Tiger Heli M2 Shoot Em Up Collection Ultimate Preview

[@IamMarkSmith]

The people at M2 are wizards. The gaming industry needs more people and companies who take the level of care and consideration and helping to preserve older games and the experiences had playing them. I’ll be buying this for sure. Tiger-Heli was one of my first NES games back in 1988. I was a fan of Airwolf so I pretended I was flying Airwolf. Well it was a better Airwolf than the game Airwolf made by Acclaim 😂🤣😭.

[@ShmupJunkie]

It's funny you say that, as I remember playing it too and thinking of Airwolf. That theme was burned into our young minds! haha

[@IamMarkSmith]

@@ShmupJunkie oh man yes! It was hidden in ny mental archive until just now 😂. Now I can’t stop hearing it in my mind.

[@OM19_MO79]

There is actually a better Airwolf for the NES, well, the Famicom at least. Is not the greatest thing but is a competent game based in an average Arcade game also based on the show. What was the people at Acclaim thinking when they released that crap?

[@IamMarkSmith]

@@OM19_MO79 my sentiments exactly. Since back then when they originally released it lmao! I had a connection with game rentals. I was friends with the owner of the local video and game rental place. We had the same last name and he and I just clicked. They used to let me rent new games as they arrived before they were even on shelves for others to rent. They also let me rent brand new games and would ask my opinion of them once I returned them. Man, I really was so lucky.

[@msolom9521]

The arcade game of AIRWOLF/SKYWOLF was terribly addictive ... cause its main theme ;)

[@54321ZachMr]

I’m all over this one! Tiger-Hell and Twin Cobra were in every single arcade back in the 80’s for good reason.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Yeah, just about as ubiquitous as Raiden later on. We loved our military themed games and it had that IT factor of being bad ass and great music. And the US version had respawns so you could keep putting in credits to get farther.

[@loki.odinson]

I grew up with Tiger Heli on the NES. Such a difficult game. Both the NES and Arcade versions were incredibly difficult. And the chip tunes were so good. I never mastered them, but I sure tried. I never knew it had a sequel. Twin Cobra on the Genesis reminds me of the speed and brutal difficulty of Contra Hard Corps on the Genesis. Thank you for sharing!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Yeah, if you ever had any enjoyment from Tiger Heli, you'd absolutely dig Twin Cobra. It's a huge step up and the original is mostly nostalgia for me at this point. It's really good for that early of a game and you can see where it was all headed with Tatsujin that followed shortly after.

[@BenJabituya]

Same here.

[@Steve_UK77]

You're a shining star in the community! Good for you man, we are all backing you!

[@ShmupJunkie]

I appreciate it and really am doing it for everyone that's enjoying it so much. And seeing how many new people are getting back into the games makes it worthwhile. So I'll keep at it long as I'm able!

[@ShinoSarna]

When you've shown the Famicom/NES port I couldn't believe my eyes, this really was Famicom? It looked to me like an 80's arcade game. Pretty impressive.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Yeah really not bad for the NES. Not fancy and has lots of flicker, but I thought at least Twin Cobra was pulled off pretty well.

[@ShinoSarna]

@@ShmupJunkie I like the aesthetic of NES Tiger Heli, looks very clean - but for Twin Cobra I like that they actually bothered to animate the explosions. So many NES games have explosions that are just white circles...

[@jkemp6791]

Man, I love Toaplan. These episodes you do on the company are so great. If it wasn’t for Cave- partially founded by ex-Toaplan employees- Toaplan would be my favorite shmups dev. I know your favorite is Compile, who I also love. Compile and Toaplan were like the foundations for the entire genre and pay them both the respect and reverence they deserve. Love your channel and always look forward to new content.

[@ShmupJunkie]

You and me both, and I'm glad you're digging it. I will have a lot lot lot more Toaplan stuff coming given M2 is releasing so many in the coming years. That and I enjoy highlighting fun facts and details about them many don't know. And there is still a lot more to tell!

[@arrowviper8882]

Man this gets me excited for the collection! I would love it if you made a “History of Toaplan-video”!

[@chrisnizer1885]

First time I played Tiger-Heli was in a cafe/arcade in Osan, South Korea and everyone was blown away by the amazing graphics. There was nothing else to compare it to at the time. Had to be patient though, there was a long line of people waiting to play it but definitely worth the wait! Thanks for the video, great stuff indeed!

[@ShmupJunkie]

South Korea is one of our top bucket list countries to visit too. Me for the games, arcades and night life, and the wife cause she’s obsessed with KDramas and has a list of places to visit from all her shows 😅. I do always wonder what these cities and arcades were like during those years and what it would’ve been like growing up there.

[@angelriverasantana7755]

This goes to show that those dorks at M2 really got the care, might and willpower to make these collections, plus keep the retro shmup world alive. From a buncha couch programmers who had the entirety of Gauntlet down to the core back in 1994, leading to the amazing Genesis version with Tengen and Chris Tang's aid, to becoming the bastions of bringing classics back in big ways, plus making new retro experiences for all types of players to get ahold of

[@ClockedIt]

As a kid,I played this helicopter shooter in the arcades and absolutely loved it, but literally for years and years I couldn't remember what it was called! It was only recently that I learnt it was Twin Cobra, and even better for me, this compilation is coming and I can't wait! Amazing shooters taking me back to my youth. Great video, can't wait for these games.

[@ShmupJunkie]

It was so popular in arcades, I used to see it all the time and hit it up when I did. I wasn't into the realistic military themed games so much, I preferred SciFi, but Twin Cobra was one of those that captured my attention for whatever reason.

[@markcollins2704]

This happened to me but with Mercs.

[@x8slider]

Love your channel so much man! Being born in ‘84, I was just old enough to love these arcade games but too little and broke to play many of them back then. I’ve just started collecting shmups after focusing on beatemups for a while. What a time! So many ports and collections coming out it’s mental 🤪 keep up the good work my dude.

[@ShmupJunkie]

That’s great to hear I’m glad you’re enjoying my vids. I’m a bit older from 77 so I was too young and broke for the older Atari age but hit the prime years of 85-95 old enough to enjoy them. The downside is now I’m just older 😭. Speaking of collections I’m working on a preview for yet another this weekend, for the Cotton Saturn Tribute. Sept and Oct are going to be nuts for new releases.

