NES PAL Exclusives: UFOURIA (Nintendo Entertainment System Review)

PATREON ► / bigolewords
STREAMS ► Every Thursday 9pm EST here on KZbin
UFOURIA ►Ufouria is the tale of four buddies, crushing their enemies with their collective cuteness and floor rubbing abilities.
#retrogaming #nintendo #nes
The introduction video I made discussing the PAL exclusives for the NES can be found here: • NES Games That Were Ex...
UFOURIA | 1991
Similar Games: Mario 2, Little Samson, Metroid, Legacy of the Wizard
► If you're looking to get into retro reviewing or streaming, here's some of the equipment I used for both or either. My current setup is what I love now, but honestly I'd say start out with the cheap stuff and get a feel for everything before throwing down a ton of cash on gear you may or may not need.
► MY EQUIPMENT (CURRENT):
NICE LIGHTS: amzn.to/3j7NDEU
DURABLE EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE: amzn.to/3RgopAE
FOOTAGE CAMERA: amzn.to/3HaPL6s
WEBCAM CAMERA: amzn.to/3XMWVVP
VIDEO CAPTURE CARD: amzn.to/3jm6tId
BETTER MIC: amzn.to/3jiOMcD
HEADPHONES: amzn.to/3JpjNWZ
RCA TO HDMI CONVERTER: www.retrotink.com/product-pag...
► MY EQUIPMENT (STARTING OUT):
CHEAP FLOOD LIGHTS: amzn.to/3kQwbVJ
CHEAP POP FILTER: amzn.to/3YbsRmB
CHEAP MIC: amzn.to/3wKUret
CHEAP TRIPOD: amzn.to/406ua89
CHEAP RING LIGHT: amzn.to/40asqL4
NON-DURABLE EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE: amzn.to/3WLWVnM
CHEAP VIDEO CAPTURE CARD: amzn.to/3DpKLKk
CHEAP RCA TO HDMI CONVERTER: amzn.to/3JxNQf0
Intro drawing by Ashley Anderson: pressstarttobegin.net/
After years of focusing on the best games for the NES, I decided to change gears and focus on lesser known cartridges that have, for one reason or another, generally escaped the public discussion and general nostalgia. This series highlights many of the relatively unknown, obscure, and unloved titles in the Nintendo Entertainment System's library. Some of these games are at best mediocre. Many are painfully bad, some of the worst NES games around. Most are hilarious for all the wrong reasons! Occasionally, OCCASIONALLY, a handful of them are actually good, borderline hidden gems.
While you won't find any of these on the NES Classic, some of these titles have managed to make their way onto the Nintendo Switch, so if you don't have an original Nintendo console or ROMs escape you ethically or technologically, there are several ways to play them.
Want more? Me too! Until then, lots of other articles where the pictures don't move and words have to be read can be found on my website(s):
top100nesgames.com​
/ awinnerisyou
/ bigolewords
nes, nintendo, retro gaming, retro games, gaming, video games,
nes games, 8-bit, old school, nintendo entertainment system, famicom, family computer, 8-bit games, nintendo games, Nintendo gamer, 8-bit gaming, 8 bit, 8-bit gamer, 8-bit music, chiptune, chiptunes, retro gamer, 80s, 90s, 80s video games, 90s video games, game collecting, game collection, retro game collecting, retro game collection, game room tour, gaming tour, NES Hidden Gems, Bad NES Games, Funny NES Games, Nintendo Hidden gems

[@susanfit47]

