The TurboGrafx-16 in 1989 | Classic Gaming Quarterly

[@BitHead1000]

What a fantastic video. It’s easy for anyone to see that a lot of work went into this.

[@CGQuarterly]

Thanks, BH1K!

[@mylord_1579]

You should do a history on tiger electronic handheld

[@fortitude9932]

Great video and in hyped for turboduo mini

[@musclemark2710]

Represent New York! This video is very informative and intelligent! Good stuff my guy!

[@leeartlee915]

@@mylord_1579 oh god please no. Those things should all be burned with fire.

[@TheBoxBreakers]

“Ga” “La” “Ga” we just say Galaga here on earth. With love respect appreciation for all you do for free thank you.

[@denimchicken104]

Yeah. I’ve gone my entire life only ever hearing people pronounce it GALaga. This dude is “ba” “na” “nas”

[@juliajules3481]

@@denimchicken104 sttzgz hi

[@joshwagner8457]

89 upper deck junior.nice.i never had one

[@annoyeduk]

lmao so true

[@ps1master-class150]

GA la GA sounds like he's going to vomit. Can't stand it pronounced that way.

[@pauljohnson7548]

I have a weird history with this system. It came out when I was in high school. I had an after-school job and thus had ample spending money for the first time in my life. I already owned an NES and a Genesis, but I didn't want to miss out on this new TurboGrafx-16 system, so I bought a base model despite the high price. After bringing it home and setting it up, I discovered that to hook it up properly to the TV and stereo, I needed to go back to the toy store and buy a plug-in thing that attached to the back of it for an RCA hookup, making it even more expensive. In addition to the somewhat crappy pack-in game Keith Courage, I also bought Dungeon Explorer, which I really liked. However I was not able to play it with my sister without going back to the toy store yet again to buy the "Turbo Tap" and a second controller. This was getting ridiculously expensive. A few days later, buyer's remorse swept over me and I returned everything for my money back. Flash forward to a couple years later, I was in the army when the Turbo Duo came out. One of my buddies had bought one, and he had Gate of Thunder and Ys Book I & II. Those games were light years better than the ones I had seen on the TurboGrafx in high school, so I completely changed my mind about the system and bought a Duo, which I still have to this day. I got heavily into the import scene and bought all the classics from Japan like Gradius II, Ys IV and Dracula X: Rondo of Blood. It's still my favorite system of all time. But I also understand why it totally flopped in the U.S. It was overpriced, overly complicated to set up, and there just weren't enough good games to justify owning one until a couple years later when the Duo came out.

[@RequiemDream]

Paul Johnson 🙂

[@rodneyabrett]

I had all those accessories including the CD-ROM which was ridiculously expensive at the time. Sold it all for the Duo later down the road. I feel like NEC finally got it right with the Duo, but by that time, it was too late. They lost the console war. Best part about the Duo was that it didn't have any region lock so the import scene was something I was heavily invested in myself. Dracula X, Exile, Download, Valis, etc.

[@pauljohnson7548]

It's really a shame that NEC couldn't figure how to handle the U.S. market until it was too late. If they could have gotten their shit together and debuted a little later with the Duo and localized versions of like 20 of the best Super CD-ROM and HuCard games, they might've had a fighting chance.

[@megatron0007]

@@rodneyabrett Correction NEC dominated the console war in Japan,NEC failed in America

[@Sinn0100]

@Mourning Star No, you clearly are not the sharpest tool in the shed. I grew up during 16-bit generation and was in high school during the Sega Genesis/Sega CD and Snes days (TG16 is in the same generation). I am 38 years old so...you want to try again. Furthermore, the Pokemon craze started in 1996 so it is completely plausible that he grew up as a fan of the Pokemon series. Now, I am not going to generalize nor try to guess anything about you aside from what I can gleam from your wonderful post. It shows me that you truly have nothing to add to the conversation and you like to say vile things to military veterans. I am curious to your station in life as you clearly lack respect and foresight. I will await your indignant response.

[@CosmicEffect]

I've learned more about the PC Engine/TG-16 in this episode than all the reading I ever did on the interwebs about the console, thanks Chris for such high-quality edutainment!

[@KMFDM_Kid2000]

Your announcer voice is the best. Great episode! The love really shows in your work as usual.

[@rickylovesyou]

16 bit systems across the board were amazing.

[@AirZonkWorldChamp]

Ohya, being a day one TG-16 fan it was cool remembering all these cool games again. Great video!

