Layla - Ice Cream, Asteroids, and Anime Babes | Famicom Review 1986

[@Unquestionable]

So amazed I never came across this channel before very recently. Love not only the overview of the game play but all the details like the release window, packaging, and general positives/negatives. This was the exact sort of title I'm sure I would have rented based entire off box art if it had come stateside when I was a kid.

[@HPRshredder]

Well, I'm glad you found it! The latest one seems to have been blessed with more impressions than I expected. Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it.

[@vegetafan9922]

"And this is where I would put my box and manual for the Famicom game Layla... IF I HAD THEM!!!"

[@iamlordapollo]

Bro your channel is such a mood. We're both 1992 kids, and If I close my eyes, I can feel what it's like to chill on your couch with you in a basement with that weird wall paneling and that gaming basement smell. With the crickets outside and the crtv putting a glow on us and we're getting slightly delirious cuz it's way too late. There's a tipped over box of dry captain crunch on the table next to the stack of Nintendo power. It feels like a weird thing to say but it's so distinct it's tangible and you make the atmosphere perfectly

[@HPRshredder]

Lmao the visuals. I'm glad you're enjoying it! Working on a new one right now. Hoping to get it out by mid next month.

[@iamlordapollo]

@@HPRshredder awesome I'm looking forward to it. Seriously though, something about the song you use and your very relaxed tone of voice has a distinct feel. I've watched the videos probably a dozen times each because I put them on just for background noise. Can you make a playlist just for retro oddessy with the videos in order? Edit: oh you have one on the channel tab but it doesn't pop up on search.

[@DannyDeVoid]

It's awesome that you are reviewing games that don't get enough coverage. You are one of maybe three people who have talked about this game on KZbin.

[@HPRshredder]

There are some playthroughs, but yeah, I think maybe one other “review” type of video for Layla. I wanted to see if it was a hidden gem for myself 💎 and it kind of is for the positives, but overall isn’t because it is sadly just not that fun.

[@Captureman]

I can't express enough admiration and appreciation for the time and care you take in creating these Famicom game review videos, they are all terrific. Your narration style is perfect. I also appreciate that you cover oddball games like Layla, Birdweek and King Kong 2.

[@HPRshredder]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you've been enjoying them! I've got another somewhat obscure one coming out next.

[@Captureman]

I can't wait to see your next review. Any chance you have plans to review the NES game called Nightshade?

[@skiptoacceptancemdarlin]

hit down while running to come to a dead halt. makes moving more reasonable

[@TheCoOpBros]

Dig this one!! I like the section on What Could Make It Better. Especially since you’re comparing it to other titles of it’s time, great video dude!!

[@HPRshredder]

There are a few games I've already covered that I have ideas for now for improvements. In particular: Ghosts n' Goblins. With a few tweaks it could be a really good game. Glad you enjoyed this one though! I finally have a way to play Elden Ring so I'll be able to stop avoiding spoilers soon (hopefully in time for your review). Also stoked to play Monster Hunter Sunbreak when it comes out - maybe you guys could use a hand with that one 😉

[@Soberliving]

Hey man! Hope you are well. My girlfriend bought me a cib copy of this for my birthday! I love watching these videos before I play a new game so thanks a million! Hope all is well with the family!

[@HPRshredder]

Going good! We were out of power for a week due to a bad storm but I'm back on the editing grind. Hoping to have the next video out by the end of the month. And that's awesome! I heard you can make turning around easier by pressing down on the D=Pad first. I have yet to try that, but you should. Also, if you like this one, I've heard Iris Missions, a fan remake, is even better.

[@boggle303]

Wasn’t expecting this high of a production value from a 4chan ad

[@mr.g4990]

I must say, Famicom-only library is like a thick, unexplored jungle to me. As a European player it has been quite the ride to discover NTSC titles during the past decades, but this is on another level. I've never been into anime as well...sorta have a strong prejudice against it. All things considered I agree I wouldn't wanna add this title to my collection (which sits at a measly 31 right now), but I appreciate this review, intriguing and enjoyable as usual. It's a wild journey til the next review, you never know where good young hpr will take you. Once again, thanks for the mention. Cheers!

