The Legend of Heroes III (PC-98 Paradise) Compared to the Sega Saturn, PS1, and PSP versions!

[@bruticus0875]

I think the cover art is pretty cute. Looks like she's holding up her foot and looking toward the guy to complain about trudging through a swamp. And the dude is just ignoring her gaze by looking up at the sky.

[@missingwestcoast]

Yeah, the artstyle is also kinda timeless when compared to the ""90s Anime style"" other games at the time had

[@sozaj]

I always thought they had a kind of "well, this is awkward" expression on their faces, and I loved it. I loved that the cover art had decided to capture a smaller, seemingly unimportant moment in their journey rather than trying to capture a big moment - or just showing a generic collage of characters. I also loved the art style.

[@seancatacombs]

That cover art is by Kenji Tsuruta, a pretty legendary artist

[@LightFykki]

I agree, I like it as well. Seems simplistic, but there is so much detail there, from the expressions, to that the well-define features (i.e., the foot), to just the background and coloring. It actually drew me to this video to check more about it.

[@cloudnine2330]

@@seancatacombs Spirit of Wonder is such a classic but I think his artwork looks way better in black and white

[@MrDarkNao]

Basically, this game's battle system is the grandmother of Final Fantasy 12's battle system. Incredible!

[@feiwong3634]

Julio is actually a real name in Spanish, its correct spelling is "julio" as it is, and you did in fact. Thanks for these Falcom videos, i just love that company so much.

[@fiskburk2908]

I'm so obsessed with the cover art, I fell in love with the game just by stumbling randomly with it.

[@theartcrusader759]

The colours of the art have such a cozy feel to them I can't stop looking at it

[@vitigaymer1053]

Art style is great looks like DS Fire Emblem style I love

[@stephenhutchison676]

Another great video. I love how you show the process of installing/booting the game on actual hardware instead of just going straight to gameplay. That's a great unique feature of this channel.

[@BasementBrothers]

I think it's interesting, of course. Hopefully some of my viewers do too. I'm sure there are some people who just want to see the game, though, and they're free to skip ahead! Thanks for watching.

[@Xpert74]

I second that - it's really neat to see what exactly was involved in installing & running each game on these platforms. Helps put things in perspective, when considering what's needed to get modern games up and running.

[@General-Doge]

I can't put into words how much nostalgic I got after watching the video. This was my very first RPG game I've ever played back in 90s, and the trilogy as a whole impacted my whole life, leading me to even pursuit gamedev as a career. Thank you so much for reminding me of this one, and bringing it to light for people who're likely much less familiar with the series compared to say, Trails series. This game was one of the earliest RPG games that got legally published in South Korea(by Samsung no less) and was pretty huge back then over here btw.

[@BasementBrothers]

Yeah. I regret that I always fail to mention the Korean localization versions in my videos. I believe for this game in Korea there was an IBM MS-DOS version and also a cell phone version later on. Glad I was able to remind you of the good old days. Thanks for watching!

[@WeAllEatFood]

This channel is perfect for cozy viewing and I'm so happy I stumbled upon it. As a burgeoning Falcom nut, I always leave impressed by how little I know about their body of work. Great video as always

[@ドリフト180X]

There is something nostalgic about PC88 and PC98 even though I never grew up with them. Your videos are great! I like that you show the boxes and manuals and boot ups of the games.

[@captainthunderbolt7541]

I am just in love with the sound boards for both systems. The music it produces is just superb!

[@anonamatron]

You probably had a PC growing up.... same thing, almost. This is sort of like going back to those old PC days (or Amiga days for me) and getting new content related to things you may love now, like Falcom games.

[@BasementBrothers]

@Captain Thunderbolt And the soundboards for both systems have the same sound chips, so they are really the same thing.

[@LightFykki]

There truly is. It was a time of experimentation and pushing through the limitations of what the systems offered. That, combined with the charming design of most games, really makes that era of media truly special

[@Choops6969]

18:34 that's my comment! IM FAMOUS!

[@Tudsworth]

As somebody who has only ever played the PSP version of this game, the lack of an "original music" option in those ports is a real shame, the FM sound is truly fantastic and I absolutely could just sit back and listen to it divorced from the context of the game. I'm glad I watched this video because now I'm filled with a ton of nostalgia for something I actually played, but a version of it I never got to experience. Hopefully fans with the know-how to translate these original games can, because it's something I'd love to see in English, no matter how much of a long shot.

[@ObiKKa]

The Geofront team announced two months ago in January of this year of 2023 that they've started translating into English that 3rd full official LoH title (The 1999 Windows PC version, not the 1994 original PC-98 version). I'm sure a very long time after that, they'll eventually tackle the old Windows versions of the full LoH #4 and #5 titles.

[@menhirmike]

18:30 This channel is giving me nostalgia for an entire system that I've never owned, the PC-88/98 dithering is pretty unique, but it's the music that always stands out to me. I personally aren't interested in playing them these days, but thanks for highlighting them and allowing us to see what we've missed in the west!