[@dahnilama1417]

Another great video. I've never played these games but it's M2 shot triggers so it was instantly pre-ordered. When they said they were releasing all the Toaplan arcade games I didn't expect them to also include all the home console ports aswell. Going above and beyond my expectations. Can't wait for the hellfire release too.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Same here, it's insta-buy for me. I can see why they are adding all the ports, so it adds more value to a pricey collection. Plus a lot of us have nostalgia for certain ports we played, like the pc engine version in my case. As well as Heli on NES. So it's good for everyone. I love that they are squeezing in every game too, like Get Star which I didn't even know. They haver some other really good ones (non shmups) I expect them to add now as well.

[@shayne1062]

Thanks for this, SJ! This video was a PSA for me, who doesn't have his finger on the pulse of what's going on in the shoot 'em up scene. The Aleste Collection was/is brilliant (I got that after seeing your preview video), so I'm all in on this too. Please keep the videos coming; you're my lifeline to the genre who keeps me up to speed on what's going on!

[@ShmupJunkie]

You're absolutely welcome and is the reason I am doing it. I know it seems like every game I show and review I hype, but that's less because I like everything, and more because I only choose to make videos about stuff that excites me or is important. So I won't often do a video on something that isn't worth playing or not for me. I'll keep doing what I'm doing and I'm glad you grabbed this one too. It's hard to go wrong with any M2 Shottriggers release unless you simply don't like the game.

[@GustlikRGZ]

As a kid, I've spent a lot of time trying to beat Tiger-Heli, thinking that it has a proper ending lol. Pretty addictive game. I've also recently (yesterday, to be precise) played and beat Kyuukyoku Tiger on my Famicom for the first time. The first loop was a cakewalk, but the second one, which is the last on NES/FC, is quite a challenge to 1cc. Overall, solid game that made me want to check out the other ports. This compilation looks cool, I hope that M2 will learn how to code proper PC ports of their great compilations and make them (they kinda screwed Contra and Castlevania Anniversary Collections for PC - those lack performance and essential PC config options).

[@MURD3RWAVE]

I was messing around with one of those emulator consoles and ending up playing randomly kyu tiger. Fell in love with it. The soundtrack was in my head for days. Then I went back played it some more then tried all the different console ports. Can't believe a random game that is so old become one of my favs of all time. I forgot you did a vid on this. Thats prob why I even tried it in the first place. I def love the toaplan stuff.

[@GameplayandTalk]

Woah, I knew this was coming but had no idea it was featuring most of the console ports too. That's awesome.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I think they want to give it as much value as possible, so it makes sense to add in the other games as well. Good that i's a DLC option on the digital so you can choose to get the extras or not.

[@ShmupJunkie]

M2 is back with the Toaplan Ultimate Tiger Shoot Em Up Collection on Nintendo Switch and PS4, featuring Twin Cobra / Kyukyoku Tiger and Tiger-Heli. This video will give you the full scoop and help you decide if this collection is right for you. ✅ Subscribe To My Channel ➡️ Support me on PATREON www.patreon.com/shmupjunkieslushfund *********************************************************** Pre-order the Ultimate Tiger M2 Collection on Play Asia: Nintendo Switch: www.play-asia.com/toaplan-arcade-garage-kyukyoku-tiger-heli/13/70eqqn?tagid=1100485 PS4: www.play-asia.com/toaplan-arcade-garage-kyukyoku-tiger-heli/13/70eqql?tagid=1100485 The above are Affiliate Links 50% of all sales now go to the "Shmup Indie Fund" to help STG developers and content creators in support of the community. Details in video *********************************************************** Check out the awesome Twin Cobra 1-ALL by PEARL featured in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/q33WaGBpmK15mc0 All Kyukyoku Tiger Arcade, PC Engine, and Mega Drive gameplay by me Want to know who did the awesome main theme music remixes featured in this video? Blade Pitch Remix by Sir_NutS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6XCoZqmaNqEp6s Arrange version by SebasHCG: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5iXZGVtmKyDrZo Toaplan Interview Snippets by Shmuplations.com shmuplations.com/toaplan-yuge1/ shmuplations.com/toaplan-uemura1/

[@unlimitedretrogaming]

Another top notch video buddy!! I am hyped to get this collection as a huge fan of the series as you know, specially if it’s coming from M2STG, so thanks for sharing this because I wasn’t aware of it. Oh, and I would love to play the beat em up as well. On the other hand, your decision about giving half of your income made from this amazing channel to the stg community and indie devs is a generous one and a much needed so I will try to support this through you, even if it’s just a grain of sand. Congrats once again!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks buddy and I'm glad I helped you find out about it. I will be plugging Toaplan games and M2 releases for a long time as I love most of them and enjoy it. There are more, lesser known members of the team I am going to try and highlight in future videos as well. And of course I appreciate the support. I'll be doing everything I can to turn the idea into something that can really generate enough to make a difference. It will all add up slowly.

[@mrfaldor]

I will definitely be pre-ordering this! I grew up with the Sega Genesis version. I think it was one of the first shmups I played. I have the original version but would love to have these other versions also. Thank you for doing this video, I didn't know this collection was being released.

[@Gravadel]

Hearing Kyukyoku Tiger’s music again is such a nostalgia trip. Could never get past stage three playing it as a kid but I still enjoyed myself.

[@thewingedavenger1007]

Great video as always! Your videos are very professional. Kudos for not lambasting Micronics. Micronics was a very small studio and they made an arcade-perfect port of Elevator Action for the NES as well as pretty good conversions of Ghosts 'n' Goblins, Tiger Heli and 1942. Some KZbinrs say those NES ports are terrible, but that's because they never played the arcade versions and therefore don't realize how close the NES versions were to the arcade originals, flaws included.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I'll reserve judgement on GnG until I've properly played the arcade version, but that NES port was the bane of my existence for so long lol. I can't say it was poorly done though, it certainly kept me stubbornly coming back. Micronics did have it's share of duds like anyone, but I did always think their Toaplan ports at least were solid affairs, especially Twin Cobra. I know it's popular to crap on them, but they've got nothing on outfits like Pack-in Games haha. It's easy to look back on things as flaws now, but back then as kids we didn't really care about things like flicker in an 8bit game, that's just how it was. As long as it was fun and addicting we'd keep playing it.