This game previewed and reviewed in magazines, in addition to being showcased in playable state to attendees at the 1991 WCES. This game appeared on the Winter 1991 Sears Wish Books advertised for 42.92. Sometimes around 1991, after the game was released in Japan, ad advertisement was made and shown in the U.S. Magazines from the U.S. show screenshots of U-four-ia: The Saga. Its American origins could be verified by the title screen in the advertisement, one of them was a title screen that said, which read “LICENSED BY NINTENDO OF AMERICA, INC.”, hitting that an American release was planned. There was also an advert to promote the game in the US, but even then, it became a collector's item and sells for a higher price, thus making it a rare item. An American was slated for a fall 1991 launch before being delayed to early 1992 release, but was cancelled (according to David Siller, Sunsoft of America's former vice president of development, claimed that the company's managers felt the game's characters were too "strange or quirky" compared to cartoons by The Walt Disney Company and Warner Brothers, which is also the reason the US release of Mr. Gimmick was scrapped also suffering the same, although a US prototype for that game was dumped, unlike Ufouria. However Siller stated that both titles most likely could have been commercial successes) late in the NES’ lifespan. and would have been licensed by Nintendo for play on the Nintendo Entertainment System. It would later be delayed, before getting cancelled sometime around 1993. The screenshots in the ads show slight differences from the European version. According to many sources, the game was to be released in 1992, which contradicts previous knowledge that it was to be released in 1991. The game was not seen in America until 2010, when it was made available on the Wii's Virtual Console service, however, no Rom of this localization had ever surfaced, so the European version was chosen. And because PAL used 50hz, the music was faster, debunking this localization. The second time, it was later released on the Wii U Virtual Console in 2014, but the ROM still wasn’t available, so it’s the same case as the Wii Virtual Console version. A user named "Armadylo” discovered 2 prototypes of this game, one of which was the then-lost US Prototype was also found for Ufouria and it was dumped on March 23, 2021. The screenshots in the ads show slight differences from the European version. ROM images for it were released, now debunking its “lost” status.

[@50factsabout]

It's part of the Hebereke's series of games, of which most were puizzle games. The sprites are from Heberekes Popoito and Popoon games AFAIK

[@TheUncommonValley]

Both Taito and Sunsoft were great companies to end the life span of the NES over all. Kind of wished we got this in the states along with Mr. Gimmick, but might of been denied because of how the SNES was already out and Sunsoft didn't want to risk under selling. But great video, and happy to see this game get coverage!

[@BigOleWords]

For sure, Taito especially really dominated the late NES era. That 90-94 period is the most interesting to look back on when the Super Nintendo took over and lots of interesting games were snuck into the mix.

[@goatbone]

Played this to death as a kid. It was my favourite game, was lucky to buy it for $5 used back in the day. Still have my original cart and now a VGC boxed complete copy. Love the music and animation. I wish I could play it for the first time again.

[@BigOleWords]

Damn that’s awesome. I could see this as my DuckTales as a kid, just a game I play over and over again.

[@XpRnz]

Ufouria is truly a hidden gem for NES, played this so much! Love the music and the characters and i still think the design holds up today and could very well be translated into a modern title.

[@BigOleWords]

For sure. Could definitely see a switch update or sequel :)

[@susanfit47]

The game got a VidPro card with preliminary artwork. The article I saw this in back of box follows the information about the game: “Bop 'Til You Crop. You’ll rely on your friends to survive in this strange. Changing world. But beware, powers for the strange worlds you’ll encounter…or you lose. As you make your trek through mystical forests, deserts and oceans, you’ll need to seek out and destroy monstrous creatures every step of the way. Will you have the right powers at the right time? Join Bop Louie as he searches for his three friends - Shades, Freeon Leon and Gil - to help him complete his mad scramble. It won't be easy. Brain-boggling mazes, traps and bizarre pitfalls stand in your way back to Ufouria. You'll rely on your friends to survive in this strange, changing world. But beware. You better have the right powers for the strange worlds you'll encounter... or you lose. As you make your trek through mystical forests, deserts and oceans, you'll need to seek out and destroy monstrous creatures every step of the way. Will you have the right powers at the right time? Don't let the mind-zapping colors and stupefying sound effects throw you off. Remember - it's only a game.”

[@Sinn0100]

This game reminds me of a really good surprise indy. One of those where you're like....I don't want to play this but okay. Then you can't stop playing and it's one more hour.

[@Andres33AU]

I'm happy to see you enjoyed this gem! Before I had the internet, I had no idea that this was a PAL exclusive, I remember renting it at a video store, and almost immediately falling in love with the game. Then, years had passed and I was yearning for this game, until I finally found it (it wasn't cheap... lol). If only I had bought this when the video store was closing down and selling games, videos etc. back then, I could have gotten myself a bargain deal, haha.