[@KnightCrown]

Of course youtube recommends me a awesome channel like this after I binge old falcom ost

[@BasementBrothers]

Good. That means the algorithm is doing its job! Glad you found us and welcome aboard.

[@GuyDude-hk8uy]

I would already click on your videos when recommended, but I finally subscribed after the amazing "dancing on the table" segment.

[@absent_]

I really like this channel all those vids are fun to watch.

[@MagmaMKII]

Wish Xseed had localized the Windows ports of these as well, like they did with the Trails and Ys titles.

[@blindcrow849]

I love your videos. I'm really into japan's 80's and 90's pop culture/media and I don't know much about japanese pc games from this time. Thank you and keep going!

[@thrashinuva]

My guy, I've been on somewhat of a binge of X68000, PC-88, PC-98, and some other OST's, ever since about a month or two ago. It was the result of youtube algorithm handing it to me and now I save everything I come across to a playlist so I can listen to it after I get through the list that's constantly building. I've shown some tracks to a friend, and you got algorithm'd to him, and now I'm here. I've come across some drop dead amazing soundtracks that really deserved to have gotten more recognition than they did, like Rall III. I probably won't ever be playing of these games, but I almost feel a dedication not to let these soundtracks waste away in the annals of history, even if it's just me that will listening.

[@chazmaru9583]

Excellent retrospective. Fell in love with the Saturn version as a kid.

[@tigerfog_scypher]

Oh you didn't mention how the japanese PSP version of the game has a battle system closer to that original PC version. It was changed to the turn based battle system that Tear of Vermillion PSP used.

[@BasementBrothers]

The Japanese PSP version is different from the English PSP version???!! Oh darn. I wish I had known about that in order to include it in the video. I'm looking at the Japanese version now, and indeed it has an auto battle system where the characters move around on their own, somewhat similar to the original version. That is totally weird how they decided to change it for the English version! I also noticed that there is a second opening sequence in the Japanese version that they took out because it has a Japanese vocal song. Guess that's where the second "upbeat" opening sequence went. Another mystery solved. Thanks for your information.

[@lain11644]

@@BasementBrothers They look the same to me. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnLUioNjjbRkqs0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/foLNhHulotKHndE

[@tigerfog_scypher]

@@BasementBrothers Yeah unfortunately, that anime opening song is a disservice to the Gargahv trilogy IMO. It's the SAME song used as the opening to all three Gargahv games on PSP, not to mention that the new animated openings are absolutely full of spoilers and feel cheap in its composition compared to the slow openings of the original versions. Also, the coolest songs from those original slow intros are no longer in the games AFAIK. Just like the cool upbeat 2nd opening of the PC98 version of white witch is missing, we're missing the amazing intro to Tears of Vermillions win95 version that uses a variation of the "bonds" leitmotif. I haven't started a game of Cagesong of the Ocean PSP yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if the original opening by makoto shinkai with the game's letimotif is also completely missing.

[@Wyrdwad]

@@BasementBrothers Bandai U.S. is the reason the battle system was changed for the Western PSP release, specifically because Bandai chose to release Tear of Vermilion first. The Japanese PSP versions of Tear of Vermilion and Song of the Ocean both feature the battle system you played in Prophecy of the Moonlight Witch -- White Witch PSP was the only game to feature the more RTS-style battle system of the original, which I guess Bandai Japan felt was too "outdated" or something and chose to revise for the second and third games of the trilogy. But since Tear of Vermilion was the "first" game stateside, I guess Bandai decided they didn't want to have the battle system change to an RTS style for PotMW, then change BACK for Song of the Ocean, so they just... made PotMW's function identically to Tear of Vermilion's. Aaaaand failed to rebalance the game accordingly, making the battles in PotMW feel EXTREMELY boring. Add to that the absolutely abysmal English translation (bad in all three games, but definitely most noticeably so in Tear of Vermilion, with such classic lines as "(coughing) I didn't have eaten a unusual today"), and yeah... the Gaghrav Trilogy got absolutely shafted in the West. Which is a crying shame, as I really think this trilogy -- and this game in particular -- represents the absolute pinnacle of writing for the Legend of Heroes series, with White Witch's Japanese version containing some of the most natural-sounding, believable RPG dialogue I've ever encountered. Legend of Heroes 1 and 2 are a bit stiff and old-fashioned by comparison, while the Trails series as a whole is full of unnecessary/unnatural exposition, protagonists suddenly breaking character, way too over-the-top anime melodrama, and OH SO MANY TROPES. The Gagharv Trilogy really hit that sweet spot where the characters felt real and relatable, and really helped the player get emotionally invested in their journey. I mean, Gueld is a character you NEVER ACTUALLY EVEN MEET, yet she feels realer and more tragic than most modern-day RPG protagonists do. I absolutely love this game -- for you, it's what got you into PC-98, and for me, it's actually the game that got me into Falcom! It's not the first Falcom game I ever played -- I played Ys I (SMS), Ys III (SNES), Ys VI (PS2), and Zwei (PS2) before this, as well as Faxanadu and Tombs & Treasure on NES (though I had no idea those were Falcom games at the time, and to be fair, Faxanadu really isn't!) -- but this is the game that made me sit up and take notice of Falcom, so to speak. It's what made me realize that Falcom didn't just make fast-paced anime-style games, they made REALLY THOUGHTFUL, REALLY DEEP games, with stories and characters that could really grab my imagination. And so after playing this one (on PSP in Japanese originally), I started ordering more and more games from Falcom, and began playing through their library at an insane pace for the next decade or so before finally slowing down. So yeah... really glad to see you review this one, and really cool to see some of the other versions of it. Thanks, as always, for the excellent video!