[@SSJSonikku]

It is thanks to youtube channels like this that I've gotten back into Shmups. Heck I've bought a crap ton of shmups lately on many of my systems lately as I wanted to play them. So M2 are finally releasing the Toaplan Shmups? Awesome! I'm totally gonna get this collection for sure. M2 are just really great and when you let them do their thing, the game/collection will just be awesome.

[@ShmupJunkie]

That's awesome to hear. And I couldn't be more excited to see M2 continue releasing all the Toaplan collections. I'll be over the moon when it's time for Tatsujin and the series, my favorite of their games. Going to support them every way I can.

[@SSJSonikku]

@@ShmupJunkie Does this include M2 doing Tatsujin-Oh aka Truxton II?

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@SSJSonikku Absolutely. Those games were mentioned as part of the release plan. So it’s gonna happen and I can’t wait.

[@CodyCallaway]

How did I miss the news of M2 and Toaplan (including this game). This is beyond exciting. Love the video man. I share your sentiment as long as M2 releases some kind of shooter I will be importing/buying the physical version. Pre ordered this morning. That all said I will be ordering a Shmup junkie shirt or something. Love the donating to the community and helping other smaller indie teams and content creators. I will be glad to be a small part of that endeavor with an order of your swag. Thanks again for all you do. I look forward to my Sunday morning ritual of looking for the latest Shmup Junkie video.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks man. It was announced long ago and just took them a very long time to finally get to this point. A ton of time and effort on their part. I have a couple copies ordered too, maybe to give one away for an eventual review. I'm working hard on getting things squared away for the merch stuff and will definitely announce it more prominently once it's live. I am hoping that it does sell well enough to make enough to help the community somehow. Even a grand or two over the course of a year can really help devs and content creators if I use it efficiently. So we will see!

[@andrewbutler9533]

Great episode! I first encountered Twin Cobra in the great (back in the day) Blackpool Tower arcade. That bomb sound effect left an impression on the young me back then - i had a spectrum 48k which couldn't produce sounds like that! Anyway, I'm really hoping this comes to Europe/US, as Espgaluda hasn't so far. Great what you are doing for the indie shooter community by the way 👍

[@ShmupJunkie]

I am hoping this comes to the US too, as it was a very popular game here versus some of the others. Some M2 games come here like Ketsui, and others still haven't like Aleste Collection which is a bummer. But at least they are easily bought from Play Asia etc and digital. So really if we want it we can get it easy enough. It's those beefy Toaplan effects that always got me too in the arcade cabinets I came across.

[@HuyTran]

Thanks for your continued coverage of everything, especially before it comes out so we can anticipate it! Your videos create so much excitement for me to buy shmup releases on the horizon!

[@js200gb]

I have mine pre-ordered! Just played through the Mahou Daisakusen M2 port and LOVED it! They make pure gold indeed!

[@ezequielgomez7083]

Tiger Heli was my first Toaplan Shooter that I play NES port a lot and very nostalgic when I was a child 8 years old since 2009

[@ShmupJunkie]

Me too! On NES. I remember it well.

[@strzxgvnuvwvfld3597]

It’s been great seeing so much variety in the shot triggers releases. This isn’t a game I’ve ever really played properly, so will be good to see what it’s all about. Great initiative to support for the community as well!

[@canticledrawl]

Another amazing video Junkie! I will definitely pick this up and give this series a try. I am even hype about GET STAR! Toaplan shooters just hit the spot! The butt paste is ready.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I think it's about time I got a fresh version of my butt paste jar... it's gotten a bit crusty over the years. 😂 I'm actually looking forward to playing Get Star too it actually looks legit fun and the art design is unique. I'm all around looking forward to this.

[@fusoya6544]

I loved the PCE version. I remember being amazed at the sound of the helicopter taking off after completing each level. Also the instruments used sound very similar to Dungeon Explorer.

[@Chris-Courage]

I prefer the PCE chip music as well. Sounds so good.

[@Darkbeatdk]

Great informative video as always. Tiger Heli M2-shot-triggered my nostalgia bone when I heard the music. My friend had it for his NES and I think it was one of the few games he wasn’t able to beat, despite being very good at games.

[@Chan_Prado]

Just wanna say that this preview definitely did influence me to buy the physical copy earlier this year. Thanks for the great content!

[@pestaneira]

I admire the amount of passion you put on these videos! Amazing research and editing!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you! I appreciate that. And the Toaplan doc is coming along nicely.

[@bl85gamer]

Awesome that you mentioned Gyrodine 😅 I believe it must have been one of the first shooters I played on my Famiclone 🥰 Looks like an awesome collection from M2 yet again. Another great video sir 👏🏼

[@ShmupJunkie]

Dude, even I never played Gyrodine in the arcade or NES back in the day. I just kind of knew of it. Heli was the one I actually had. You go way back hitting that pipe 😬

[@bl85gamer]

@@ShmupJunkie 😆😆 420 games included in my Famiclone helped. I was trash then and I'm still trash now 😆 Another one that was really cool on the Famicom was Sky Destroyer 😉

[@EmperorMegas]

'Outzone' is coming? Awesome! Great video, man. 'Twin Cobra' is a huge part of my gaming childhood. I'm going to grab a physical copy.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Yeah, M2 is supposed to release every single Toaplan game eventually according to them. That's pretty exciting!

[@willisjackson3080]

I love Toaplan games. I remember renting Truxton when I first bought my favorite console-Genesis. They have a style all their own. I can't wait to see each volume in the Toaplan series coming from M2. They put a lot of effort into these releases.

[@ShmupJunkie]

After the upcoming flying shark series I’d love to see them tackle the Tatsujin games next. I’m sure most of us would really. The original is one of my all time favs.

[@Sinn0100]

Wait what?! Tiger-Heli is back! The original Tiger-Heli (Nes) was the very second shmup I ever owned. My first was Astro Warriors for the Master System. I used to play them both back-to-back before playing a new shmup as a warm up. I found their simplicity and challenge better prepared me for much, much harder games. Games like R-Type for the Master System and Life Force for the Nes. Addendum- I'm 2:54 seconds into the video and have already made my decision...that's a day one purchase for me.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Heli was an early shmup for many of us, me included. It was popular and we all seemed to own it. It's certainly no Life Force that game is amazing, but it was good for what it was. And I had a good time with it and Cobra too that came later. If you do decide to grab this one, it's already up for pre-order. Unless you are just waiting for digital. The good thing is M2 releases aren't that limited so there should be plenty go around after it comes out too.