[@bondedomao]

I love how deep you go on general gaming history every time you get a chance to jump on it. I never knew maker of SFI gone to SNK and made FF, for example. Pure gold videos.

[@theobscurestash6537]

One of the most comprehensive videos on any subject of the TG-16 I have ever seen. Great scripting, editing, fx...the whole shabang. Another one in the bag, good job!

[@DarkMikaruX]

What a great video! I was one of 3 kids in my school who had a Turbo Grafx 16 / TurboCD and then a TurboDuo which I still have today. Such great memories of those games and blowing my friends minds with the real audio from games like Gate of Thunder, Lords of Thunder and Ys Book! Great job covering the system sir... WELL DONE!

[@lamontyaboy718]

You're the first, and so far only, person I ever heard pronounce Galaga like that. I think we say it like gah-la-guh because of how we pronounce the word "Galaxy".

[@Serevarno]

I was pretty lit when I was watching this, and every time he said Galaga the way he did, it made my brain physically hurt.

[@realtrisk]

He's using the proper Japanese pronunciation instead of the usual American butchering of the word.

[@Agent101g]

@@realtrisk Yes, everything that isn't the original japanese is butchering. I hope you've grown in four years.

[@ModernVintageGamer]

been waiting for this one. awesome stuff Jibb

[@kind2311]

JIbb?

[@tedmahsun]

Jibb!

[@AppliedCryogenics]

I can't believe it took me so long to find this channel!!?? Truly excellent content. The algorithms should be ashamed.

[@freeecountryy]

I'm so impressed by the quality of these mini documentaries. So much work put into them. Thank you!

[@piperalpha3123]

Thank you for making these. It is a real fun trip down memory lane.

[@RetroGamePlayers]

I will never forget playing Splatterhouse on a TG16 kiosk in the electronics section of my local Fred Meyer when I was 9. It was the first time I felt scared while playing a videogame and I loved it.

[@dj_ath]

Retro Game Players your my age. I always wanted a Turbo G 16 but I got a genesis in 90

[@honestycheck3083]

I remember tricking my dad into buying it and the first night playing in the dark. Totally agree, first game that game me chills and terrified.👍

[@Cee_Nelly]

Oh man I had Splatterhouse as well and I remember being haunted by having to fight his girlfriend. As a kid, I remember the game having some pretty good scares. In 1990, I was about 11 or so.

[@dj_ath]

Retro Game Players doom would get me at night with the light out

[@ryantimony6669]

Fred Meyer! Just went there today. No Turbo Grafx tho

[@mylord_1579]

This is one of the best detailed history of turbo graphic 16 ever super awesome thank you for sharing

[@gilavalos2400]

In 38 years, i never heard anyone call the game ga-la-ga

[@xboxvip9887]

ya wtf

[@JamieVegas]

I'm surpsied he didn't say tur-BOgra-fix

[@monokai3570]

I always remember I've seen this video before when it reaches the Galogah point.. It's totally supposed to be pronounced the same way you say Galaxy

[@ralphkotwica6184]

Thats how u say it Tho

[@monokai3570]

@@kristoferstoll587 yeah it should be Ga-la-ga, or even Gal-a-ga, definitely not Ga-logger though - as usual a sweet video otherwise though. 12:32 for anyone wondering

[@thedrunkmonkshow]

I'm only 10 minutes into this and I can't help myself from commenting on how much of a spectacular job your presentation, gameplay captures, photos and commentary is with this episode!! Well worth the wait and as always I appreciate your dedication and persistence in making top tier work like this. Definite homerun my friend! :)

[@mymangodfrey]

TheDrunkMonkShow It’s really good. Up there with the videos Jeremy Parish and Greg Sewart have been creating: good production values combined with real research and fun trivia.

[@teen_laqueefa]

Way better than that Rolfe guy

[@AintNobodyAtAll]

These annual roundup episodes are evergreen. Love returning to them. I imagine doing one for each year would be a Herculean effort.

[@Heru3005]

Perfect timing releasing this episode! Waiting on a PC Engine Duo R to be delivered in just a couple of days.

[@AmberShort]

I really enjoyed this episode immensely. Good job! =)

[@CGQuarterly]

Thanks!

[@teen_laqueefa]

Amber I see you everywhere I go on KZbin....it's comforting...

[@mikedrop4421]

Such quality work. Definitely love to see more of these retrospectives.