[@BasementBrothers]

@Wyrdwad Thanks for all those details. That really explains it. The Gagharv games may have been shafted in the West, but I have a slightly different take on it: The English versions of the Gagharv trilogy are an anomaly and English speakers are lucky any English version of these were ever released at all. All my years playing the Gagharv games in Japanese, they seemed so niche and obscure at the time. I never ever imagined that English versions would be made. The fact that they were released as early PSP titles by Bandai in Japan, and then Bandai deciding to release them in the U.S. in order to make some money... the stars had to all align in order for that to happen. If that hadn't happened exactly the way it did, the only hope for English versions of the Gagharv games would have been maybe someday some sort of fan translations. Also keep in mind that Legend of Heroes II still has yet to have an English version and you can see how lucky the Gagharv games actually were. Anyway, thanks for watching. Your input is insightful as always!

[@rossdixonellis]

That renewal version art looks so cozy and cool!

[@LSTRetroGamingVideos]

I love videos about retro games that have a personal story behind it. Even though I didn't even know the game before I watched this video, I can totally understand the feeling and the meaning for you behind it. When we talk about Japanese titles, Dragon Knight III or early Silky's visual novels did a similar thing for me.

[@matthewlumibao7057]

21:35 Imo ryo yonemitsu is the goat arrranger, cant even tell you how many hrs ive listened to ys 1-4 and Legend of heroes 1-2 ost. They’re all etched in my head

[@BasementBrothers]

Same. I suppose if I hadn't grown up with his sound he might sound like just any old cheap 90's arranger, but thanks to playing those games there will always be something magical about his arrangements to me. He's immediately recognizable to me too. When I was watching the anime "Kochikame" on TV years ago and heard his sound suddenly in the background I immediately went to google to check if he did the soundtrack, and sure enough, he was the arranger for a few of the tracks.

[@matthewlumibao7057]

@@BasementBrothers that's really interesting, thanks for the insight

[@Stoonk]

Wow! Not sure how I have never seen this channel. You have been pumping out nonstop kino for years I can't wait to watch your entire backlog

[@kdesano8]

I just finished my 2nd falcom game, Tear of Vermilion(1st is Moonlight Witch). I'm currently inlove with their games. This is a nice video to see how their games evolve throughout the time.

[@cygnusz54]

I had a very similar experience with first encounter the Gagharv trilogy. Every few weeks I would visit the Sofmap in Nanba to check out the used game section. Saturn games were on the second floor, near the PC section. I'd go and see those Falcom games: Xanadu Next, VM Japan, Ys, Dinosaur, Trails in the Sky and The Gagharv trilogy in their beautiful big boxes all available on the cheap. I ended up eventually pick them all up, and albeit I ended up actually playing the Playstation version of White Witch (I couldn't imagine doing the Isabelle fight with AI), the ambition, writing and music of the Gagharv trilogy ended up leaving a huge impression on me. It's so well made that you finish Cagesong of the Sea and immediately get the urge to "finish" the story again with White Witch. It's also worth noting that the Gagharv trilogy and many other classic Falcom titles Japanese releases which have not made it to Steam, can be purchased from the domestic United States from dlsite. Around ten years or so in the past Falcom would also let you buy games through international mail (this is how I got my PC version of Zero no Kiseki), although I don't know if they still offer that service.

[@BasementBrothers]

Yep. Exactly the same. There were used game stores with console games that also had a PC games section with all those big boxes. That's where I got a lot of my late nineties Japanese Windows game collection. I believe Falcom does still do International mail. They have an English page about it on their site. Thanks for watching, and your comment!

[@mzxa9988]

I played all the trilogy on psp when I was a kid and probably one of my most fav rpg on psp at that time. And even now I still in love with LoH series with the Zemuria series

[@paulsutton9278]

This is the first time in a long time I've seen anyone reference BT Garner's Turbo List! I'm geeking out so hard right now. Both it and its Saturn brother were so amazing and informative.

[@SonnoMaku]

I love the way all of these PC-98 games look but I can't read Japanese so I have to rely on videos like this. Thanks, I really appreciate this video.

[@desktorp]

to me it's known as "that game with the girl washing her feet on the cover art"

[@Gomezli16]

These vids are comfy and informative! I can feel your nolstagia! It’s interesting learning about the Japanese PC scene in the 90’s. O’er here we just had Windows and Mac.