[@BigOleWords]

That’s awesome you played it at the time. This might be my favorite PAL game and one of my favorite NES games.

[@Andres33AU]

@@BigOleWords It has come to my attention, that a sequel to Ufouria is coming out next month, I can't believe it!

[@Dystnine]

Both this and Hebeberke are somewhat referenced in Blaster Master Zero 2. Shades the Ghost later became an homage to Stein, right down to the sunglasses and wing cap. Jason even calls him "Shades". Bop Louie and Heberke are keychains in the BMZ art book.

[@BigOleWords]

Neat! Haven’t played any of the zero games, any good?

[@Dystnine]

@@BigOleWords Very good games.

[@SEGAblocks]

UFOURIA Looks rad! The music is upbeat and fun! The character sprites also look great! The upgrades and mechanics are neat!!! Can’t believe I’ve never heard of this one! Thanks for showcasing!

[@BigOleWords]

It’s a good one, check it out!

[@fshoaps]

Jesus Christ. all these NES games made after 1990 are ridiculously good looking.

[@BigOleWords]

Ain’t that the truth!

[@OriruBastard]

One of the best and fondest of times I've had with an NES game as a kid. Areas were so much fun to explore and game had one of the most advanced mapping system for a time. Graphics were bright and colorful and hoo-boy, the soundtrack was just wondrous and inspired adventure. Totally one of the most underrated gems out there and requires more attention.

[@BigOleWords]

Agreed, love Ufouria!

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

Never heard of this but this is very cool. Always love another game to throw on the pile of my backlog.

[@BigOleWords]

It’s really fun, definitely check it out!

[@RetroReminiscence]

Such a good game, this and Mr.Gimmick we’re both solid games. Authentic gimmick carts are out of this world expensive now unfortunately. But this is a cool game. By this late into the NES lifespan, they really knew how to maximize the graphics on games. Super solid late release. I wish we would have got in here in the states.

[@BigOleWords]

For how good it is and how uncommon it is, Ufouria can still be found for a somewhat reasonable price. I think it’s just never going to be as desired by the American retro market.

[@DadRacer]

Great review. What an epic adventure this games looks like. And those names! Freon Leon!? Hot damn! Yep, Sunsoft knows (knew?) what’s up when it comes to music.

[@BigOleWords]

Hmmm looks like their last game was 2018? Maybe still going?

[@mr.g4990]

Glad I snatched a copy of this for €20. Label is very worn but I couldn't pass... the game is awesome, and a non-punishing open-world like that could suit younger players. And look at how cute Bop Louie is when he takes damage. Cheers!

[@BigOleWords]

Nice! Love to hear it, Ufouria rules!

[@JoeyJ0J0]

I have been playing this on the Evercade, thanks to the Sunsoft collection 2 cart. Great game

[@GenerationPixel]

That is a win for PAL 💪💪 kinda want to play this now 😎

[@BigOleWords]

It’s a fun one!

[@thenewnostalgia]

These guys looks straight out of Extra Fabulous comics.

[@BigOleWords]

I had to look it up, but I can see it for sure!

[@birchmahogany2718]

I have this on my Wii U, great game.

[@BigOleWords]

Nice!

[@akumagouki8668]

Love your wording at the end right before check it out, pretty ambiguous! Only us who know know 😂

[@BigOleWords]

Had to rewatch to remember but yeah, you know!

[@ClassicGameSessions]

Great insights and look at this game! This looks pretty cool - check out those little characters man. The NES has such a great library of games!

[@romusz]

Hey man im new to this channel, but I wanted to say Im really into it. Love the intro card and the nods to various titles, like Dr Wily's castle and the locked door from SMB2 (also CHECK THIS SHIT O~U~T lol)... the videos are well presented, factual and amusing, and Im really fond of the lengths of them. 5-10 minutes on a single title is more than enough to get the point across. Im about tired of some of these channels whose videos can stretch upwards of a friggin HOUR LONG on one game, loaded with skits and other unnecessary junk. This is my kinda place. ROCK ON!!