[@SevenCompleted]

That first level theme is sooooo good in every port never fails to melt your face with those guitars

[@ShmupJunkie]

Hell yeah, Break a Leg is such an awesome track. I love all the remixes of it too. It's the iconic sound of the game.

[@Steve-Fiction]

Definitely buying this on release, but maybe I'll drop a preorder, too. Very much looking forward to this release, and I'd absolutely love more Toaplan from M2 in the near future. With Compile, Cave, Raizing and now Toaplan, these guys really have a lot on their plate, huh?

[@ShmupJunkie]

Yeah, the M2 releases rarely run out on the standard editions. I like to pre-order as I want it early or day one for reviews and to support it, but you can usually buy them any time. They aren't limited physical like that. I can't wait for their future releases.

[@Steve-Fiction]

@@ShmupJunkie Yeah usually I preorder for the support and to show publishers what I want more of as soon as possible. By the way, great stuff with the shmup-community-funding-support, ya love to see it.

[@thewingedavenger1007]

I'll never forget playing 1942 and Tiger Heli in the arcade in 1985. I had already played and loved early shooters such as Space Invaders, Galaxian and Phoenix, but when those two games came along I became a total shmup junkie!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Everyone has their gateway drugs and I know a lot of folks that got hooked with 1942 especially and also Heli. They seem so rudimentary today but back then it was pretty impressive. I can't recall what I was playing in 1985, but I do know that once RType came out a bit later in arcades that one truly grabbed my interest going forward.

[@JackBen86B]

Good stuff Shmup Junkie :) . I don't play Tiger, but it is really nice too see :) . I like your videos and retro-games, especially Mega Drive Games (and Shmups like Hellfire

[@midiriots3909]

So much Shmup love!! Thank you for another amazing episode!! Sometimes I envy you for playing all the good shmups. I really need a better time scedule :D

[@ShmupJunkie]

Don’t envy me. I’m so busy I only get to play the games I’m working on for a video, but very rarely just for whatever I’m feeling like. But it’s all for a higher purpose!

[@j0nnyism]

Thanks for posting the shmup slam event notice it all helps

[@crazyoldschool6342]

I can't wait to get this collection. I myself grew up playing the nes and genesis versions. I preordered it day one when it went live and got the switch and ps4 versions. I kinda wish they put the saturn version tiger plus 2 but I guess couldn't because it was published by naxat soft.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Yes, you're right about part 2, I doubt they own the rights. But I'm just as stoked to get all the originals. The NES versions and PC Engine are what I ended up playing most back then, along with Cobra in the arcade on and off. I got a limited and regular copy of this one as well and thought it may be cool to give one away when I actually do the main review.

[@thelatenightattempts]

Normally order these through Amazon Japan but shipping was a lot more and I'd rather support you so happy to use your affiliate link. Looking forward to this one and more Toaplan goodness in the future.

[@ShmupJunkie]

And also better to support a smaller operation like Play Asia that caters to us, than give more to the Bezos machine. Though I'll admit I use Amazon JP too when it's appropriate. I actually can add Amazon JP affiliate links too, but it pays peanuts and Play Asia gives a much better cut. So it'll generate a lot more for the fund that way. It was a conscious decision on my part. And I appreciate it!

[@lucag.lisickza425]

@@ShmupJunkie what is play asia?

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@lucag.lisickza425 It’s a Japanese site that sells games and other merchandise. My affiliate link goes to play Asia website. I’ve been buying from them for a long time and they never gave me any problems. Good way to buy Japanese games and anime.

[@mazonemayu]

I loved Tiger Heli when it came out in the arcade, but when Twin Cobra came out, man…it had everything: the right colours, tons of bullets, the power up system, the difficulty,it was leagues beyond anything that was around. That game has been my poison for most of my life 😅. I got the Mega Drive version as soon as I could get my hands on it, and it was a fucking monster. It still chews me up, if I don’t play it on a regular basis, but owning it bitd made playing it in the arcade a walk in the park LoL

[@ShmupJunkie]

You and me both, the MD port is a beast. In a good way but still a monster. Heli was an old NES fav of mine just to throw in every now and then, but it was Cobra (and Flying Shark) that really showed what Toaplan was going to do as they kept improving their games. It was legit and I'm glad this collection is coming soon.

[@mazonemayu]

@@ShmupJunkie Flying Shark was killer too, I bought the ZX Spectrum version in ‘88 or ‘89, just to be able to play it at home 😋. My friend who lived around the corner also bought it for his CPC 464 at the same time. Both versions were basically identical but his had 5 or 6 colours, while mine was monochrome. We were constantly playing both versions & on wednesday afternoon we went to the arcade to play the real thing…if there’s one thing that era taught me, it’s perseverance LOL 🤣. Man I miss those days…

[@LMNsama]

@shmup Junkie you said that the MD version have good soundFX but the thing that shocked me while playing it, was the fact that the sound for your own shot is totally missing in the MD version! The PCE version have all the sound fx for your bullet and the musics are excellent!

[@ShmupJunkie]

I don’t know why that is actually either. I didn’t think the Yamaha chip in the MD had some limitation that made them run out of channels. Kind of like pce Tatsujin where the drums stop when you are firing. Maybe they did it on purpose but that’s a great question to ask if there was ever an interview about it with the original devs. Toaplan usually ported the MD ports themselves so I’d be curious.

[@s7121n9s]

The NES version of tiger heli holds a special place for me. It is the first shooter I ever played back when I was 4 years old and was even actually one of the first games I ever played next to the original super Mario Bros and Castlevania!

[@ShmupJunkie]

I've gotten that a lot and the ton of nostalgia people have for it. It did sell like a million plus copies so it makes sense. I think it was the original NES Gradius for me that was my first on that system.

[@MarcBarkyMarta]

I’m glad to see you included the Gyrodine/Crux discussion.

[@ShmupJunkie]

For sure! I did some research after you guys brought it up, and then I read Uemura discussing it in his interview too, so I definitely had to bring in that bit of history. I had read it long ago but didn't retain that bit the first time around haha.