[@balancejustice10]

The Legend of Heroes III was played on PC9801RA21. 9 months later the renewed version goes on sale The game balance has been adjusted, but the biggest difference isThe ending song has changed. The ending theme of the initial version was better for me. There is no connection with The Legend of Heroes I and II, so you can enjoy it even if you start with III. It was interesting that the fighting method changed, but the last enemy is strong enough It took me a while to defeat it because there is a luck factor. However, it is rewarding because you can see the final ending, songs, and after-episodes of the characters appearing on the minicomputer. It's still a game I want to play on a real machine, not an emulator. I still cherish both the main body and the software.　This time you picked up The Legend of Heroes III, I'm amazed that you know so much about Japan's good PC gaming era. Please do your best to introduce nostalgic software from now on. PS. Please understand that the grammar may be a bit strange.

[@BasementBrothers]

Thanks for your comment! I'm jealous you got to play it when it was brand new! I also cherish my memories wishing I could learn more about this mysterious game before finally getting to play it in the 2000's. I personally like both ending themes from the original and Renewal version. It's a shame there isn't one version that has both! The Renewal ending song isn't on the soundtrack, which is kind of a bummer. Did you notice I used the Renewal ending song at the end of the video? I decided to go with that version since the Renewal version is the one I (mostly) played to get the footage for the video. I also noticed they used this song on the PS1 version. I think most of the others use the original ending song. Anyway, thanks so much for watching as always!

[@balancejustice10]

@@BasementBrothers Thank you for your reply. Well, on the contrary, the ending theme of the early software was specially It's going to be I will tell my friends that there is a channel that introduces such rare and nostalgic game software in detail. Nihon Falcom has a lot of good games.

[@Alpenjodler1]

Don't worry about the grammar. Your comment was easy to understand.

[@linkzerotsang]

When I was a child in early 2000s I played the Windows version of ED3 first. I liked the semi-instant (and player-controllable) battle system pretty much. I didn't play the game much though. A few years later I suddenly wanted to pick it up and accidentally installed the DOS version...and was shocked by the auto battle system. That was so frustrating. I have never completed either title of the Gagharv Trilogy, but always have a soft spot in my heart for this series.

[@dmnsonic]

Excellent as always. Thanks to share with us your experience with PC-98.

[@allisonh2048]

Thanks as always for the cool peek at this awesome game! Like so many early Falcom games, I'd love to play them, but am not at a place to make the time and financial investment to procure them and study japanese. But your videos are so good that I feel like I know these games anyway now!

[@JoshuaJaeger]

I'm gonna try the Saturn version!! Thanks for this episode! Lovely as always!

[@eagix]

Hey! I was active on the turbo list back in the day - I wonder if we ever talked. I've made a PC Engine demo or two, and love the system. Anyway, really enjoying your PC-88 series! Great stuff :)

[@BasementBrothers]

We may have... but I was so young back then I probably wrote all kinds of stupid stuff that's better left forgotten. :)

[@eagix]

@@BasementBrothers Haha, you and me both :)

[@shawnji6139]

Not sure if you were aware, but the books actually do have a purpose other than just to read. You can trade them to a guy near Ghidona and pick between two special weapons. And yes, I can confirm this is present in the PC98 version. 🙂

[@BasementBrothers]

Great info! No, I had no idea. Maybe I should have looked at a walkthrough just to make sure I didn't miss anything. (I didn't ever feel like I needed one.) I found an image of the trader guy just now when I looked. I don't recall seeing him in the game, but then again I didn't have all the books anymore by that point since they were taking up so much space in my inventory. Wish now I had held on to them. Thanks for telling me though. Looks like there is a similar trader in IV so I will be sure not to miss it when I play that game.

[@shawnji6139]

@@BasementBrothers No problem! I replayed the 98 version just last year (alongside the Saturn version, oddly enough), and it was an interesting experience. Really enjoyed the video, by the way! Not enough people talk about these games.

[@BasementBrothers]

Oh yeah man I would love to spend more time with the Saturn version when I have a chance...

[@shawnji6139]

@@BasementBrothers It's really neat! Obviously the big turn off for most people is the character design, but outside of that I really enjoyed seeing an alternate take on the material. I'm also trying to finish the PC98 version of LoHIV right now, but I'm attempting to do all the open scenario stuff and it's been challenging, to say the least. I hope you end up enjoying it, though!

[@BasementBrothers]

I played through LoHIV on the PC-98 decades ago and loved it! It's so different from the Windows and all the later remakes. Really challenging, but in a very fun way if you're willing to put in the time. Not sure I'll have the time to play through the entire thing again when I make a video about it, but we'll see.

[@Zeithri]

Just watched through all three Legend of Heroes videos. Loved them. Love your videos, they're so soft and teach me more about PC-98 ^^

[@BasementBrothers]

There's a video on Legend of Heroes IV too! Did you watch it?

[@Zeithri]

@@BasementBrothers Oh yes, I did and ended up watching the others as well \o/

[@noeight5787]

HEYYY just to say that i freaking love your videos SO MUCH, been watching then basically every night before i sleep since i found your channel and i feel like i must thank you wholeheartdly. the whole 80s and 90s japanese pc-gaming scene is such a enchanting theme for people who love japanese games in general yet not at all easily accessible, your videos satiate a lot of my curiosity and honestly makes me appreciate all those games a lot. i hope that you can keep doing this as long as you wish to. i love the way you share your passion.

