more energy and time to work on the channel. It involves a hefty pay cut though, so it’s been a lot to chew on. This year got away from me so quickly. I’m proud of what I’ve put out, but there’s so much I want to do and am trying to do to make 2023 my year for KZbin. I have tons planned - I just need to execute. I don’t want to be that guy who’s always talking about “big stuff on the horizon!” lol, but I am doing my best to get over the last few hurdles I believe are in the way. I’m hoping that I can wrap Season 2 up before the end of this year, but I could see it slip to early January. What is most important to me though is that after that, I can be extremely consistent with Season 3 and beyond. Thanks for the comment and for checking in; it feels good and I appreciate it.

[@RetroZoltan]

@@HPRshredder just making sure you were alive mostly! Motivation is always hard on my end sometimes… but comments always keep me going .. when you realize people really care about what your talking about. Hope your able to push the next one out for 2022!

[@Cman114]

Can you do more of the adventure island games?

[@HPRshredder]

I plan to cover 2, 3, and 4 as well!

[@knoxdafoxtv7678]

Can we get the rockman series ?

[@HPRshredder]

Hopefully Rockman 1 will be completed by the end of 2023. If my pace is strong I may get there sooner. Really excited to play them myself -- I've never beaten a Mega Man game and it's been hard to hold out.

[@Big_Dai]

Wait.. is this the first Dungeon Crawler "Roguelike" game ever?

[@dreamlandnightmare]

Looks like a tedious headache.

[@DannyDeVoid]

First

[@wyleFTW]

Wow theres a lot of shit in this game that ill never see not sure i ever made it past the second map!