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GENPEI TŌMA DEN (PCE)
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a.k.a. The Genji and Heike Tale of the Demon's Demise
Publisher: Namco. Developer: Namco. Released: 1990 (Japan). Genre: 2D Action/Adventure. Posted 18th February 2020. By Tom Clare © 2020 |
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Genpei Tōma Den illustrated perfectly the strengths and challenges associated with PC Engine game development. 16-bit graphics and a vibrant colour palette allowed for sumptuous visual possibilities, tempered by the technical constraints of an 8-bit CPU. In something of a parallel with the Wii U twenty-odd years later, the timing of its release meant the PCE was left a little bit betwixt and between. Launching in 1987, the format easily outpaced its 8-bit contemporaries, but as the nineties beckoned, it faced an uphill struggle keeping pace with emerging competition from the Mega Drive and SNES.
However, a number of publishers discovered a beneficial niche in NEC’s diminutive console: it was ideal for ports of older arcade games. Whilst the likes of Pac-Land and Ordyne were slightly too sophisticated for 8-bit consoles, the PC Engine allowed for strong, faithful arcade conversions with relatively few drawbacks.
The "Boss" stages feature huge (if slightly wooden) sprites and fantastic foreground and background detail
Genpei Tōma Den follows this blueprint. Released in arcades back in 1986, it would arrive on the PCE four years later. It’s a very solid, complete feeling coin-op conversion, sacrificing just a little detail in the sprite models and backgrounds, and despite not seeing a localisation in the west until 1997 as part of Namco Museum Vol. 4 (under the name Genji and the Heike Clans), it’s no barrier to operating the game. The downside is, four years is a long time, and in certain areas, GTD was starting to show its age.
Playing as historical, fiery-haired Japanese samurai Taira no Kagekiyo, Genpei Tōma Den sees the player battling across Japan in short, sharp stages. Along the way, you’ll tackle all manner of creatures, demons and figures associated with the country’s mythology. It’s an eclectic experience, with an impressive sense of easy versatility. Transitioning between three styles of adventuring should feel discombobulating, but everything fits together quite cohesively.
Playing as historical, fiery-haired Japanese samurai Taira no Kagekiyo, Genpei Tōma Den sees the player battling across Japan in short, sharp stages. Along the way, you’ll tackle all manner of creatures, demons and figures associated with the country’s mythology. It’s an eclectic experience, with an impressive sense of easy versatility. Transitioning between three styles of adventuring should feel discombobulating, but everything fits together quite cohesively.
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There’s traditional 2D platforming with simple jump and attack functions. These sections feature plenty of activity and responsive controls, though a lack of abilities and meaningful power-ups leaves it feeling a little bit Shinobi-light. “Boss” stages place a greater emphasis on combat and timing, and are dominated by some huge, eye-catching sprites that make up for in appearance what they lack in articulate animation. Finally, there’s top-down, multi-directional Gauntlet-style fare that sees the player battling back foes spawning from nests, whilst also keeping an eye out for treasure. None of the three styles could be considered outstanding, but each facet is of a decent standard.
Impressively, there are a number of different routes through the game, with each level culminating at a red gate. Sometimes the branches are straightforward, and you’ll simply have a couple of gates to choose between. Other times, you’ll spot tricky-to-reach alternatives along a perilous platforming route, whilst falling down a pit doesn’t necessarily result in death, but a different level and challenge.
Impressively, there are a number of different routes through the game, with each level culminating at a red gate. Sometimes the branches are straightforward, and you’ll simply have a couple of gates to choose between. Other times, you’ll spot tricky-to-reach alternatives along a perilous platforming route, whilst falling down a pit doesn’t necessarily result in death, but a different level and challenge.
Dated gameplay is rescued to a significant degree by the game's versatility and distinctive design
Perhaps in recognition of the game’s at-times brutal difficulty spikes, Namco wisely opted to allow unlimited continues. Surprisingly, even with this olive branch, it can be excessively difficult to make progress. One of the more peculiar levels sees the player assaulted on all sides by frogs, with long grass masking numerous critters that further damage the samurai, simply through unseen collisions. Another platforming section sees the player pursued and buffeted by a giant serpent. The game will chug along quite sturdily, and then you meet levels like these, and it can suddenly feel impenetrable.
Its greatest strength lies in the way it exhibits historical cultural themes. As well as sporting some large and impressive sprites, the game features a remarkably broad range of bosses and foes, whilst a smattering of pretty attract screens and a nice map charting your progress add to the game’s evocative presentation. Three styles of play lend Genpei Tōma Den a sense of versatility that many adventures of the time lacked, and this also helps stave off repetition. That said, the platforming is unremarkable by the standards of 1990 and gaming had started to offer more exciting top-down experiences as well. Its brutal difficulty spikes will be a turn-off to many, but aficionados will likely appreciate its ambition and distinctiveness.
Its greatest strength lies in the way it exhibits historical cultural themes. As well as sporting some large and impressive sprites, the game features a remarkably broad range of bosses and foes, whilst a smattering of pretty attract screens and a nice map charting your progress add to the game’s evocative presentation. Three styles of play lend Genpei Tōma Den a sense of versatility that many adventures of the time lacked, and this also helps stave off repetition. That said, the platforming is unremarkable by the standards of 1990 and gaming had started to offer more exciting top-down experiences as well. Its brutal difficulty spikes will be a turn-off to many, but aficionados will likely appreciate its ambition and distinctiveness.
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VERDICT
"Three styles of play lend Genpei Tōma Den a sense of versatility that many adventures of the time lacked. Its greatest strength lies in the way it exhibits historical cultural themes... [but] the platforming is unremarkable, and by 1990, gaming had more exciting top-down experiences as well" OVERALL: 6/10 |