[@MarcBarkyMarta]

@@ShmupJunkie I should also add though, Tiger Heli wasn't necessarily the first shooter with limited screen-clearing bombs. That could go to Tempest with the "super zapper" that would recharge every level.

[@dire51]

Even though I played the hell out of Twin Cobra years ago (the local convenience store had it and Saint Dragon), it never grabbed me the way Toaplan's later games did. Much respect for it and what it accomplished, though.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I think we all played the hell out of it one way or another. It was stiff competition back then, lots of games vying for our attention. I can honestly say I was the same way, as realistic shooters don't grab me as much in general. I kind of learned to enjoy this one more as I got older and over the last several years. It's got the fundamentals and I do like coming back to it sometimes. At least the PC Engine version I do haha.

[@bombjack1984]

I've been playing a lot of Toaplan Shooting Battle I on PS1 lately, so this absolutely has my interest.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Too bad they never got to releasing more shooting battle volumes on PS1, but now M2 is gonna make up for it!

[@bombjack1984]

@@ShmupJunkie Yes, this counts as Toaplan Shooting Battle II to me, just the 25 year wait...

[@xylsky1300]

Lmao, I told my brother about the AI and he was like "you're just pretending its aiming at you and you're playing clumsy" and i handed him the controller and he rage quitted faster than I did, especially because if you keep dying in the same spot it started to push you back to the last checkpoint until you're back at the beginning or out of continues

[@ShmupJunkie]

Hahaha I can imagine his face getting pushed back farther and farther into the stage lol. Believe it or not, they did that to be helpful, as some checkpoints are really hard. So by pushing you back more, you can end up in a spot where it's easier to get some power ups and not keep dying in a really hard area. Too bad almost every area in the game is a really hard area. 😂

[@mazonemayu]

I always pop this game in when someone is at my place & starts bragging about how good they are at shooters. Then I grab a cup of tea, sit back and watch it all go to hell 🤣🤣

[@maartenz3612]

Great video ! And yes of course I have it preordered already 😁 Like you said, we should all support M2.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I figured many of my subs already knew it was out and pre ordered it day 1. So it was good to put out a great preview for everyone.

[@darktetsuya]

oh man the ramen story... and I thought it was annoying when RAIDEN did it, LOL! might have to look into getting these, they seem really well done as is usually the case with the M2 stuff. Great video hoping we see more of these covered as they come out I'm really looking forward to the Tatsujin/Truxton one it's definitely my favorite of the toaplan shmups... those MD/Genesis jams, though.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I love that ramen story every time I read about it on the Shmuplations site. It's a perfect window into how they worked back then and how their life revolved around games and programming. Was a busy but cool time to be around... those dudes partied like nobody else. I'm beyond excited for the tatsujin collection, I will likely be fanboy mode and overly hyped for that one.

[@theunkemptvaper6866]

I'm definitely going to pick this one up. I've been playing Twin Cobra 2 on the Saturn and been enjoying the absolute hell out of it.

[@ezequielgomez7083]

Tiger Heli was my very first Toaplan Shooter that I play NES Port was very nostalgic that I play it so much when I was a 8 year old child since 2009 before I play arcade vision

[@atomicskull6405]

The collision detection between the bombs and the bullets does serve a purpose it can occasionally save you from destruction.

[@ShmupJunkie]

It was a cool idea, but they decided not to use it again in any future games they made. Tiger Heli was hard enough to where that feature was certainly appreciated.

[@tubbiele2]

Bravo for the thumbnail for the video, ha ha, "heading for the skies!" Some silly notes: for me the best moment in Tiger Heli is when you get the second option and the music goes more intense :D. Great game. Regarding bombing buildings, when you bomb civilians in Gyrodine, it subtracts points! Did not know there was people that would become Toaplan in Gyrodine, neat, thanks. It's a bit too slow and lengthy for me but it is a good game full of good ideas. Thanks, great video!

[@digitalworms]

M2 are masters at what they do! For PS4 I bought Castlevania, contra and arcade collections and everyone of those are solid!

[@ScottX68000]

There's an options menu in the Mega Drive version that allows you to change the difficulty to make the game more manageable. It's still challenging on the easier difficulties but it does become more forgiving. I've just put my pre-order in for the collection, I hope there will be TATE modes included!

[@ShmupJunkie]

It would be really cool if M2 made that more obvious and accessible on the Mega Drive port, as it would help a lot. Game is brutal though still great to play. I think a Tate mode would be awesome and will be a bit disappointed if it isn't. I get that you wouldn't have room for the gadgets then, but the game is priority and when it's an arcade port like this, a great feature. I'll be surprised if they don't and am looking forward to the final release to see it for myself.

[@ScottX68000]

@@ShmupJunkie On the original Mega Drive release hold down and press B to bring up the menu. On a side note I just found out they're making a NEW Cotton game, Cotton Rock 'N' Roll! I've pre-ordered that too 😁

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@ScottX68000 Yeah I saw that a while back. It’s so early there’s not really any info to do a video on it. So I’ll just have to wait until it’s release or there’s more out on it. At least I can preview the Saturn Tribute coming for now.

[@cd4playa1245]

If you think about it the way Shmups play they make a lot more sense if they’re helicopters as opposed to airplanes

[@paul.9828]

Great production values on your videos as always. Even the silly helicopter attack on the house brought a smile.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Lol, I try to have a little fun and be silly in most videos. I'm slowly getting better at it.