[@frozenaorta]

Watching 7 seconds of Virtua Tennis on the Dreamcast makes me want to dig through my garage and break that game back out again. The amount of hours we spent in college playing that game and unlocking everything is outright ridiculous. What a fantastic game. Thomas Johansson forever!

[@CGQuarterly]

Same here.

[@patrickmartin8854]

I never had a chance to own a TG16 when I was younger and only recently purchased one. Naturally I started looking up KZbin videos talking about the system and I'm so glad I ran across your video. I consider you the Ken Burns of video game documentaries. Excellent work!

[@BobbyHo2022]

He too. I titan ever drive too but I haven't grown to love the thing

[@HugoRibeiroDrummer]

I still have my TG-16 from back in the day! I was the only kid I knew who had one. Guess I was one of the "weird" kids. 😄 cheers

[@trappenweisseguy27]

You were the smart one. I wish I still had mine.

[@tolust]

wow what an amazing episode !!!!! THIS is what made you a star in the first place . Great series ! great editing .

[@rodrigomolinsky]

You're back! With a TurboGrafx-16 episode. Great! :)

[@themanwithnoname4385]

Your back. Missed yah man. I love the aesthetic with your videos, and the use of all the visuals, like the magazine articles and commercials. It's more like watching a professional documentary on TV rather then a youtube video. Keep up the good work!

[@RockmanDR001]

Very awesome. Thoroughly researched and totally comprehensive overviews of all of these games, love it! Keep up the good work!!

[@FinalBaton]

Amazing episode bud. I love how far back you go to describe each game (or rather : the context it was made in). Super high quality content, and thoroughly enjoyable

[@GroversMill]

Loved the TurboGrafix 16. Military Madness was my favorite. I have to find one again. Thanks CGQ

[@nattila7713]

one hour well spent. thank you!

[@SonicMrSumo]

I love your hour long console docos...such high quality entertainment and education. Keep up the amazing work!

[@PumpkinStrikesBack]

Top notch production quality!

[@RequiemDream]

PumpkinStrikesBack Sorry

[@MzuMzu-nx1em]

PC engine is way better than Sega genesis . Great console

[@Cee_Nelly]

Wow, this was a real trip down memory lane! These were the days when I would read the electronics / video game section of the sears catalog and dream about playing some of the games they had listed there. I remember being the only one in my group of friends to own a TG16, and I also remember desperately wanting a TG CD but the price was way more than my mom could afford. Anyway, awesome video as always!

[@jamesleblanc7437]

Not just a history lesson of TG-16, but of tangential connections (Capcom, Sega, Japanese pro baseball). Great stuff! I’m watching SNES next😜

[@bigcheesepuff1]

Seen a few other channels talk about the TG16, but I had no interest, but your vid has made me take notice. I really like the history and context thats mixed in here. Great vid

[@herczeus9341]

Thank you for the long episode. I love hardware reviews.

[@JazGalaxy]

The tgfx was always a weird mystery to me since I didn’t grow up with it. This is an e trembly helpful video.

[@videogameobsession]

Excellent job man! I bought the TG-16 shortly after buying the Genesis. Unfortunately I was pretty letdown by it. After getting used to playing amazing Genesis games such as Ghouls N Ghosts, Super Hang-On, Golden Axe, and Revenge of Shinobi, connected via composite video / stereo audio. I had the TG with only Keith Courage and Vigilante and had to contend with awful looking interference ridden RF outpout with mono sound. It was disappointing to say the least. I later found out about the Turbo Booster, but no local stores actually sold it. I ended up returning it. Fast forward a couple of years.. I repurchased the TG16, for only $89, along with a Turbo Booster Plus. I also bought with it a bunch of games this time around, including the amazing Devil's Crush, Galaga '90, Blazing Lasers, Bonk, and Splatterhouse, and my feelings on it had totally changed. I really enjoyed it. I really think NEC would have had a much stronger launch had they packed in something other than Keith Courage, and also had given the TG16 proper composite outputs. In fact, anything after the NES in 1985 should have had this.

[@raypadilla254]

If nec would've included splatter house or blazing lasers! Or basically anything except Keith courage, they may have been a success here in the states just like Japan! Oh well!

[@todayisforgotten]

@Armament Armed Arm True. But to be fair, Keith Courage was a pretty slow and "boring" game to be the default game. IMO still was a good system. Still have mine from xmas as a young child.