[@HPRshredder]

31 is more Famicom games than I have currently lol, that's not measly at all! I'm glad you enjoyed the vide though even though anime isn't your thing. I try to encompass just about everything I can in the reviews so even if you're not interested it still kinda feels like you played it by the end. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@mr.g4990]

Yeah it's still very enjoyable to watch these games through your reviews, your style is spot-on. My collection is only made up of European games though. Ain't got anything imported or too fancy, just looking for playable games at reasonable prices. So maybe one day you'll review something I've been owning for decades, who knows? Really looking forward to next one, and btw congrats for going over 1k subs!

[@thewingedavenger1007]

Great video! This game should definitely be played in the hacked form that you mentioned - "The Iris Missions" - because it's full of quality-of-life improvements, the most notable of which is a good new soundtrack.

[@HPRshredder]

Good to hear there are improvements to the soundtrack! I had originally talked about it in the video but I cut it out because I was so tired of hearing the music lol. But Iris seems like I good idea. And it seems like the reception is positive all around.

[@skins4thewin]

Did this hack make the changes he mentions in this video, including being able to turn while in motion as well as getting rid of that stupid Tornado that hurts you when you stand still too long? I mean really, that's something you'd expect to see in an Arcade title, not a console one!

[@realsquirrelhours565]

I'd heard about this one before, but forgot it existed until seeing this. Kinda reminds me of Wing of Madoola graphically, but set in space. Seems like a pretty intriguing game for sure, but I'd lose my mind with the turning issue. And for the price? No way I'll be picking this one up anytime soon. Great review as always!

[@HPRshredder]

Thanks! I've never heard of Wing of Madonna - I'll have to look that up. But yes, the turning makes it tough to play. It's a rare instance of a game looking better in motion than it actually feels to play.

[@steamworkzombie7873]

Just found you on Reddit while I was looking for a place to buy retro Japanese consoles/games and I have to say I'm already a big fan! Cant wait to see more!

[@HPRshredder]

Very cool! Unfortunately what I usually end up doing is ordering off of eBay at buy-it-now prices with high shipping costs. But I think It's worth it for games you really want to fully experience.

[@Big_Dai]

Color me impressed! This game does a lot more right than it seems to do.. wrong? At least for an 86 release. Definitely would need to play it to understand the "negativity". I would love for someone to historically document all the lessons developers learned from games as they were coming out, and who made the innovations that others started to copy.

[@TheKonamiMan]

I'm really loving this series. The aesthetic alone is great. Your CRT footage makes me want to get a setup to stream retro games from my CRT. As for this game, I almost won it in an auction for $20 a couple weeks ago on eBay but someone got in and beat me by like a dollar because I was at work and couldn't counter.

[@HPRshredder]

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I have officially added Getsu Fūma Den to my list by the way per your suggestion. I was actually looking into trying a CRTstream myself but it's difficult to set up with all the various audio and camera settings needed. Also I may end up giving Layla away after this season ends for the next Retro Game Giveaway, so you may win this copy if you enter! (it's loose but in great shape)

[@TheKonamiMan]

@@HPRshredder I look forward to your GetsuFumaDen vid as well as any other future ones. It sucks that a CRT stream sounds complicated, your CRT footage in the vids looks great and it would be cool to watch a stream that was as good. I personally love buying used games loose to make my own covers and cases. I'm a graphic designer and it gives me something to use my skills on outside of work to help me not burn out from working on "boring" stuff at work lol. I'm actually in the process of trying to figure out how to make my own lenticular print to recreate the GetsuFumaDen box art for my loose copy.

[@ashcliffeable]

Been meaning to watch this for a while. Great review. I actually saw the cart at a game shop the other day for $44. It does look gorgeous so I’m not surprised people want to add it to their collection. That said, I’m not sure I want to play it now. Perhaps down the line through emulation. Thanks for the hard work and quality review as always.

[@HPRshredder]

Thanks for the comment! Glad you enjoyed the video - hope it saved you some money lol

[@TheCrawl]

Finally sitting down to watch this--commenting before I've finished the video to say the Patrick Star reference got me fucking good LMAO.

[@HPRshredder]

I was pretty proud of that impression

[@CaptainMangles]

Comprised, not compromised. Great video, thank you for uploading!

[@HPRshredder]

o7

[@o_o_o_o_o-o_o_o_o_o]

I woulda said composed, not comprised

[@tokugawa7]

Yes! Let's go..... I just watched the gamecenter cx layla episode a few months ago.

[@tokugawa7]

Really love your videos. Top notch presentation throughout... And you seem wiser than your years. Hope you've been well. Look forward to the next one.