[@Psych0boost]

Never touched a Toaplan game in my life so I'm looking forward to this collection

[@ShmupJunkie]

Wow, so this will be your first! Expect the game to reach out and touch you back.😂

[@opaljk4835]

This is so great. The mega drive of twin cobra is such a bastard, but I have a bit a of fun with it when playing. It’s hard not to just want to jump over to all the other Toaplan ports. I finally am starting to try out Slap Fight (sounds like a hockey game) which seems like the sort of forgotten Toaplan mega drive game. In any case, thanks again for this fabulous overview, it really hypes me and inspires me to keep going back for more. You keep making, I’ll keep watching but fuck if i am not hoping for Tatsujin 2 in the future and playing all these original arcade versions that I never have gotten to play! Damn

[@retroheed6226]

Awesome video, really looking forward to this release for sure. I think this release will also be the first time we get to enjoy Tate mode since the PS1 Toaplan Shooting Battle. Hopefully M2 have the remixed audio in the release also.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I sure hope so, it would be odd to not have M2 include Tate so I expect it too. I never did own the shooting battle on PS1 but I do know the music. I would have loved the FM Towns music option as that remix is fantastic too. Lately I've been listening to the U-Band renditions of their music and looking for some of their Shooting Collection CDs on ebay. Should've gotten them before they became so pricey 😅

[@ezequielgomez7083]

Twin Cobra was my number 1 favorite Toaplan Arcade of all-time that I was a huge fan of Twin Cobra beside Tiger Heli. Hopfully I want the Switch Port for Christmas

[@jjohnson1606]

Pre-ordered mine last night, and I can't wait to play these classics again!

[@thofol]

This is gonna be a long wait till the collection will arrive (just ordered it through your link). By then, I will probably have forgotten I ordered it - but what a surprise it will be...

[@ShmupJunkie]

Not that long! It's coming out soon in October, so just a couple months. I'm looking forward to it.

[@ezequielgomez7083]

Also I'm a huge fan of my all-time favorite Toaplan Helicopter Shooter was Tiger Heli and especially Twin Cobra. My Best Port of Tiger Heli was NES that I play it so much when I was a kid 8 years old since 2009. Also my most favorite Twin Cobra Port was PC Engine and Genesis

[@ShmupJunkie]

It's crazy how many copies of NES Tiger Heli were sold, I think it was one of Toaplan's best selling games of all time. I usually play Kyu Tiger on PC Engine also because the Genesis version is just so incredibly hard.

[@ezequielgomez7083]

@@ShmupJunkie Yeah Genesis port was a difficult port from my number 1 all-time favorite Toaplan Arcade Shooter

[@Chinopolis]

Man only you could get me hyped for a game that made me sweat in anger at how frustrating it is LOL

[@ShmupJunkie]

Hahaha that’s what I do. Tbh Heli is a bastard, but Twin Cobra is really well designed and fun once you get it. It’s a 1cc you may even enjoy. It’s kind of like Raiden some people just love it. I’m not one of them but still 🤣 maybe I’ll learn to one day.

[@j0nnyism]

Yea it’s one of those games that make you furious and gleeful at the same time

[@moonlightaffairs]

Wow! I played this on NES, PC Engine and Sega. All completed. Check out Tsugaru, theme for stage 4.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I was just listening to Uemura-San and his band play Tsugaru on his site, so cool. One of these days when I visit Japan maybe I'd get lucky and catch them playing live again.

[@marcov2575]

Thank u junkie! . I buy it but I am hoping for a flying shark collection. great video

[@ShmupJunkie]

You can be guaranteed there will be a Flying Shark collection too, along with Fireshark/Same Same Same and who knows what else they will squeeze in there. They are supposed to release every single Toaplan game.

[@marcov2575]

@@ShmupJunkie 👍

[@kamadoma715]

I only played a bit of Tiger-Heli on my NES clone console as a kid because it was only lent to me. It was fun times though. I only learned now that it's got such a significant contribution to shmup history. And yeah I had no remorse shooting those houses!😂

[@bobbus_74]

I've always enjoyed Twin Cobra since I first played it. This collection looks very interesting. I might have to snag one. Oh great video aa usual mate. Love it. 💛

[@joltzyclayton8674]

A part of me says " damn is this really worth $70?" The other part says " $70 is chump change for M2 Toaplan ports." Awesome video Junky.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I think we are on the same page. It's not often I'll gladly drop $70 on a single release unless it's a game I want pretty badly, but with M2 it's just an auto purchase. I know it's going to be the best versions of the games ever released and all the time they put into it, so I can't not support it. It's nice of them to release the $35 arcade only ports option as well for digital.

[@MonkeyKing887]

Ah man, the PC Engine version is in my top 5 shooters ever. LOVE THAT GAME.

[@ShmupJunkie]

It was a really well done port wasn't it! It's so well liked by the PCE community and am glad it's getting another release here. It's a great way for most to play without getting slaughtered by the game's difficulty up front. Unlike Tatsujin on PCE haha.

[@MonkeyKing887]

I didn’t ever play the PCE version of Tatsujin. My best friend had it on Megadrive when I was a kid. It was absolutely brutal. I’m pre ordering this collection this week. The switch is getting amazing for shooters, rpgs and platformers. Just this month I’ve gotten the remakes of Cotton and Alex Kidd, and last month R-Type Final 2. All amazing.

[@redpandachannel7981]

When I was a child I loved twin cobra .

[@ShmupJunkie]

I loved them, and hated them. And today I am kind of still there haha. I keep coming back because it's cool, but also so damn hard.

[@eriklarson7023]

This is a collection I might need to invest in. Twin Cobra is one of those NES games that the internet has deemed mediocre and unmemorable, but I remember having a good time with it. Very well done with catchy music, worlds better than most NES shmups. I would have bet money I still owned NES Tiger-Heli too but apparently not, I can’t find it. I’m certain I owned it at one point but I must have sold/traded it.

[@jasp2003]

Just ordered this collection from PA. it was expensive! I hope I like it as much as you do!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Yeah the m2 shot triggers ports aren’t cheap but they’re always top quality. I’m a big fan of Toaplan games but i know they’re not for everyone as some are pretty old school. I’ve got a lot of nostalgia for many of them. Just one thing to remember. The DLC content like the console games and extras included may be region locked to Japan. You can still download it but will need to create a free Japan account and login that way to download. It’s super easy to do for switch eshop and bit of a pain on the Sony store, but either way just FYI. I’ve had a few people ask and you can get access to all the dlc content once logged in as a Japan account. It’s worth doing anyway for a lot of great imports that never release out west.

[@TheSocialGamer]

Another amazing and high quality video from the man himself SHMUP JUNKIE....! Wooooot....!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks man, glad you enjoyed this one too. I have a lot of great Toaplan content in the works. But first, tomorrow is the new Cotton Saturn Tribute preview.