[@fakeshemp9599]

Well put! I wholeheartedly agree with this! Thank you basement brothers! For all that you do for us! We are not worthy!!

[@daisukegori2112]

Anemoia. Nostalgia for something you have never experienced.

[@BasementBrothers]

Good word to know!

[@daisukegori2112]

​@@BasementBrothers Your show is great. And I respect your dedication.

[@mekman4]

I love these old games too. My brother championed his Turbo Graphx 16 and Turbo Duo, he even bought a PC FX, so your content is a great source of nostalgia for me. The Legend of Heroes 4 looks visually interesting and thanks for the heads up on the PS5 continuation of the series! Now I’m going to check that out as well! Don’t be shy about continuing with the Neo Geo software, they still make great games! Great Stuff, as always.

[@BasementBrothers]

Oh yeah I've got a complete set of all the PC-FX games and would love to make some videos about those too if there is much interest. My brother is working on the Fatal Fury video now so watch for it in the future. Thanks for watching.

[@kristinopperman7931]

I bought a Japanese Saturn just so I could play the Saturn version of the White Witch. And I really loved what Hudson did with it. It's so 90's anime style which breathes life into what was already a fun game about 2 young heroes going on a journey together. My only complaint was with the character designs to the adults. Like Morrison wtf is up with his hair? lol.

[@jordanazerad123]

Being a huge trails fan this is so awesome to see some of falcoms history that sadly as an english speaker is rough to enjoy. Wish there was more content on PC-98 games in general

[@ParappatheRapper]

Is there any possibility you would be able to scan that poster and share it? It's so beautiful and when I searched for it I can't find a very good quality image of it.

[@jacksnap425]

Excellent video. Love your channel.

[@ChoosenOneStudios]

Another great look at an interesting game! You have my encouragement to be as personal as you want--this series is really great and I like the personal touches and the more impersonal "this is the facts" weaving you do. It's very clear that you want to be thorough, and I doubt indulging your personal stories will ever take away from that.

[@ryanmckenzie7149]

I have the PSP version. I played it for about a week and became board with it. I want to give it another go now!

[@BasementBrothers]

Don't blame you. I got bored with the PSP version right away too.

[@ninten2112]

It's crazy how I've never played any version of this game, yet this has my favorite soundtrack out of the PC-88/98 games, and it's the one PC98 game, besides Madou Monogatari, that I've always wanted to play.

[@chafacorpTV]

I love how this channel is a window to a world I would normally just idealize and fantasize about. Thanks for your diligence towards all of non nihongo speaking weebs out there. You have the goddess blessing.

[@sunderark]

"Alf, a crazy old man" Alf, aged 41.

[@BasementBrothers]

Yeah, maybe I shouldn't have said "old". He's actually younger than me. lol Oh well, 41 is super old by JRPG standards.

[@sunderark]

@@BasementBrothers I know man, it cut deep. ;_;

[@BasementBrothers]

Sorry man. If it's any consolation, the damage was self-inflicted as well it seems. :)

[@RX79818]

Thank you I was always so curious about the original version of this game I played the PSP version and enjoyed the story, but grew so dissatisfied with the battles and overall style that I almost didn’t finish it

[@oOGambitOo]

Julio?. Julio?; It's all Latin to me, Bro! Don't Sweat it. And Keep beein' awesome!!

[@AdamSommer70]

Great video!!! Thanks for posting

[@besotoxicomusic]

Legend of Heroes Trails in the Sky First and Second Chapters were my favorite RPGs of all time. I really need to go back and play the other ones.

[@fakeshemp9599]

I really like the part where you compare the obscure ports to an already obscure game 👍

[@GamingWithSpoons]

That intro is epic.

[@goddem123]

Great work! This is FAVORITE Game in my life, I loooooooove Tirasweel and the trilogy. BUT “The legends of heroes IV" are two types of different game - System,Characters,and Story. I believe the old one is true "the second of trilogy". (PC98 and PS were original. Windows and PSP were remake - different thing. I wish you play both and love both.) Thanks!

[@BasementBrothers]

Yep. Exactly right. The PC-98 version of IV is very different. With the Windows version they changed IV completely and all the later versions follow the Windows version. The PS1 version is the only port based on the original PC-98 version. Let's say the original PC-98 version is canon! Thanks for watching.

[@Xpert74]

It's a shame the combat is as flawed as it is. Personally, I'd still like to play this game someday, being a massive Trails fan myself. Interesting to hear exactly how each version compares to one another. Thank you for another great video ^_^

[@OutlawOtaku]

We love Falcom games around here, don't we folks? This was very pleasant listening whilst playing Legend of Heroes Cold Steel IV. Thank you good sir!

[@AoiHeartStranger]

2:00 this "weird" artstyle is kinda amazing, characters are very solid and 3dimensional. Reminds me of Satoru Utsunomiya style.