[@BigOleWords]

Hey thanks so much! Definitely not focused on long (or overly long) reviews, especially for some of the simpler titles. Ufouria though I probably could talk about for an hour.

[@mahbodkaramoozian6409]

This game has lots of mega man inspirations like graphics the gates and password system Also the name is a pun in my opinion like UFO + euphoria = UFOURIA

[@BigOleWords]

Hahaha I love that!

[@youreallyplaythat]

This one looks great!

[@skRapKlan]

I love this game so freakin much!! Thanks for the great video!

[@BigOleWords]

Awesome! Ufouria rules!

[@skRapKlan]

@@BigOleWords I recently found a prototype version where the map is different and some new areas were added (like a pyramid temple) - worth checking out if you enjoy the game!

[@BigOleWords]

@@skRapKlan Whoa cool! Where did you find this?

[@anthonybernero9720]

I love this game. And the main title theme is killer.

[@BigOleWords]

Hell yeah!

[@AngryDadGaming]

I hadn’t heard of this game, but I got downright excited when you showed some footage from NES’s _Gremlins 2!_. I LOVED that game as a kid! Hard as hell, though! Also, 2:17 - I’ve never tried climbing that way, but maybe that’s why I can’t climb any walls. 😂

[@BigOleWords]

Hump climbing is the only way to grind your way to the top!

[@PhilipMarcYT]

Never heard of this game, but looks fun.

[@BigOleWords]

It rules!

[@backintheday3097]

I actually remember reading about this in the Pack Watch section of Nintendo Power back in 1991 and wondering sometime later as to why it never came out. It's actually rather interesting how many games were featured in Nintendo Power that never got a U.S. release or were never released at all. That would actually be a cool topic for you to tackle. As far as this video goes. It was spot on as usual! I love the way that both you and RonMan are able to edit footage together so seamlessly. Hopefully when I get a new laptop I'll be able to get some editing software and start making better videos. Also gotta ask. Are you the one singing the intro of your videos?

[@BigOleWords]

That is a part of my collection that’s sorely lacking: Nintendo Power. I’d love to go through all of them and find the games they never ended up releasing. And thanks! I never edited before making these and I’m just figuring it out as I go. I do dig Ron Man’s stuff as well :) The intro soundbite is from Mr. Show with Bob and David. I think you can watch them on HBO now.

[@EuSouRCS]

Another great game with this catching art style is ASMIK KUN LAND (yes,a game starring that cute ASMIK logo mascot) on Famicom!

[@BigOleWords]

Don’t think I’ve played that one, but I know the logo!

[@EuSouRCS]

@@BigOleWords very good game,you need to score some Famicom gems to start a new series on this awesome channel!

[@garyhall7867]

A friend of mine gave me what was supposed to be a SNES mini, but it turns out it is just nes games, and it just happens to have Ufouria on it. And you are right, this game is rad as a fuck

[@BigOleWords]

Man that’s a pleasant surprise!

[@gullpayne]

Great review 👍

[@BigOleWords]

Thanks!

[@Gatorade69]

Hope you're alright man, haven't seen an upload from you for a while. Commenting to say they are releasing a brand new sequel to Ufouria ! The art style looks excellent.

[@BigOleWords]

I heard about that, I'm pumped! Still trying to get my AVS to play PAL games correctly so I can stream the OG. And thanks for asking, I'm well, finally catching back up on my channel. I'll be back next week I think!

[@stewsretroreviews]

Never seen this one, but it looks class!

[@BigOleWords]

‘Tis!

[@stewsretroreviews]

@@BigOleWords I'm no expert on consoles unfortunately mate😄

[@bananonymouslastname5693]

I have this on one of the Sunsoft Collection discs on Japanese PS1, I think vol. 5. They did 6 discs full of NES games on the PS1. I beat it last year, and had a great time. It's a good time, amd there's no real language barrier. This is actually the first of a bizarre series called Hebereke. It Hebe was even Sunsoft's mascot for awhile. There's a 4 player arena fighter, isometric racer, a weird puzzle board game, several Puyo Puyo-like puzzle games, a picross game, and even barcode battler cards for Famicom.

[@BigOleWords]

Damn that sounds like a really dope collection! Bar code battlers?!? How did that work?

