Demons of Asteborg - Sega Genesis Review

[@xfreakerx1]

I love that games are still being made and so much passion is put into projects like this. There is something magical about pushing these old consoles to the limit.

[@mattb6522]

This looks stellar! I'm so glad it also released on Switch! I love that we are still getting new 16-bit games now! It seems that these developers that grew up during the Genesis/SNES era are now making love letters to their favorite games! 😄

[@jeremybowers3181]

We are TRULY in the golden age of gaming! I mean look at this!👍

[@mattb6522]

@@jeremybowers3181 Honestly, there really is something for everyone now in terms of gaming. I mean, I enjoy modern games, but I do appreciate having the option to play retro games as well. The fact that we can experience "new" retro games is just the cherry on top!

[@sega16-bitost53]

Good to see more great titles being welcomed to the Sega Gen/MD library!

[@LANDSTALKER1]

this game is a disappointment, a lot of stuff copied from Ghouls Ghost, music in second level is even identical... too bad, if I knew that I wouldn't buy the game

[@dyscotopia]

Extremely impressive. It looks like a Sega CD game. They've clearly been absorbing the lessons from coding secrets... And studied the pixel art of the masters.

[@dri_him]

What does that mean, Sega CD only added better sound quality and storage. The looks and feel was otherwise exactly the same.

[@dyscotopia]

@@dri_himin the old days a lot of animation frames might have been chopped unless released on cd.. But, the Sega CD had an additional 68000 clocked higher than in the main unit, plus an extra graphics chip capable of scaling, mode 7 style effects, and other superfx style trickery.

[@CONSOLETRUTH2]

Nah, cause a lot of SCD games didn't look much different than a base MegaGen cart (only talking bout looks, not audio or FMV and other things that were impossible on a cart)

[@dyscotopia]

@@CONSOLETRUTH2 this is true, but that's not because the Sega CD was incapable of impressive stuff (see Silpheed or Batman Returns or heck, final fight), it's because developers weren't particularly incentivized to use it.

[@felixfranzen7318]

Didn't the Sega CD up the cpu speed to 10 or. 12MHz and add some hardware effects in addition to the sound? I seem to recall ut doubled the RAM as well. So the Sega CD had the potential for much better looking games. The issues was mostly that few developers took advantage of that and just re-released Genesis titles with a CD soundtrack. Done right the Sega CD should be able to do Neo-Geo style games (with less colors of course) plus some scaling which the Neo couldn't do.

[@mattpierce5009]

Wow I really like the soundtrack on this one - goes to show how badass FM can sound in the right hands

[@colmmoane2311]

Brilliant review as always. Refreshing to see someone taking the time to get to know the game fully before passing judgement rather than banging out a review a day or two after release. This game looks like an awful lot of fun, definitely on the ‘to play’ list.

[@VirajKathwadia]

So glad you reviewed this AAA title that came out.Certainly the best of the newer games on the system since Xenocrisis, Ultracore, Tanzer and Tanglewood in my book. I have this running on my MD mini and it really is an immersive game that just makes you wanna keep going.

[@Zahir658]

Even to this day, I am still in awe as to that the Genesis was even capable of making this game playable despite the game size of it.

[@happyspaceinvader508]

Awesome game; my only criticism is that some of the levels cross the line between “inspired by” and “exactly the same”. The levels lifted from Ranger X and Shinobi III in particular… the former is at least a re-skin, but the latter looks like it’s using the exact same assets (apart from the background layer)! These kinds of levels brought me out of the experience somewhat, as the special effects are less “special” if you’ve seen them before. I would have like to see these same clever techniques used in more original ways.

[@josephchaparro1037]

Great review I appreciate that you were able to give a detailed description of the game's up's and downs without giving away any spoilers. 👍

[@MaidenHell1977]

Game looks and sounds fabulous! The soundtrack sounds amazing!!

[@chiarosuburekeni9325]

Looks great. Kinda wish they went full metroidvania with it though.