[@retrogames_jp1404]

Nice video and channel! I own a PC Engine and X68000 among other systems as well. Really love them! No PC-98 so far unfortunately..

[@rosiemcdamsel]

Thank you for making these videos. I'm trying to learn Japanese so I can experience these old PC98 games for myself, but because of my ADHD it's going very slowly. So for now, this is the only way I can experience them. When it comes to this specific game, I listened to the soundtracks of the PC98 and Windows versions and loved them a lot. I wanted to play the PSP version since it was in English, but I couldn't stand the sleepy music, hahaha. The quest to learn Japanese continues...

[@Tr3vor42532]

I think most of the faux nostalgia comes from the design behind the games more than anything. Even though most of us haven't played these games on the PC-98, a lot of the design behind the games are recognizable from console games we have played at some point. It would be neat to know what that feels like, I never played many older japanese action RPG type games until I got my PC-98. I just got into it because I'm a computer nerd lol.

[@Vampier]

On the MSX2 the Legend of Heroes 1 (aka Dragon Slayer 6) was something special for its time. Xanadu/Legacy of the Wizzard ... this series is so naming convoluted it's not even funny :) The trails series on the other hand is a massive universe and great to play!

[@RilsR]

The Saturn Version really looks like it's what becomes Trails. Isometric game with spongey enemies.

[@Pioxital]

Awesome channel. Hope only to have 'Near' to have seen it and talk to you about emulation...Oh well. Incredible pixel art as usual for old games.

[@AceaIvalia]

This was one of the games that got me hooked on JRPG or RPG in general. There were a few others I played and loved in (J)RPG genre, but White Witch really left lasting impact (story, music...)

[@Bram7Lawliet]

woah shiroki no majo for saturn just reminded me with popolocrois because the isometric and battle too!

[@kagepoker]

Basement Brothers. I'm dead 💀

[@RuinAngel]

I played the SS version as a child and never once did I realize it is the legend of heroes game which I played and enjoyed on PC.

[@BasementBrothers]

You played both and didn't realize it was the same story and characters?

[@RuinAngel]

@@BasementBrothers Well I didn't understand Japanese back then. Played the Chinese version on PC and Japanese version on SS and never realized they are the same game lol.

[@RuinAngel]

Don't know about you guys, but it is pretty common in my childhood that kids just play through games they don't understand a word either by brute force trial and error, or by getting a guidebook in their language. Obviously I was the brute force type lol

[@BasementBrothers]

Interesting. I did play a lot of Japanese games before I could understand the language. But that's a funny story. I guess the SS and PC versions are so different, and even have different titles, so it's possible that you might not even realize they were the same story and characters. Thanks for your story!

[@RuinAngel]

On a side note, I played and completed Chinese Farland Saga on PC and later played the Japanese version on SS and it took me a few stage in to figure it is the same game. Perhaps I was a little bit on the dull side as a kid. They are essentially the same game graphic wise.

[@allisonh2048]

Kenji Tsuruta is an amazing artist but definitely a unique pick for this game cover. I'm surprised they let him put his foot fetish on the cover like that.

[@kevinochsner6155]

Question: You mentioned about the art style and the the way the characters on the original cover are looking away. @2:00 I might have missed it, but do you have any theory, or is it explained in the game story? I guess they may appear like their looking out for something. They look worried. Or, maybe just the art style at the time? I didn’t see another similar in the game footage. Anyway, thanks. I appreciate your in-depth review!

[@BasementBrothers]

A commenter here on this video named bruticus0 posted a pretty good theory of what they were going for. I think he's right.

[@tetukabuto]

For a pixel game the text is really nice to read on the pc 98.

[@TopherBlairMusic]

Your Ys and Legend of Heroes series is youtube kino.

[@namunassa]

Windows versions of 3-5 are probably the best Legend of Heroes series ever and I've played every single game till the newest Kuro no Kiseki. I really hope there is a remake for current generation.

[@Agostoic]

Bro! I'm named Julio and I can tell you it's totally a real name 😂 It's Spanish for Jules/July (as the month). And as you should know by now the Japanese L & R are almost indistinguishable to pronounce, so it's legit. Anyway, love your vids on 80s obscure jrpgs, cheers.

[@serphence8566]

The "julio" name is common in portuguese too. The pronounciation is different from spanish though, sounds pretty much like how it is first said in the vídeo too.

[@BasementBrothers]

Just in case it was not clear by my wording in the video. Yes, I am aware that Julio is a real name. Sorry if I have done a disservice to all the Julios of the world. Thanks for watching!

