The Black Moon Monthly Column - New

Post by **Bas** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 9:29 pm

As I state in the blog, after I found out Philips (at least, my lead) wasn't responsible for the controller and 450 design (as I feel this is the peculiar type in the range of models), it was a dead end and it ended on the shelf. But maybe now people who read the story can help with some new insights or contact info so we can continue to look into the subject...

Post by **Bas** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 12:04 pm

Enjoy the new August Edition here

(Press Ctrl+F5 if the old one is cached in your memory)

Part one of some top charts, only on CD-i... Tune in the next days to follow the hot countdown

click click click!

Post by **Devin** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:40 pm

'Gert Lush', says me

Should be an interesting look into your world of CD-i.

Post by **Devin** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 11:35 pm

Glad to see Plunderball in the top 10!

Although I would argue your point of a con being "Pinball moves too static". I admit sometimes the pinball appears to move with a little exaggeration, usually simply as a system to 'unstick' the ball. However I found the 'Pinball Physics' extremely impressive. Saying this I assume your using a PAL CD-i player as your review machine?

In that case I would concede this point. Plunderball HAS to be played on a 60HZ machine for a true Pinball experience. That's a point I completely forgotten about! I usually hammer away on my 370 which is always on NTSC playback after all!

Post by **Bas** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 6:23 am

Does the game play different on NTSC or PAL? That's odd, isn't it? I remember those graphic errors in Jack Sprite (being some PAL compatibility problems), but it didn't effect actual gameplay. All the games are played on my PAL 490, all before June. But I still remember the static pinball movement which I found a little un-natural. I really enjoyed the physics in Zenith a lot more.

Now you claim the physics in Plunderball are impressive, that surprises me actually. Anyone else has an opinion about this?

by the way, the con is commented with the fact it's about prototype software, putting in a little perspective.

Post by **Devin** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 11:07 am

In Plunderball's case the NTSC/PAL issue is really obvious when seen in comparison. I'll have to do a video of the gameplay in action in both modes. It was a bit of a 'Eurka' moment when I switch it from PAL to NTSC, for a few months I had been playing it on PAL mode. So was pleasantly surprised by the smooth pinball physics of NTSC when I eventually tried it.

Post by **Bas** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 11:44 am

I'd like to see any differences! Perhaps if it was any more fluid it should get even more interesting. Unfortunately you don't see a lot of people who have played Plunderball (or the other Oldergames titles on CD-i)...

However, my own favourites may be predictable, I'd like to see yours as well

Post by **Devin** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 11:13 pm

Bas wrote:I'd like to see any differences!

Yeah, I'll have to do a comparison video soon.

Bas wrote:However, my own favourites may be predictable, I'd like to see yours as well

From my number one being best through to ten...

1. The Apprentice: Excellent and exclusive CD-i platformer with more easter egg secrets than you can throw a bunny at!
2. Plunderball: Another exclusive with great pinball gameplay (in 60Hz mode at least!).
3. Pac Panic: Although a conversion, it is a damned fine one with extremely addictive gameplay plus two-player action.
4. Hotel Mario: This game reminds me of my first encounter with Mario in Donkey Kong for the Spectrum. Classic gameplay!
5. Brain Dead 13: Digital Video has never been this much fun before or ever again!
6. Burn:Cycle: An outstanding piece of work and an outstanding boast to Philips Media Games.
7. Atlantis - The Last Resort: I still can't quite believe we have a Doom clone on CD-i!
8. Arcade Classics: Can't beat the old school!
9. Golden Oldies 1 + 2: Technically impressive (especially the Defender clone) but also limited in design and scope with some half finished/rushed features.
10. Mutant Rampage: This might just be me but the game is actually better than you initially perceive. One to keep playing until you 'get it'!

The simple fact that our two lists can vary to this degree is quite interesting from one perspective. Do you remember that letter to GamesTM I wrote where they replied it simply hasn't got enough games to fill up the 100 Screenshot Selection per system deal they had. Which was one of the reasons they hadn't covered it... yet! This excercise alone kinda blows that theory outta the water

Post by **Bas** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 6:13 am

All excellent choices! But... I was hoping the title noted the limitations of the ones to choose for, and therefor I only listed exclusive CD-i games

To this end: Pac-Panic (Pac-Attack), Brain Dead 13, Burn:Cycle and Arcade Classics should technically be out of this list.

Indeed Mutant Rampage is a very underestimated title and very fun to play. Also the Golden Oldies are excellent (they only leave me with an urge for more!) so are all the SPC games which could fill the top-10 alone as well.... thinking about Dimo's Quest, Accelerator, Lucky Luke, Alien Gate..... *sigh*

Merijn · Post by **Merijn** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 11:32 am

Well... Burn:Cycle was developed for CD-i and then later converted to other platforms.. in my eyes that is still a CD-i exclusive!

Post by **Devin** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:28 pm

MORE 'Joe Guard' please!

Post by **Bas** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:18 pm

Yeah I would love to! You're rushing me with the BMP update, but I don't have the time yet! Be patient!

Post by **Bas** » Fri Oct 06, 2006 2:39 pm

Shoot! The good news is for you to find the original media right now at the september part. Moooooooooore to follow

Post by **Devin** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 11:07 pm

Ace, love the new look.

Does anybody else think of Sonic the Hedgehog when watching that Joe Guard video?

Post by **Bas** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:31 am

Oh, I highly recommend you to read this month coverstory about Philips Funhouse, my absolute favourite of them all. Full of details, secrets and just click and read

Black Moon Monthly: The only CD-i blog around

And please press Ctrl-F5 if the old version is cached in your memory!