[@bananonymouslastname5693]

@@BigOleWords Oh, man, it's this really weird system where you could swipe in barcodes from literally anything and it would generate monsters to battle each other like a primitive Monster Rancher. However, the cool part was that it had interface units for Famicom and Super Famicom (they work with the US systems as well if you have the games that support it) that allowed you to enhance certain games almost like amiibos with swiped barcodes, or in other games like Conveni Wars, create monsters for a strategy RPG. I wrote up a thread on in many years ago on digital press that was, at the time, about as complete an english resource as was available. The Hebereke games, though, are all generally pretty great fun. I especially like Hashire Hebereke for Super Famicom. It's an isometric racer where the four main characters have a footrace, but it's a massive series.

[@BigOleWords]

@@bananonymouslastname5693 What?!? This sounds unreal! I remember barcode games, but had no idea they did anything like that for the Famicom or SFC. I gotta look into this...

[@bananonymouslastname5693]

@@BigOleWords It's pretty interesting. I spent a good amount of time with the SNES stuff, and I have all but one of the compatible games. If I remember right, it's: Lupin III Doraemon 2 Doraemon 3 Donald Duck Mahou no Bouken Spider-Man: Lethal Foes Hatayama Hacchi Pro Yakyuu Excite Stage '94 Excite Stage '95 Alice in Wonderland Dragon Slayer: Legend of Heroes II Conveni Wars In most of the platformers, it functions more like an amiibo or game genie, doing level skips, extra lives, power-ups, etc. In the sports games, it powers up teams and players mostly. The Alice in Wonderland game is a little like Mario Paint, and it adds different things to use in your art, and in Dragon Slayer II, you get special items to use. Some games even came with special cards with barcodes that did specific things, amd in others, like Excite Stage '95, there are barcodes on the page edges of the manual you can swipe. You could also use other card sets that were sold to play with the Barcode Battler unit on its own, or you can just cut out UPCs from stuff in your kitchen and see what happens.

[@BigOleWords]

@@bananonymouslastname5693 This is the coolest thing I've learned about video games in a long time. Thank you for this. I'm gonna try and track down Barcode World.

[@OmegaAceGaming]

Ufouria looks like a ton of fun! Being a PAL exclusive, I am almost sure it isn't cheap... confirmed at the end of the video! About 100! 😂 Your editing style is reminiscent of retro reviews of old :*) Kinda takes me back to the days of early KZbin and Gametrailers. Just as you said, their animations are too cute 😂 In relation to the other games you mentioned, I tried Gimmick... I found the game extremely difficult, but fun 👌🏻

[@BigOleWords]

I have not had as much success with Ginmick either, it’s tough!

[@jonnyboombox9211]

Still got my original copy I got for x-mas 93.

[@BigOleWords]

Lucky!

[@ThePreciseClimber]

I definitely prefer the main character design from the Japanese original. What a cute little bird guy. It's curious Hebereke got loads of spin-offs but never a proper sequel.

[@BigOleWords]

It definitely needs one, this is one of my favorite NES games!

[@Wyrdwad]

2 years late to comment on this, but I guess it showed up in my recommendations on account of the random and unexpected release of Ufouria 2 on Switch this past week! Who'd've ever guessed this game, of all games, would get a sequel in 2024?! Pretty awesome, though! Anyway, 100% agreed with most of your review, EXCEPT the last part about Legacy of the Wizard. Man, Legacy of the Wizard... is just one of the greatest games of all time. Absolutely one of my favorite games ever made, barnone, and I've beaten each version of it at this point -- NES, MSX1, and MSX2. It's not frustrating at all... well, except when playing Xemn's section of the maze and trying to move blocks, arguably. The block-moving can be pretty annoying! Cool at first, but kind of overstays its welcome. Fortunately, in the MSX2 version, you can skip his whole section with Roas, the brother, if you're skilled enough at the platforming, by way of some secret painting warps -- which is just one of many reasons why the MSX2 version of that game is (IMHO) the best version. (It may lack smooth scrolling, but it makes up for it with some very smart maze redesigns, better item placement, an easier method of finding the shield, and a ton of added painting warps that actually make Roas useful!) In short, I seriously recommend giving Legacy of the Wizard another shot sometime. Ufouria is fantastic, but I swear to you, Legacy of the Wizard is better -- it's an unbelievably ambitious, fun, rewarding, enthralling adventure.