[@TheMultiGunMan]

One of my brothers really good friends had a Turbo Grafix 16. We had the Sega Genesis. My brothers friend would bring over his Turbo Grafix 16 all the time and we'd sit there taking turns playing each console. I was a "hard core" Sega Genesis fan. But, that Turbo Grafix 16 came incredibly close to winning me over. I thought it was a cool console and very classy looking.

[@axey7476]

not sure how anyone cud dislike this vid, its so professionally done. Great work!

[@happyending1406]

Axillax I guess people who’s dislike classic gaming mostly are pc gamer hahahah

[@HarmlessChildren]

Well, most of the video is about games for the system. Not the design, development, and launch of the system itself. I would like more of that. Not 7 minutes of Street Fighter. I actually gave up on the video about 2/3's of the way through as I just didn't want mini reviews of all the games.

[@psafley]

to be fair he did commit the crime of calling Galaga, "GA-LAGA"

[@mr.mellow4093]

I love watching these, you do a fantastic job. Love to see more of these. Keep it up, love your channel.

[@CGQuarterly]

Thanks! I'm working on the next one right now.

[@theSato]

Ever since you mentioned this video a few days ago I've been looking forward to it hard. The turbografx is "that one console I've heard a lot about but know nothing about" so this video is really interesting and informative for me. Thanks for making it!

[@avenuePad]

Awesome video! Seriously. Really great! Regarding Dragon Spirit, it's one of many titles for the PCE/TG that has a secret code that will change the aspect ratio so it's more like the arcade (usually called "arcade mode"). It makes a world of difference with any game, but I find it especially helpful with Dragon Spirit. Anyway, I'm really enjoying your videos. Keep it up! :)

[@Retrosys]

There’s always such a long wait between videos, but it has ALWAYS been worth it.

[@darthv72]

Awesome video Chris. Professionalism at its best.

[@Dezeberbro]

Great video. Very entertaining & informative.

[@justinlink1616]

This is possibly the best video game channel with fewer than 100,000 subscribers.

[@jonathanhawranko2679]

This channel is the reason I started binging retro video game channels. Perfect nostalgia fix listening to his stories and documentaries! Subbed here first, and later found things like Game Historian, Metal Jesus Rocks, My Life in Gaming... But I can't stress enough how much I enjoy the content here at CGQ!

[@robertdowling8656]

What an excellent video to pay tribute to turbografx16 which is always in the background and never receives coverage as compared to every other video game system of the era. I remember going in to FAO Schwartz in Manhattan as an 12 year old kid in 1989 and playing fighting street on the CD rom. The line was a mile long. With that huge price tag I would never see it for Christmas. I am fortunate enough now as an adult to own one. Unforgettable nostalgia. Thanks

[@lamechode]

Yet another amazing video from my favourite channel . Thanks for all the great content chap 🤝👍

[@CapnPicard]

I always pronounced it Galaga like in Galaxy. Weird. Galoga sounds like someone coughing up a hairball. Great video regardless!

[@lankey6969]

This is the only time I've ever heard anyone pronounce it that way.

[@SnakeWorksStudio]

great video, weird pronunciations :D Galarga, Ga-plus :D

[@oscarm6990]

Yeah, I've only ever heard Gal-eh-guh. Ga-law-guh is a new one...

[@trashcandatnoobwut2246]

Galarga was a great game on the Segger genesis.

[@gilavalos2400]

@@trashcandatnoobwut2246 lol

[@KTJohnsonkidThunder]

Awesome episode. Watching this makes me feel like I have to get into the TG16 more.

[@TheGoldenBolt]

Two things I want to say: This really makes me want to pick up a TurboGrafx and dive into its library. More importantly, I know you hear it at least sometimes, but I wanted to say again that I love these videos, they're always such a good time. That's all, carry on!

[@PixelGameSquad]

LOVE your work dude!!!!

[@MoMovies1980]

Excellent video. One of your best. Keep up the good work! Excited to see the next video!

[@TheBacklogOdyssey]

I've never had the opportunity to own or play a Turbografx-16 but with it's plethora of shoot em ups, it really seems like it would be right up my alley! Unfortunately, the games aren't getting any cheaper haha Great video and a fun look into what NEC was up to in 89! Now to work on finding a console of my very own... ;)

[@areitz]

This one was really well done. Have been appreciating the Turbo more lately, and I loved the detailed history company that developed each game.