[@HPRshredder]

Thank you! I appreciate your comments. I've been super busy but I'm hoping to be able to put out more videos without a month between them. They take a long time to shoot and edit though.

[@Andrew-Gomez904]

dude you are so underrated! i love your videos!

[@HPRshredder]

Thanks man, I’ve got more on the way!

[@aliets]

This game really looks like a proto-Alien Soldier, especially with that weapon select menu. That game is a genuine hidden gem and I really recommend it.

[@HPRshredder]

Is that the Mega Drive game by Treasure? Or is there an Alien Soldier game on Famicom?

[@aliets]

@@HPRshredder It's the Mega Drive game.

[@itsasecrettoeverybody]

A very cute episode. Lovely. Those girls make me wonder what is your criteria to select a game for your review list.

[@HPRshredder]

Glad you enjoyed it David! And here's the rough criteria lol: I looked first for all of the "must-play" classics. Then I looked for games that started on the NES from well-known franchises. Then I looked for "hidden gems" Then I looked at interesting Japanese exclusives And lastly I just added some games for interesting art and unique-looking gameplay. Oh, and cute cartridges because the famicom carts are really pretty compared to the NES carts and I just like the colors and stickers.

[@itsasecrettoeverybody]

@@HPRshredder ;)

[@Johnoftheuchiha]

i don't know what it is about the Famicom in 1986 but i just seem to enjoy the year.I think it's weird games like this one that does it for me. A experimental year where Kid Icarus, Layla and Takeshi's Challenge can all be released within days of one another

[@HPRshredder]

I have loved 1986. This is the last 1986 review for now though; the next will be 1987, but I may revisit some earlier years when I eventually make it to the Sega Master System. Also, it's likely eventually I will go back to play more games I may have missed.

[@Exmotable]

"a negative experience can be more influential in a positive way, than a positive experience can" or some other such made-up words of wisdom lol. I imagine it's not as complicated as it seems to me, but I find it impressive that both Layla and iris, (if that's their names lmao) can be on screen at once. rockman is a pisspoor example, cause those games are pretty infamous for sprite flickering, but y'know even just having the player character onscreen makes things all over flicker and whatnot. thanks for another fun review my guy

[@HPRshredder]

Yeah, there is some flickering but for the amount of colors and sprites on screen I have seen a LOT worse. I think that the developers definitely did a good job making the game run well. It's just not that fun sadly. And you're definitely welcome. I always look forward to your comments!

[@ClassicCo-op]

Top notch production! Well done! I briefly played that Rom hack version a few years ago. I don’t remember much about, but wanted to try again at some point. I played the original version even less, and after watching this, I don’t think I need to go back to it. Do you have any idea if it can be played co-op? I read somewhere that it could (or maybe it was the rom hack?). Either way, I couldn’t figure it out.

[@HPRshredder]

The rom hack was likely “The Iris Missions” and it is supposedly better than the original game. Layla doesn’t have co-op, but it would have been a game changer. Thanks for the kind words!

[@ClassicCo-op]

@@HPRshredder Yeah, Iris missions. You even mentioned that at the end of your video, but I immediately forgot the name when writing the comment haha. Okay, yeah, so that hack might have co-op then. I think I read that. But again, I couldn’t figure it out.

[@letrickyboy6552]

it does give me some precursor to Cave Story vibe.

[@HPRshredder]

Yeah, I think Pixel might have played it or at least something like it. I always heard Metroid was the biggest inspiration behind Cave Story, but after playing this - the guns, the floaty-ness, the colors, and caves - it really makes me think of Cave Story.

[@ElMoppo1]

The name of the fish sounds like it's supposed to be "coelacanth", which is a fish. :P

[@HPRshredder]

Looking back at the video I think you're right! I should have known as an Animal Crossing enjoyer smdh

[@AozoraOrigami]

you shoudl cover the rom hack of this! layla the iris missions. it has a renewed ost that is honestly amazing

[@samuelbaugh4952]

Kind of a neat game, but that price stings. If I’m spending $50 on a Famicom Game it would be some masterpiece such as Castlevania 3. But I can appreciate how well it captures the 80’s outer space obsession.

[@HPRshredder]

I want to play III so bad... It is honestly really tough to not skip ahead sometimes. But Castlevania 2 is coming up in the next 10 so hopefully that can hold me off. Also Faxanadu is next season and I really want to play that as well. Oh, and Ghetsu Fuuma Den, so I have a good amount of that style of gameplay coming up. But I've heard the music in III is tops.