[@BigOleWords]

Never too late! And yeah, those damn block puzzles are the bane of my existence. It completely puts me off Legacy. I talked about it (and Ufouria) more in this Metroid Clones video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqvMaHx4q7aVfdk

[@JayRock21122]

Thankfully this is on the US Wii U eShop...until that shuts down in March 2023.

[@BigOleWords]

One year to master it!

[@Gold2thGaming]

💩dude i ain’t played this in forever but will do this weekend it still looks bad a$$ in a cute way👍🏻Big up Gill 🤘Big up Sunsoft 🤘im sure i saw Tina Turner calling you on your cell 😜awesome as always ✌️

[@BigOleWords]

Hahaha thanks mane!

[@duhmez]

Why the hell of 13 years on Youtuyybe watching gaming videos have I not heard of this one? it looks awesoe and I am gonna see if it works on my toaster with everdrivbe (FX pak pro)

[@BigOleWords]

I mean, it is pretty obscure! This and Mr. Gimmick! are both solid games that never made it over to North America.

[@duhmez]

@@BigOleWords Mr gimick is badass too. In japan ist is just called Gimick. Japan version already ntsc so if that matters ot anyone, it could not and would not be an issue runing on NA hardware/flash carts.

[@BigOleWords]

@@duhmez You're saying the Famicom version works on a NTSC console? The PAL Mr. Gimmick! works on the NTSC Top Loader.

[@duhmez]

@@BigOleWords Ya, all famicom versions will run on NA nes, at least when u consider the timing and video. But i forgot when I posted, some famicom hgames have unsupported audio chips int hem, and the sound will be not right and mising stuff with some famicom games. So i take it back! But all one need tdo is check the famicom game in quesiton for a unique enhanced audio chip or not. i actually did a simple mod on my toaster NES, now it can play all Japan enhanced audio. iIt takes just a single resister be soldered into then NES, and it is good to go. I use it with my everdrive, and holy sh!t, Castlevania 3 Japan sounds SO MUCH BETTER!

[@BigOleWords]

@@duhmez Dayum, that sounds cool! So just using a famicom to NES converter to play the game and then soldering the sound chip?

[@fco64]

its sad that this game only got stuck in the europe but at the same time give a happy feeling that only europeans managed to play this masterpiece

[@BigOleWords]

They were so lucky!

[@fco64]

@@BigOleWords I'm european so hehe

[@Superb_Owl80]

I've really wanted this game since I first saw it. It doesn't seem too easy to find for a reasonable price. Do you have any recommendations for where to find it? Alibaba type reissues would be acceptable - I just wanna play the game. I don't have an Everdrive.

[@BigOleWords]

I haven’t checked AliExpress for it but I’m sure they have one, that site has everything bootleg. Last I checked you could get an authentic PAL cart for $50-80 but you need the Top Loader or a newer NES clone console to play it.

[@Superb_Owl80]

@@BigOleWords ok that’s not too bad! Thanks for the reply. I got myself an AES that I’ve been enjoying. I’m trying to build my collection now - reconnecting with childhood is the best!

[@BigOleWords]

@@Superb_Owl80I have the AVS and it works if your TV is compatible with PAL. If not you can play it as NTSC but the speed will be off. Still fun though!

[@SuperJim]

Very good game for the nes! Your poor copy of Blaster Master - that's seen the wars!

[@BigOleWords]

Haha yes it has! Not sure why that of all games is so messed up, usually with the more common ones I upgrade at some point.

[@SuperJim]

@@BigOleWords so long as it's loved that's all that matters :)

[@jeremygreen2883]

Is Freon Leon a dinosaur or a cat?!?

[@BigOleWords]

Hmmmm

[@NESADDICT]

Runs to eBay

[@BigOleWords]

This ones worth it!

[@tuff_lover]

[16t] bird poops...damn

[@BigOleWords]

Haha yep!