[@SegaLordX]

If there’s a sequel, I’m sure they will.

[@neilallen529]

I was planning on buying this game but put it off. After seeing this review, I'm super excited to play it! Looks and sounds awesome!

[@SegaLordX]

It’s a keeper. Well worth the investment.

[@Vulpas]

I love this retro console renaissance.

[@justinr1094]

Hey, Sega Lord X! In your experience, what would you say are the greatest new indie Genesis games? Asteborg, Tanglewood, and Xeno Crisis look the best to me, but I couldn't say for sure having not played any of them yet.

[@SegaLordX]

This and Xeno Crisis are way up there. I enjoyed The Cursed Knight as well.

[@justinr1094]

Thank you for the reply! I'll have to check out The Cursed Knight as well!

[@wulver810]

@@justinr1094 The Cursed Knight is nowhere near the quality of these games, but could be fun I guess.

[@goranjosic]

I really love this game! To me bosses are really hard, but that is part of challenge!

[@CONSOLETRUTH2]

crazy how when talking about new 16 bit games, you hear nothing but crickets from the SNES.

[@Son0fAnders]

Found your channel a couple of months ago, love it

[@BabusGameRoom]

Oh man. That music is incredible! When the Genesis does sound right, it does sound REALLY right. Thanks for reviewing this game! It's always great to see something new -- literally!

[@JustinC721]

Seven of Nine had a damn nice Asteborg on her. Not gonna lie.

[@JahElOfYHWH]

This is amazing! A true testament of what the Sega Genesis could do!❤

[@voodooturbo]

Totally with you on FM Sound. Give me one with a great driver and I am in audio paradise. I've never heard anything on the SNES that really convinced me it sounded better, other than for voices. This game looks incredible. What a massive file size! So cool to see what devs can do with the Genesis when they're not limited by the ROM chips of the day.

[@Edexote]

FM sound, when properly coded, is awesome. But have you played Chrono Trigger? I mean really played it, until the end? The music gives a run for it's money on 32 bit systems.

[@sloppynyuszi]

With all these quality games being made for the Mega Drive, Sega should just relaunch the system for this niche, and have these games become official with all the Sega certifications and stuff. And re release old cartridges that are crazy high in the collectors market. This in itself is probably small profits, but the PR will bring in great attention to other projects. Instead they just rehash old Sonic games again for 500th time only to give it to most stupid price structure and get everyone made over a product that generally is interesting for most people.

[@Oysterblade84]

Agreed, instead of getting a new classic Sonic game, we get ''Sonic Origins'' just another updated Sonic collection.

[@eskanda3434]

A few releases a year isn’t enough for Sega to invest in rereleasing a 30 year old console. That would he crazy expensive

[@thomaselers7416]

Agreed.... Amazing soundtrack. Loved that first example in particular.

[@jamesbrassfield8409]

One of my favorites

[@luisrivera7991]

I’m buying, fell in love with it after you took the first three step and saw that cape flowing!!!

[@zimbolimbo2408]

Thanks for the nostalgia and an in-depth review. Liked, subbed

[@nebulosa553]

This looks like an excellent blend of Castlevania and the 2D side-scrolling sections of ActRaiser, with its own unique charm.

[@swpdisciple]

Love to see it! Keep the culture going!

[@paulclinton6414]

The Model 1 is the best looking game system ever made.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

It's a sexy beast no doubt about it.

[@mercster]

Thanks Lordy! Very cool that people are still working on these old platforms.

[@mercster]

Yep very good graphics and very good palette choices, they made a great looking game.

[@louispodob]

I grabbed a physical copy of this for the genesis,totally agree with you when you say it is hard to get nostalgic about games that were not available back in the day,but I had to get a copy of this one!

[@diegocrusius]

thanks for supporting the indie scene

[@flubberlane8437]

Awesome!