[@samuelbaugh4952]

@@HPRshredder Play what you want bro, I doubt anybody is worried about order. But a Faxanadu review sounds cool, I’ve been curious about that game. And yes, Castlevania 3’s soundtrack on the famicom is unreal. I couldn’t believe my 80’s game console was making such incredible noises. Over HDMI or Scart the sound is probably pure bliss. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaLcoIesj5qWhac

[@HPRshredder]

@@samuelbaugh4952 I think you're right for the most part that most people don't actually care about chronological order. I think that's true. And I guess in that sense I really am doing it more for me rather than a perceived audience. It's really how I want to try and experience these games as a first-timer. You only get to play a game for the first time once; and I'm curious about what perspectives it might bring playing games in release order like I'm trying to. It's not every game, and I will probably go back and play others as well, but I like what it does to me. I get to look forward to retro games like they are new releases. I get to think about and anticipate sequels like I probably would have if I was playing these games back in the day. That experience, to me, is worth the patience. But I probably will start covering more things I've already played in the future that are outside the retro scope really. Anyway, I always look forward to your input. I'm glad you still stick around and comment!

[@user-a5Bw9de]

Not definitive by any means, but these could be 17:10 Sword Tail? 17:17 Torso? 17:52 Bat Ears?

[@CerealCommander]

You should really try Mario Kart 64! That game has been recommended by many.

[@nickellison8877]

Eric Clapton's inspiration. mmmm yes

[@antoniofederighi-jy1qd]

Esubadora's design is really cool in my opinion.

[@909crime]

Have you ever tried Psychic World on game gear? It looks kinda similar to this, but is actually a great game! Love your channel

[@HPRshredder]

I haven’t but I’ll look into it. Game Gear is a little further out in terms of systems I’ll be working my way through. I do have an Analogue Pocket so that would support it - but I haven’t actually opened it yet. Thanks for the comment, I’m glad you enjoy the channel!

[@SDLearmonth]

great video as always! this is a game i've never heard of, there's loads of weird games for the famicom that never made it to the west... on that note, are you thinking about tackling any games that require a translation hack? i picked up a big bundle of famicom carts and included was the game called "jesus". looking it up there's an english translation that's basically required as it's a visual novel style sci-fi adventure.

[@SDLearmonth]

it also features an anime art style which is why it reminded me of layla

[@HPRshredder]

Glad you enjoyed it and I'm glad you're back! So far I do plan to play a few that require translations. A few JRPGs and the Fire Emblem games. Just Breed, Sweet Home, Metal Slader Glory, and more. I haven't heard of the game you mentioned but I'll check it out.

[@ChronoChristian]

Here’s where I’d put the game box… IF I HAD ONE

[@fern1146]

Great review as always! I wonder if the price is not only anime girl related, but the clear Dirty Pair influence on it People who like Dirty Pair really like it. I speak as one of these lol

[@HPRshredder]

I don't know too much about the anime, but I may need to check it out. I know there was an actually licensed Dirty Pair game for the Disk System, but I'm not sure if it was any good. I do tend to prefer older anime though.

[@fern1146]

@@HPRshredder same, older anime was much better I believe. The 80's Dirty Pair is very cool, can't say anything about DP Flash, from the 90's, never watched it. About Dirty Pair, yes, there was a game for the Disk System, but it seems to be very weak, and rarely remembered even among fans. The closest to a Dirty Pair game that is of good quality we got was Battle Mania (Trouble Shooter out of Japan) and especially the much improved sequel Battle Mania Daiginjou, never released outside Japan, both games are Genesis exclusives.

[@quadpad_music]

Since you're talking about obscure games, you should give Chaos World a try. It's a very interesting RPG that I see nobody talk about.

[@HPRshredder]

Chaos World is actually already on the list! It's a '91 release though so I likely won't make it there for a while.

[@quadpad_music]

@@HPRshredder Oooof, I'll be waiting!

[@skins4thewin]

Like many NES games where devs were still figuring out what works, this game feels like one with major potential if it had just a FEW small tweaks! These are the types of games I wish ROM Hackers would pay more attention to, & focus on cleaning up the gameplay in the spots that need it! I'm surprised we don't see more ROM hacks of that type, as this is definitely a game that's deserving of it.