[@MrSEA-ok2ll]

I am a retro gamer and collector, and simply adore the PCEngine and TBFrafx16...what a sweet piece of hardware; especially when you consider the early release date of the chipset.

[@dj_ath]

89 was a good year

[@gilavalos2400]

93 for me

[@dianevrules]

This is my 3rd favorite console of all time. I still have my original Turbo Grafx 16 with the turbostick and turbo tap adapter. SNES and NES are my first two fav consoles. Sega Master is my 4th favorite.

[@FalseOracle617]

You, sir, are amazing at what you are doing here! Quality, quality, quality!!

[@rockettaco]

Hell yeah! New CGQ!

[@Ojja78]

You can say there are 2 ways to pronounce "Galaga", but I've never heard anyone else pronounce it the way you've chosen to (I was a beast at that game).

[@SceptrumVirtuale]

Awesome video. Sorta a new fan. Idk most of these games and I got to say it kinda wants me to get the system and play these old games. It’s a glipse back the past

[@MitchQuadrupleTree]

I believe you're correct in Mike from Street Fighter evolving into Balrog. When Street Fighter II came out in the US, the names of Balrog, Vega, and M. Bison were shuffled around from the original Japanese release, with the character we know as Balrog originally named M. Bison in the Japanese release. This was presumably changed to avoid any legal disputes from professional boxer Mike Tyson.

[@elgiacomo]

Always enjoy these videos from you, man. Good work and look forward to the next one.

[@sshot7539]

Love this channel! keep it up! Would like to see more videos like this..Hello from other side of the planet :)

[@stingyringpiece]

Thanks for making this man. I always really enjoy your vids.

[@CGQuarterly]

Thank you!!

[@wogsykirk1156]

A new CGQ vid.. Yeahh baby. It didn't even show up on my sub list. Ahh well, im here now. Love your vids man.

[@coromasta91]

Another great episode! Keep em going!

[@Artsensei86]

Great video as always brother love your channel

[@NewportBox100s]

Such a great video on the history of this obscure console!

[@MegaDeth859]

Definitely worth the wait!! You kick ass! Thanks

[@nitronamous]

I still own my original turbo grafx 16 with around 25 games. I went about 5 years ago and purchased a second for parts just in case and it came with 4 controllers, a turbo pad new in the box and a turbo tap to fit four controllers, All for $50. Nowadays a working system can go for $250 and games are really going up in price.

[@sylvain316]

Thanks for this one. I was not a fan of that console at that time but I discovered a couple of hidden treasures...

[@SoulforSale]

My biggest disappointment with this video is that it's only 1 hour long. Great upload!

[@CGQuarterly]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@ultor7654]

Fantastic review Sir, thank you so much!

[@chuckweicha1]

Underrated system...had a lot of fun back in the day

[@herohunter81]

Is it weird that this just made my day? (For a while)

[@flrpitflrp1965]

For me 1989-92 was my fav time in gaming. Loved having both the Turbo and Genesis. The games in those first three years were amazing

[@GameplayandTalk]

Fantastic stuff, man! I didn't realize the CD attachment came out so soon after the base system's launch. I wonder if this was a major reason why the TG-16 didn't catch on in North America? I could picture many parents being confused by it--"$200 for a system, plus another $400 for the CD drive? I'll get little Jimmy a $100 NES instead.." It's a shame because the base Turbo Grafx system had a killer lineup to start with. It's kind of sobering actually, as I always assumed the Genesis had the better starting lineup.

[@fargeeks]

Gameplay and Talk hey it was closest you could get to playing snes games with actual CD music tracks rather than 16 bit sampled music

[@momentarydogma]

If you don't pronounce Galaxian like "ga-lox-ee-an", then why do you pronounce Galaga like "ga-log-ah"?

[@danielsonlaruso2893]

@ironmike southern LOL

[@waltersobchak7275]

Why does it bother you so much

[@NintenDub]

@@waltersobchak7275 cuz he's the only moron on planet earth to call it guh- log-uh? And to say it 30 times in a row

[@kuma1388]

He’s actually pronouncing it properly, it’s weird but it’s the right way.

[@NintenDub]

@@kuma1388 nope

[@rangoononline]

The TurboGrafx-16 has some of the most haunting amazing music on any system. I also love the color palette. Ports like Splatterhouse really excel and are made creepier from it.

[@chrisr024]

Very well done sir !

[@TheFLOMAN76]

Good stuff! I loved Blazing Lasers... brings back good memories watching this.