[@MagmaMKII]

Wish they could've included Twin Cobra II on this collection as well. On the subject of helping the community, I administer various shmup-related wikis, and just recently I started a wiki for the Cotton series. To fill up these, I'm always looking for manual and magazine scans that can have detailed info like enemy lists and such. Any help, or even just paying a visit, is very welcome.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Yeah, part 2 is not Toaplan so they likely don't own the IP to include it. Or so I am guessing. Please do shoot me a link, either here or on my discord so I can check it out. As covering expenses of content that will be out out there for everyone is part of the idea. I'd at least like to check it out, though it's early I can start getting a list together.

[@MagmaMKII]

Easier to link to my profile, since I work on lots of wikis (not just shmup ones) and I got them all listed there: community.fandom.com/wiki/User:Magma_MK-II I get most manual scans from sites like Internet Archive, Sega Retro and Video Game Den, as well as other smaller sites here and there when I can find them.

[@duhmez]

Forgot to add, I mastered Tiger Heli on NES when I rented it. Loved tha arcade version, the nes I rented and by the end fo the night I could loop the game forever and never die, had to just quit playing bored from loping over and over.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

While I like tiger heli as much as the next shmupper, I was hoping to see more of a selection of toaplan games in a single collection. I think it s cool how detailed they are but at this rate we ll see the complete toaplan ports in about 10 more years ha. This one might be a bit harder to recommend then their other releases just because how specific it is, but I have faith the port itself will be excellent as usual.

[@ShmupJunkie]

We would all love a massive Toaplan collection where they have all their best games on a single release. Sure it would sell like hotcakes too. If it was just a basic emulation probably easy to do, which of course we know M2 won't do. From what I've heard though, they found someone to work with their team, one of the few people, that even has the expertise to reverse engineer these somewhat complex and janky Toaplan boards and code so they can reprogram each game from scratch to be arcade perfect. Typical Shottriggers. So each one will take a long time, just like you said, though hopefully now that one is done, it will go faster since some things may overlap. But the amount of time it seems it will take to do each one, they have no choice to release each game as it's own collection to recoup their development cost. Either that or sell the final collection for $300+ haha. For the 5 years of development it took to put them all together. Though in a limited release physical they would still sell out at any price for the crazy few to drop the dough on that (raises hand). Luckily M2 always gives us the digital, even sometimes digital only and no physical like Sorcerer Striker, so it's good to know everyone will always have easy access to their work.

[@thewingedavenger1007]

I loved the reference to Garry Kasparov! I recommend watching the documentary "Game Over: Kasparov and the Machine".

[@ShmupJunkie]

You know I think I've seen that doc, but it was some time ago I'm drawing a blank. I'm kind of an embarrassing Russian, not playing much chess and disliking pickles. If I tried going back they'd likely disown me haha

[@thewingedavenger1007]

@@ShmupJunkie LOL I'm American but I've been living in Moscow for years so I'll put in a good word for you if you decide to come here ;)

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@thewingedavenger1007 Oh yeah? I’ll bet your Russian may be better than mine then. I can speak fluently but I can barely read at a grade school level as I lack much practice.

[@thewingedavenger1007]

@@ShmupJunkie Yeah it's much easier to learn a language when you live in the country. I'm fluent in both spoken and written Russian but it took a few years because the grammar is insane LOL

[@KingLizzardsGameLounge]

Excellent video mate, as always. Very cool coverage and exposure for a great series that now younger generations can enjoy. This collection looks insanely good, I just hope I can pick one up next year. Sad there is no XBOX love though but I’m guessing that’s more to do with how Microsoft deal with developers. Big shame the PC orientated versions didn’t make to the cut as the chop tunes sound awesome 🤩. Maybe one day… 🧐

[@ShmupJunkie]

Glad you enjoyed it man. Actually m2 just seems to be very Japan focused, so they don’t port you Xbox of even Steam. Mainly as Xbox has very low sales there so they can’t justify the time for an Xbox port unless they release it abroad, and even then they rarely do. It’s always switch and PS4 with them. I agree it would’ve been cool to see the FM Towns and Sharp versions of the game on here too.

[@chadmolitor6691]

Alright, twist my arm. I'll check this game out 😂😂 You've never been wrong before! The combination of Tiger Heli and Raid on Bungling Bay made me avoid shmups for about a decade. I have a personal vendetta on those two NES titles.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Heli on NES is rough game and the only reason some of us like or dislike it is for the nostalgia I think. Cobra is definitely a better game, by far. And if the arcade port is just too much, the PC Engine port is much more fair up to a point. The Tiger games aren't for everyone I think, but if you don't like Cobra, there's a good chance there won't be another similar you do. Could be worth just emulating it and seeing for yourself what you think. It may not have the bells and whistles but it'll give you an idea.

[@chadmolitor6691]

@@ShmupJunkie Well, it's not the same but I just burnt a copy of Kyukyoku Tiger 2 for the Saturn this evening and that one kicks ass so far. So the first one is going to be on my list to try this weekend. Holy shitballs the one on Saturn has so much artillery flying at me in level 2.

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@chadmolitor6691 Yeah part 2 is also very different. It wasn’t by Toaplan but still a cool game. Enjoy it while you can and cross your fingers the Saturn emulator doesn’t crash on you.

[@yandman26]

My body is ready for Toaplan releases.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Your body is ready, but is your left thumb? Butt paste on sale soon! 🤣

[@cristianobb13]

genesis twin cobra really left its scar on me so i sure loved this one!! also i really wish toaplan had continued their toaplan shooting battle on the ps1, that would have been something rly cool to see. oh well at least the only one that came out was awesome twin cobra!

[@ShmupJunkie]

yes, that port leaves it's scar on everyone it touches 😂 me included. At least now we will finally get all the definitive Toaplan releases from M2 it's very exciting.

[@OM19_MO79]

20:11 Great initiative, although I believe that the best way to support them is by buying their finished work and spread the word. Just make sure the fund goes to the right hands.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Definitely, and I try to structure my videos in a way that helps hype and promote the indie games for sure. In this case, I also want some to go to content creators. There's a lot of unsung heroes behind the scenes, making fanzines and writing great articles, helping push the genre. So if we can help get that work in front of more people, every bit helps. I'm honestly still figuring it out myself and will get feedback from everyone in the community and on my discord about the best way to do it. At least it's a good way to drive more sales into putting some back into it for all of us.