[@acebailey2478]

Lol @ the "if I had one" meme on the boxes

[@Eichro]

What was that Mr Mime

[@HPRshredder]

I like to imagine that's who stops 8-bit characters from moving too far to the left.

[@shirleymaemattthews4862]

These anime women in these games BETTER not be fetish content. But still, It's good to see Famicon still being persevered outside the Land of the Rising sun.

[@skins4thewin]

This game honestly feels like it could have been so much better if they had designed it as one big open dungeon that you have to explore ala Metroid. Could have been much more fun in that case. Seems there was some serious potential here but it was ultimately squandered.

[@Taldorin]

Never heard of this at all, it looks like they had the framework of a good game but not a unique game. They just made some weird choices along the way. Seems like you weren't the only one with a nothing takeaway considering the lack of info on the game

[@HPRshredder]

For real. I don't think there's another Layla video on KZbin with "review" in the title. Though I did see another guy named "Game Dave" played it as well as a play through by "Nenriki Gaming Channel" who seems to be very popular.

[@jonathancracolici536]

I feel like your issue might have been the price. When you pay 50 dollars for a Famicom game and its just a... average quality game... thats sorta disappointing.

[@o_o_o_o_o-o_o_o_o_o]

This reminds me of the NES port of Athena. It's bad but in a much more interesting way (I claim). I kinda love it. It also reminds me of Xexyz, another kinda bad game - but not broken-bad like Athena; and although its mechanical aspects are generally weak, its bizarre setting and characters make it charming anyway. I don't love it though. It's boring when it's not being charming.

[@HPRshredder]

I've been meaning to give Athena a try. I don't plan to do an episode on it, but I want to give it a go.

[@o_o_o_o_o-o_o_o_o_o]

​ @HPRshredder It's one of several NES games that I latched onto at one time or another and became very fond of, and then hardly ever heard of again because very few people seem to care about them. Others include: Iron Tank, Phantom Fighter, Kung Fu Heroes, Defender of the Crown. (The latter two are yet more janky ports with lots of character.) I can also maybe include in the list Wizards & Warriors III, which is part of a well-known series but is not at all popular itself because of how bizarrely inaccessible it is, and Solstice, which is technically relatively famous but only because of its astonishing soundtrack and not at all because of its gameplay. These are all decent-to-good games (except Athena) and you should try them all if you haven't.

[@SuperLazygamer]

What’s the name of the anime cartoon?

[@themanwithnoname5310]

Great reviews! And by the way, you’re super f’n cute. Your voice and mannerisms are adorable. Love your opinions on these known and unknown classics. Keep them coming.

[@jonniefast]

i liked it 😌

[@jonniefast]

space hunter also

[@skins4thewin]

If you don't have one, I HIGHLY suggest buying a Famicom Everdrive! That way you can try these games & not have to shell out tons of money to do so.

[@dylanandrews6]

Two halo references? I think this channel is really starting to figure this whole thing out.

[@skins4thewin]

My god... That Tornado thingy is such a dumb mechanic! Why on earth did they think that was a good idea?

[@MikeRavia-xp5ig]

Try section z. Have fun with that

[@skiptoacceptancemdarlin]

aren't you the kid from sixth sense?

[@knoxdafoxtv7678]

Can u do the mega man’s?

[@HPRshredder]

I will be playing through all the Mega Man games! The first one is coming next year. I’ll be playing the “Rockman” version first though

[@skiptoacceptancemdarlin]

i got this game for free online. the pdf of the manual is also online for free. can i borrow $250? (since you got it like that)

[@HPRshredder]

I’m essentially dead broke lol. The joke was that I couldn’t afford to get the game complete in box so I just got the cartridge. And afterwards, I sold the cartridge. I can’t actually afford to keep the games after I film them.

[@PrekiFromPoland]

Where did you get the manual scan? I was looking for it when I was writing a review of this game for Hardcore Gaming 101.

[@HPRshredder]

@PrekiFromPoland I found a link by asking around online. Here’s the link if you’re still interested: gamingalexandria (dot) com/fc/Layla/Layla%20-%20Manual (dot) pdf

[@ArcadeIsMyLife1]

The music is real shrill unfortunately and thankfully it's a normal sized cart so it fits the My Arcade Famicom to NES adapter so I plugged it into the NES Game Genie and used the four codes I found online for it. Used a turbo controller too.

[@Moontrue1on1]

gay