[@mixedhairless]

Totally down now LORD X reviews

[@KazMoneyMusic]

This game was great, played the demo for Astebros and that one's pretty great too. Don't expect the visual diversity on that title since it's got randomly generated dungeons but the gameplay and options have expanded on. Can't wait!

[@australienski6687]

I got this to work on my powkiddy v90. This game is a work of art, it's mind blowing that they got this to work on the Mega drive.

[@benyaminb1189]

Looks awesome. Sound impressive. So much variety! Wish it had existed 30 years ago...

[@urbanmidnight1]

The music is awesome! Never heard a kick drum so defined on a Mega Drive game before. Heavy thuds.

[@slappybagOG]

Great review. Subbed. This has convinced me to pick this up on Evercade.

[@krazytaxicabbie]

Perfect video while eating cheese and crackers.

[@jessragan6714]

I would hope it could compete with officially released Genesis games! It's larger than twenty of them combined!

[@SegaLordX]

Depends on which ones. The largest official release was 40 megabits.

[@Dookie69uk]

Fantastic review, something I'm gonna get now. You really deserve more subs for the great content you make.

[@miketate3445]

I've had this game since it came out and it is one of the Genesis elite. If this came out in the 90's we'd still be praising it to this day. But man... that level 2 wolf boss almost kills the entire game. What were they thinking with that life bar?! It's like, ok, I think I understand the pattern now.

[@richardslotboom9250]

Yeah that wolfboss is the most difficult and by far most irritating boss in the entire game!! Even the last boss is easier much easier@

[@SoftOtaku]

I would love the complete physical version of this, but the price is not nice.

[@EoR_2B4GOT10]

I remember seeing the hype for this game and thinking "alrgith I will get it digital for my switch when it's out" than I saw a review of the collectors edition in which they showed off the dropdead gorgous reversable coverart oh man what a fine piece of art. and than I orderd a physical CIB copy. Such a great game. I played extremly bad at my first playthrough because I wasted all my money on extra lives but I got the hang of it. Although I respect your opinion on this game there are things I have to disagree. Calling the downwardslash pointless is not entirely true. If you buy the upgrade before the stage in the woods the boss of that stage will alter it's attack patern. Instead of throwing you mushrooms to jump over him you now have to use the downwardslash in perfect timing to jump over him which makes the fight more interesting imo.

[@sndwav2049]

This is a criminally underrated channel. 👍🙌

[@EdwinTheGreat337]

At this time with the Sega Saturn and I didn't even know there was a Playstation. Was chilling at UL Lafayette. Watching these girls playing NBA game on Playstation. I was blown away.

[@MrSolidtiger]

Me too SegaLord X. This a game worthy of a franchise.

[@justanotherlikeyou]

The music for the skeleton boss starting at 12:30 reminds me of boss music from Symphony of the Night, almost like a direct rip of it that's been Genesisfied.

[@shiningphantasy1393]

This game would have been an absolute showpiece game for Genesis in 1995. Can you imagine how much Diehard Gamefan would have gushed over this one back then? Probably a four page spread in the center of the magazine, and rightfully so. I too love the FM Genesis music style, but I also appreciate the SNES synth. I'm glad that each of those 16-bit consoles had their own unique musical identity and then of course the greatness of the redbook audio with the CD add-ons. Looking forward to the next two projects from this developer.

[@dexocube]

This is THE Sega channel for retro gamers

[@ricardomauricioaraya7625]

I could not agree more with you about the Genesis Sound. I love it, unfortunately there were too many developers that had no idea how to exploit it, but companies like Technosoft, Konami and SEGA when they felt inspired created some OST that is just unmatched.

[@Waifu4Life]

If you buy the Steam version, you can also grab the ROM file from the install directory and it will work with emulators, ROM carts and FPGAs.

[@gregoryeichner3055]

I just ordered a copy for Nintendo switch can't wait to get my hands on it, awesome review 😎

[@dicember92]

This game is simply beautiful, it has many of the best things from other games of the genesis era, plus unique mixture of mechanics. I have to buy it!