[@klausschneider9963]

Preordered when I learned about it 🙂(as well as the Cotton 2 collection) It‘s a blast to see what M2 is doing the last few years. I still hope Kyokyoku Tiger 2 will be later announced (as some kind of super surprise), though I know it was released after Toaplan was already gone. On the other hand Twin Cobra for the Genesis is included (the version I always wanted), as well as the PC Engine version (which I got by surprise when I bought a used Core Grafx +4 games for around 100 bucks). Again an absolutely great video. And I‘m looking forward to see Timmy beat Twin Cobra finally in 2036 😂

[@ShmupJunkie]

Haha, the day I beat Twin Cobra again, let alone Timmy, will be a day where the room really does go to hell. I think they would have included Tiger II if they owned the IP but guessing they likely don't. I always played the PCE port a lot and it's really fair compared to the harder MD port, though I had someone say there is an option to tone it down a bit in the settings. If I'm still doing this in 2036 instead of retired then it must mean Shmups have made it back big time!

[@klausschneider9963]

@@ShmupJunkie both conversions are - as you said - brutal. What’s interesting: I remember sneaking into a pub as a 13year old (arcade games were and still are 18+ in Germany) to play Twin Cobra. Maybe it was a bootleg, but it said Tiger Heli in the Logo and the attract mode. I don‘t know if the Original Tiger Heli was released in Europe,

[@TheRestartPoint]

M2 is doing God's work. Old-school heroes! And so are you with these in-depth reviews! Kyoraku Tiger might be my fave shmup of all time, the music and badass gameplay, it's a real love hate thing though, as I still never finished it. I swear the AI of the weapon icons IS intentionally evil though, they hang around in front tempting you then move up the screen into bullets when you try get them, bastards. Plus the enemy helis bunching / hovering to your sides and causing you hell.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Oh I've no doubt a lot of the bullet AI and enemy patterns are quite intentionally evil/difficult haha. I was convinced the power up was too until I read that interview. Although I don't doubt the enemies come after you when you try to get it. The arcade version is one of their toughest for sure along with the Tatsujin games. They're about to hold a big Kyu Tiger arcade competition in Japan with all the top players showing up, hosted by M2. Looking forward to seeing some footage of that.

[@TheRestartPoint]

@@ShmupJunkie Wicked, would love to see that competition. Are you going to cover it?

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@TheRestartPoint I wish. It’s in Japan I can’t be there. But I do know someone that will be and getting footage so maybe I’ll get to see and use some after the fact!

[@robertrada6040]

I’m happy they’re finally putting this out. Hopefully we’ll see the rest before the thirty first century.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Right... I reckon the next will go faster now that the first is complete. I can't wait to see Tatsujin next which I do have a feeling it may be.

[@robertrada6040]

@@ShmupJunkie It and it's sequel better damn well be. Otherwise, I may have to set us up the bomb to make our time for great justice.

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@robertrada6040 what you saaay!!!

[@robertrada6040]

@@ShmupJunkie I’m going to say something about Ernest Borgnine’ old man eyebrows after reading that Airwolf comment.

[@Supa.Nintendope]

Definitely agree with the badass Tiger Heli NES art! Picked up the game for $6. Not too bad.

[@kevward2596]

🙈why do I always shout BATSUGAN in my best Japanese samurai warrior voice every time I see the batsugan game title 😂😂😂😂I’m a shmup legend is why😎👍😂😂boss video again @shmupjunkie 🙆‍♂️👍

[@ShmupJunkie]

Lol you took the idea right out of my mouth. I was thinking that would be a funny skit someday for when Batsugun is part of an M2 collection haha. If I ever do it you get full cred!

[@kevward2596]

@@ShmupJunkie lol buddy ya you could annoy Timmy with it by saying it every time it’s mentioned or just keep flashing the word up on screen for an excuse to say it😂😂😂some revenge on Timmy for his shenanigans 🙈😂😂😂keep the vids coming every Sunday brother I look out for em🙆‍♂️😎👍

[@chrismoon2961]

Fantastic video! I'd really want to support M2 for all their hardwork but it would be a lot easier if they'd just do a PC port already.

[@ShmupJunkie]

A lot of people ask about them doing Steam ports, and they keep turning it down. I don't think they turn their nose up, but the amount of programming time to port these old games properly to Steam is apparently too time consuming for what they will sell. At least that's what I remember of it.

[@chrismoon2961]

@@ShmupJunkie Well I can see from your wall you know where I'm coming from. We've already bought these games several times over and it would be nice to have this fantastic collection on a piece of hardware that doesn't just end up in my closet a couple years from now.

[@Isteak80]

"Blame the Ramen" is pretty good life advice.

[@ShmupJunkie]

At a minimum it’s what I’ll blame any time I die an untimely death in this game going forward 😅

[@schlangengrube157]

Looks like a highly impressive collection. I will try to get a copy.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Anything from M2 is usually impressive, so I'm in! It's pretty easy to pre-order on Play Asia, but the digital will be cheaper too if you wait for it.

[@arronetchells4363]

Yet again, you’ve delivered on another great video!! You’ve made my mind up on this one so pre ordering it today!! Loved the dig at US cover art, there are some pretty poor ones out there 😆

[@ShmupJunkie]

For sure, but tiger heli was definitely one of the most awesome. Hard to go wrong with any shottriggers release, so I doubt you'll regret grabbing it. I'm looking forward to it myself this October and doing a full review. At least if everyone here and the subs want it.

[@arronetchells4363]

@@ShmupJunkie 100% yes please 👍

[@TornadoADV]

Game called Twin Cobra, Artist for the cabinet art, "So Imma draw the Apache instead.".

[@ShmupJunkie]

hahaha good point. That it is.

[@wadestoss3325]

The guys who ported the Geni version probably didnt realize they were doubling the difficulty when changing the aspect ratio. That poison pun got me by the way lol

[@ShmupJunkie]

Believe it or not, Toaplan was in charge of all the Mega Drive ports, due to similar hardware so they were familiar with it. I wouldn't be surprised if they just chose to make it harder haha. If I ever got to interview them I would certainly ask. Normally you make the bullets slower since you have less screen space. The PC Engine version is like that, but the MD not so much. That adds to it too. I'm glad someone enjoyed that dumb pun I came up with, it was totally random.