[@moomah5929]

Reminds me of me more or less getting every version of Ultima games under the sun. xD If only PC98 and X68k hardware (and often games too) wouldn't be so expensive nowadays and I would not be running out of space with all the PCs, consoles and home computers plus all the physical games I already own. We even thought about moving into a bigger place for more space to expend the collection... From the early Legend of Heroes titles, I only own them for my PC Engine Duo (DS I & II), Mega Drive (DS II) and SNES (DS I), still missing the Saturn versions (except for the first Dragon Slayer in the Falcom Classics I) for my most beloved console. While we also have the new ones like the Trails of Cold Steel series, I wish the series would return to more fantasy again. I'm not so keen on this steampunky school setting. That the original version feels so special might also be due to the dithered graphics of back then. They have their own charm. Btw, many JRPGs, especially Falcom ones are having far too much text that doesn't advance the story or characters. It's like filling and padding your RPG out with small talk. And don't get me started on the Manga/Anime tropes... And I'm a RPG player of many PC RPGs, who is used to far more text than your typical console RPG had in the 90s. Still love to collect and play them from time to time. Still missing many and find the Japanese PC versions especially hard to find. PS: I always have to laugh when seeing Japanese in concerts waving glowy sticks instead of lighters. Simply doesn't give the same cool vibes as the latter and rather feels like everyone gets a stick pressed into their hands when entering.

[@SuperOtakuKyo]

Hope one day a fan translation for the Gagharv trilogy happens.

[@dangunheadachron1603]

The PSP versions came out in English

[@AshleyRiot]

@@dangunheadachron1603 it’s bad though lol

[@SuperOtakuKyo]

@@dangunheadachron1603 The PSP translations are terrible and the gameplay is a downgrade from previous versions

[@Walamonga1313]

Hopefully they get rerelease, I'll emulate the PSP version meanwhile tho

[@ThomasJeff1898]

Good news, the same group behind the translations of the Crossbell arc, The Geofront, is confirmed to be doing the translation for the Garghav trilogy (specifically the Windows PC version). Starting with this one of course. If you are curious, look it up for yourself.

[@miasma82]

I always liked the music in the legend of heroes games

[@Arehexes]

Going to be honest, I love your videos on these old PC games I never had any experences with. It does feel like a nostalgia for something I know I never played. After watching your vids on these falcom games, I would love to know your opinion for the games to play for someone who is completely new to this franchise.

[@BasementBrothers]

I would say go straight to Trails in the Sky FC or Trails of Cold Steel 1. But in either case you have to have patience and be prepared to enjoy a time-consuming game! If you get bored right away, then the series is probably not for you.

[@Arehexes]

@@BasementBrothers Thank you for the suggestion, and response to my question. I'll definitely try both games out.

[@Gridseeker]

Fun fact: "Julio" in Spanish means "Jule" and yes, it's a very common male name. Also, the Spanish spelling at 8:10 is quite accurate.

[@niwatorijack5274]

12:00 whoa so it's like the early-version of gambit systems in Final Fantasy 12 then

[@SeaSerpentLevi]

amazing retrospective! oh man this saturn version, is one of those games that makes me regret having given up learning japanese. its sooo cute, you are right: they should have released it as a whole new game, with other name. Its sad to see such a beautiful and well made game fade into obscurity just as a japan only port of another game, when it is a very different experience. :0

[@CecilTheDarkKnight234]

From the looks of things the Saturn version seems to be more of my cup of tea.. It has that breath of fire 1-3 vibe, and sound/music/voice acting are what I loved about console JRPGS from that era.

[@BasementBrothers]

The Saturn version is the one I've never played all the way through that I would really like to find the time for someday. I too love the mid-90's vibes with the graphics and voice acting. It's another style I love in addition to the old PC-88/98 style. Back in those days I probably would've actually preferred the Saturn version over the PC-98. Thanks for watching.

[@CecilTheDarkKnight234]

@@BasementBrothers oh wow thanks for the response back. It's one version that I truly wish some one would've localized back then. I also want to say thank for covering all of these 80's-90's Japanese's PC retro games. You're on of few people, I've ran across that reviews said software.

[@WeskerSega]

It's a pity Hudson didn't try the same approach with The Legend of Heroes IV, which got a PlayStation version by GMF in pretty much the same vein as The Legend of Heroes III, but this didn't follow for the Sega Saturn for some reason (one has to wonder if they had the license to do it but didn't do the game or actually cancelled it, or rather they didn't even bother to license it at all). Hudson did a great job adapting Falcom titles on the PC Engine CD, but after that, it was just this for the Sega Saturn and then nothing else. A real shame.

[@xanadujin]

OMG well we are best friends. Holy crap just found this channel. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yoroshiku!!

[@leonojourney9069]

love your video, hope for more from you

[@Comrade_Hee-Ho]

I would love to see a fan translation of the Renewal version of the game. My Japanese isn't that good yet but I hope I get to improve to play many other Falcom games like this one

[@BasementBrothers]

Yeah, the Renewal version is the one to play on the PC-98. If an English patch was made, though, it would probably be pretty easy to apply it to either the Renewal or original release version of the game since they're so similar. Game saves are also (mostly) bi-compatible. Thanks for watching.

[@samhain1914]

holy fk this is awesome!!! I've never heard of this .. thanks Alec I fkn loved ys

[@RIPhikennoace]

Your videos are perfect. Please talk about Emerald Dragon.