[@madson-web]

The thing about carts is that they can carry aditional hardware. Most of games we can play direct as a ROM though, which is mostly fine.

[@ItsDeebs]

It's awesome how cheaper modern hardware allows the Genesis/Mega to have larger cartridge storage for games. It's also amazing how it all operates on the hardware of original system. Whose primary components were all developed in the 70's. Which makes me laugh when the minimum Steam requirements are so high (below). Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 7+ Processor: Dual Core 1.8ghz Memory: 1 GB RAM Graphics: Intel HD I can understand that pretty much everyone using a PC today would be using something made after 2006. But no 32 bit OS compatibility seems weird. Considering it's designed to run on a 16-bit processor made in 1976.

[@Undergrounddweller_1030]

Looks cool, I'll give it a try support these guys who made it

[@fazares]

I backed it and unboxed the physical version....i love this game...pretty much the best md homebrew ever, imho

[@The-Sprites-Templar]

Great video!

[@SegaLordX]

Thank you.

[@EatingCtrlV]

This is the most impressive game on the system by a mile, it's just mind blowing that it plays on hardware.

[@jimb12312]

Impressive but as a kid I still would have preferred Sonic 2.

[@Eltro920]

12:30 Okay, that boss music is definitely the melody of Festival Of Servants from Castlevania Symphony Of The Night.

[@flyingdutchman8093]

I’d like to see a physical release on switch, the genesis cartridge is just too expensive for me to get. And on another note play Valfaris and Slain back from hell and do a video on them.

[@Sinn0100]

The only thing I can say about this game is...had it released anywhere from 1989-1995 *pre-Saturn it would have been huge. Like gargantuan sized oh my gawd look at those graphics huge. The sound would have floored everyone including the Nintendo diehard.

[@wulver810]

Yeah, it would have probably contended with DKC on SNES. I like it way more than Vectorman which was a comparison game, Vectorman just looks lifeless.

[@Sinn0100]

@Dean Satan Not only that but had they tried to port it the Snes would need at least an MMC chip or you would get flicker, slowdown Hell.

[@systemshocker2557]

@Dean Satan Keep dreaming.

[@BlackMetalChauvinist]

Just watched GameSack bring this up. Nice to see it in more depth. Looks great!

[@sloshua77]

I got the physical copy for the Genesis and i was not disappointed

[@99Vood99]

SLX, excellent review. How long would you peg a playthrough of this game at? I've been thinking about getting this one and Xenocrisis.

[@SegaLordX]

First time, I’d say about 4-5 hours on normal. More if the bosses punish you.

[@99Vood99]

@@SegaLordX thanks for the reply. How long would you peg a boss fight at the normal difficulty at? 5 mins, 10 mins or longer?

[@Sinista07]

This game is awesome!!! The mountains music sounds like a Thunder Force 4 track. Btw great review 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@TheVileOne]

I love it when new cartridge games are still getting made

[@Renk1]

Thanks for the great review! I bought the physical release for Mega Drive after recommendations from Digital Foundry. I was not disappointed. The game’s excellent!

[@Metalthrashingnate]

Your Airwalk allows you to have the coolest shoes in your 5th grade class in the 90's.

[@TheRelen222]

Why is it that most of these new "old" games usually appear on Sega consoles? Licensing issues? Sega consoles being easier to program?

[@DARS_04]

It's the SEGA, it's has cave story. Nuff' said.

[@MaidenHell1977]

Most of them are developed in Europe where the Megadrive was much more popular.

[@mrnicktoyou]

The Mega Drive has SDK’s which still run fast. From what I understand, the SNES is stuck with assembly code and nobody does that anymore.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@mrnicktoyou Now that makes a lot of sense. It definitely explains why we don't see much of any new retro SNES stuff these days .

[@shenglongisback4688]

Sega not too hard on devs like nintendo As well as having a user friendly dev kit.