[@TheCastellan]

Underrated system. Loved the small game cards/chips, which could be used for the express.....and loved the anime styled games I played on it. The system outta be brought back, like those mini consoles we keep seeing released these days.

[@johnmadison3472]

I would buy a mini-Turbo!

[@coffinspired3092]

Since I've gotten off work, I see Ricciardo leaves Red Bull and CGQ dropped another monster video - I wonder what else today has in store... Great video as usual! Hope everyone has a killer weekend! :)

[@jplaza68]

Oh how I loved my TurboGrafx 16. It had plenty of bad flaws with the prices and all. But 1 gripe I had which I haven't seen mention yet is the damn short cord the controller had! I had to use a kitchen chair or sit on the floor.

[@etorusso]

Thank you for such a great video. TurboGrax-16 was never released in Brazil, no one knows it and I had difficulties to understand what's behind it's story on my childhood. When I got one or two Gamepro magazine's, which by the way was extremely expensive in 90s and the language difficulties for a kid, I was impressed by seeing that game console and games in the ADs. It was like "What the hell is this?". By the way, this also reminded me of the great Cybernator ad on magazines - aside from the topic. :P

[@videogameobsession]

21:12 I can't hear this sound without immediately thinking of STARCADE. :) That show was so cool.

[@ChescoYT]

Phantasy Zone for the SMS is incredible!

[@davyboywilliams]

This video is Amazing Thank You Classic Gaming Quartley

[@derekfelska5683]

Interesting video Chris. I am not sure you were aware of this, but they made an NES port of World Baseball. But it was made by Camerica as Baseball Pro's. But the Moscow Bears, Peking Ducks were all in it and while the graphics are obviously simplified compared to the Turbo Grafx version, you can definitely tell its the same game. And yes, you have directional control of the ball while its in mid-flight and you are 100% correct in the fact you eventually learn how to pitch a slider that is pretty killer. Baseball Pro's was my favorite NES baseball game next to RBI Baseball. Lots of great history and top notch analysis as usual Chris! I would also agree with some of the other commenters saying the pronunciation of Galaga was strange to me, I've always heard it referred to as Gal-uh-guh. It may not be what the Japanese wanted it to be, but honestly, I've never heard anyone pronounce it the way you were. In the end, it doesn't matter...everyone knew what game you were talking about. Nice work!

[@jpizzleforizzle]

I loved the turbo! the hu-card was an awesome format.

[@jpizzleforizzle]

@@richardadams4928 yeah dude. the express was awesome! color screen, same hucard so no special sized cartridge, and it had a TV adapter for over air broadcast. Pretty damn sweet.

[@fagnermateus6270]

Awesome doc, dude! Cheers from Brazil!

[@CGQuarterly]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@williamphelps3169]

Oh the memories of Bonk's Adventure and Splatterhouse. My brother and I would play the 16 for hours on end after work. It was by far our favorite of the 16 bit consoles.

[@Theeighthnote03]

Loved the video. I didn't even know this system existed until i saw the first video on this system.

[@mymangodfrey]

These videos are getting better and better. Nice work! My parents picked Betamax over VHS in the video format wars, and years later I picked TG-16 over Genesis. Even when it was clear that the Turbo was getting destroyed, I preferred its library of weird and often-excellent games (Military Madness, Blazing Lazers, Galaga ‘90, Bloody Wolf, and the Neutopia, Bonk, Dungeon Explorer, Crush, Legendary Axe, and Ys series all come to mind). In 2018, most of those games have aged better than home-ports of shallow coin-munchers like Golden Axe and Altered Beast. The Genesis eventually had a stronger software library, sure, but there’s something about the look and sound of Turbo games that I’ll always love. Keith Courage was just the worst pack-in title imaginable. When I got the system for my birthday, I had only Keith Courage and Double Dungeons, if you can believe it: two games that were so bad that a group of kids immediately lost interest in a brand-new next-gen system. That game really hurt NEC in the US, I think. (Altered Beast was also arguably one of the all-time worst pack-ins, but it was a popular brand and showcased the system’s graphics. It’s a bad game that sold systems. It’s so obvious that The Legendary Axe should have been the Turbo’s pack-in-and that Keith Courage shouldn’t even have been localized.) It’s funny how so many of the games that US magazines trashed at the time-like Dragon Warrior 2, 3, and 4, Galaga ‘90, Herzog Zwei-are among the best-loved titles from their generations.