[@robintst]

I usually give JRPGs in medieval fantasy settings some leeway on whether or not something sounds too Engrish and I wouldn't have questioned the Jurio/Julio name thing, but once you pointed it out I couldn't unsee it, haha. I agree Julio sounds better. Jurio has a harder sound and feels like it would be attached to a rougher type of character.

[@dragamation3266]

The Saturn Version looks so cool and I'd love to play it

[@stevethefishdotnet]

Neat. I just started playing the PSP version recently. I played the "first" game about 9 years ago, and at the time I did not know that the second game is actually the first! The music is boring, I think. Too bad it doesn't have the PC-98 music.

[@binchillin888]

Cool video. Japan really has kept too many of it's gems to itself

[@LightFykki]

I am quite amazed that you have so many of these old classics and in such a good condition as well. I have a hard time finding them, but it could be that they are more exclusive to Japanese shops and sites.

[@BasementBrothers]

This particular game is really common, so it actually wasn't very difficult to get in Japan. I picked up the "Renewal" floppy version you see in the video recently at BEEP's shop in Akihabara. It was less than 2000 yen.

[@LightFykki]

@@BasementBrothers Well, that is quite a pleasant surprise. I have a feeling if that copy would somehow surface online for the western market it would be much much more than 2000 yen, but it is a different supply and demand situation when considering Akihabara.

[@lunaticgate]

Great video. I have a lot of nostalgia for this game too. I played it on the psp first quite some years ago now. Was one of the first very story heavy games I played in Japanese. I wonder how many language learners first dipped their toes into this series haha. I’ve been recently replaying the psp version and the dialogue and story really drives the game on. Always wanted to know more about the original and contemplated getting it on project egg. I have the Saturn version but only tested it works. After seeing the footage here I want to play it now. I think I saw it mentioned already that the Japanese psp version used a different combat system. It was fully automated although you could manually chose some actions. I think that may be why it felt tedious to you. You really don’t need to control them outside of healing so it’s alot faster when it’s automated. I’m also fairly sure the pet system wasn’t in the original Japanese one either. Again it was added from tear of vermillion I think. You do have a pet but it does nothing except find items. It’s also random I think which pet you get. Wonderful channel. There is so much from this era on PCs that I know nothing about as a non Japanese console gamer. But I also feel nostalgia for the sounds and aesthetic of this era. Thank you

[@BasementBrothers]

The pet system is in the Japanese PSP version of III. I also wondered about that, but nope, they didn't add it for the English version. I checked (after making this video). Thanks for your comment, BTW.

[@lunaticgate]

@@BasementBrothers unless more unlocks later, when I’ve been replaying up to my pet doesn’t have any options, maybe I’m mistaken though. Last time I played it was just after getting off the boat. Just occasionally my pet finds items at random and shows a heart icon and you can interact to get them. I thought the western version added on a pre complicated system. I havnt played it in English but watched some video footage. I’ve actually only played a few hours of vermillion so don’t know much about that one.

[@BasementBrothers]

So maybe they added elements to the pet system? All I noticed is that the pet is definitely there in the Japanese version, which is already too much for me....

[@lunaticgate]

@@BasementBrothers oh yes. The pets are definitely there. But I think it’s more just superficial and not much interaction or thought behind it until the later psp games. You can basically ignore your pet it just follows you around. But they used the later additions on the western one earlier much old they did with combat system. You can also choose which pet you have in the western one I believe but you cannot in the Japanese version.

[@wjo9272]

Geofront is releasing a new fan translation of this game! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYe7onWshMmqfdk

[@BasementBrothers]

It is the Windows version, of course, not the PC-98 version. But, yeah, it's awesome that a decent version of the game will finally be playable in English.

[@RegalPixelKing]

This game sounds like it might have been better if it was an entirely story based game without combat to speak of.

[@BasementBrothers]

It practically is. lol Weirdly, even the story is quite slow-paced and doesn't pick up until near the end. Lots of people will probably find it dull. It's a talkative game where very little actually happens (throughout most of it). It's weird, but I'm fascinated that Falcom decided to make this back in '94. And the characters and story are classic and timeless to me, despite the slow pacing. Thanks for watching.

[@Natreg44]

Looking forward to a comparison for Tear of Vermillion. That one is really a completely different game on PC-98 than Windows. I think the Windows version also added a lot of subevents here and there. I don't get why the PSP version for Witch Witch was based on PC-98 (except for the FMVs) whereas the PSP version of Tear of Vermillion was based on windows.

[@BasementBrothers]

Yeah. Exactly. The PC-98 version of IV is like a completely different game. Can't wait to play it again to capture footage. (I haven't started yet. Too busy playing Kuro no Kiseki II. Might do a different game before I make a video about IV.)

[@AceWing905]

2:20 I can read a considerable amount of Japanese and also know what 英雄伝説 is, and I still have trouble reading that title

[@BasementBrothers]

LOL yeah. Good point. That is a bit of a crazy font too.

[@knkn5049]

first 10 seconds i was very intrigued because wasn't expected that pc98 had port of heroes of might and magic 3 )))

[@BasementBrothers]

PC-98 does have Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra though!