[@Retro_Royal]

I can confirm that the second run was a rounden edge at the end of the pcb.

[@wtm7554]

Ghost and wonderboy ^^

[@SkippyKairos]

Thank you, I didn’t know this was on Switch! Adding that to my list!

[@samghost13]

Our Lord has a new game for us and i love it

[@justusbowman]

I had a similar complaint about Moon Crystal's power up system. Whether you died or completed a level, you lost all power ups. What a reward for beating the stage... Sounds like the power ups here make more sense though and are more level-specific. My other concern is that I don't enjoy damage sponges in games. I prefer if harder difficulties add more abilities to enemies, not just more HP. That said, this game looks pretty great! I'll try the demo.

[@fthprodphoto-video5357]

Actraiser 2 on SNES is a masterpiece too, the soundtrack and graphics are unbelievable

[@mrnicktoyou]

How does this look on the Switch? Is it a straight port from the Mega Drive with the colour limitations or does it look better?

[@SegaLordX]

Same game.

[@PsychomachineryEBM]

Switch sucks, Genesis is the proper way to play this

[@zanychelly]

I hope both games finds its way to PS4/PS5 in the future. Looks pretty cool.

[@haukkes8546]

I have seen his game before and if i liked this type of game it would have been a must buy.

[@gamernaut8864]

Cool game. I will make a purchase. Another great video. Thanks for the content.

[@oddojaggins]

Wow, 117 MB! How big of a game can the Genesis feasibly run? This game looks like a blast so I will be getting it

[@SegaLordX]

With bank switching, I’d imagine they could go far larger.

[@knkn5049]

sega CD is unlimited - because CD is just storage

[@billcook4768]

Looks great. But I’m confused why Elaine Marley runs the between level store :)

[@MetalJody1990]

It is incredible indeed. I played some of it last night actually. I'm still gonna watch this review anyway because Sega Lord X is awesome and I have cheese toast.

[@mtshark7]

This game looks amazing on the Genesis.

[@ravagingwolverine]

Yeah, I share your view of physical carts of new games. I don't need them. The one exception was when Mad Stalker came out. I got so into that game playing the PCE version that I really wanted a physical version because it was special for me. I was happy to see there was a version for the MD and it was being released, so it was a great way to own a copy, and I really like that version. As for Demons of Asteborg, there looks to be a lot of good elements. The music is unusual in spots, but sounds good. I like the homage to Ranger X(quite well done) and other games. There are some elements that concern me, such as the length of boss fights. I never much liked damage sponges. But what I do like is that they sell a ROM file, which helps mitigate that. That option makes me more likely to give it a shot. I also wasn't aware there was a demo, so I definitely have to check that out.

[@Prizrak-hv6qk]

Does the ROM run perfectly on Kega Fusion? Definitely buying it if does! You mentioned that there's a demo version too?

[@skate2myhouse]

Since you're playing new releases, you should take a look at Tänzer (2019) from MegaCat Studios. It's kind of a Strider clone I guess. Aniways, it's a super fast paced hack n slash platformer with a nice soundtrack that really goes well with the fluidity of the gameplay. Thanks for everything you do, I love your content btw!

[@grantfullick]

Agreed, music is insane and the animations too, game is hard as nails but with repeated playthroughs it gets easier!

[@jasonz7788]

Great work Sir thank you

[@jamesmoss3424]

It looks interesting for me to play. 😀👍🎮

[@novelty8theory494]

Just got this and Astebros for Evercade!!👍

[@borrellipatrick]

Ooooh, excited for this one. It looks pretty rad 🤓

[@seafoamshame1]

I’d love to see a video about the Saturn ports on the Switch

[@Falcnuts]

When Sega Lord X speaks I sit my white ass down and listen

[@entertainmentwizard2703]

Planning to get this for Genesis soon!

[@steelcurtain187]

This looks awesome

[@richiecuna5781]

even the music dose sound great

[@keepitshort4208]

Is there a way to play it on megadrive emulator ?