PC Engine Coregrafx Mini
THE LITTLER ENGINE THAT COULD
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Ever since we got an early chance to try Konami’s entry into the retro mini console market, we’ve known that it was well worth the consideration of any hardcore retro gamer, but now the final unit is here and it packs a few nice surprises. These aren’t quite enough to cement the system as the market leader, but they’re a welcome bonus on a system that was already looking to be well worth the money, and ensure that it does come very close.
On a hardware level, the PC
Engine Coregrafx Mini is a cute device with some neat touches of authenticity. It’s not much smaller than the original console – it’s similar in size to the existing mini consoles – but it looks very good and even comes with an expansion port cover. The controller feels right and features the turbo switches that are omitted on the Japanese model, and while the inclusion of two USB ports for controllers isn’t quite accurate, it is a welcome improvement – though you will still need a multitap for more than two players. We still can’t quite help but feel a little disappointed that the European-exclusive machine isn’t based on the original white model of the PC Engine, but what’s here is well-produced.
The selection of games on the system is large and serves as an excellent representation of the original console’s library, including the best of both Hucard and CD software. There’s definitely name value here thanks to the likes of Castlevania » »
» and Bomberman, as well as arcade conversions such as R-type, Splatterhouse and Ghouls ‘N Ghosts, in addition to rare and expensive games like Ginga Fukei Densetsu Sapphire. However, it’s fair to say that it won’t have the same broad appeal as some of the other devices out there. The first reason for this is that most of the system’s original software will be unfamiliar to many players. If you’re willing to explore, you’ll find that games like Chew Man Fu, Neutopia and Bonk’s Revenge are fun, though games like The Kung Fu and Victory Road are definitely included for historical significance more than modern playability.
Secondly, while the console manages to take in a broad range of genres just through sheer numbers, the system’s appeal depends greatly on how much you like shoot-’em-ups.
The PC Engine is renowned for its range of shooters and roughly a third of the games on the mini version are shmups, including all of the bonus games. As well as the Caravan version of Soldier Blade, new versions of Fantasy Zone, Gradius and Salamander have been included that are closer to their arcade versions. While the improvements to Konami’s shooters are relatively subtle as their conversions were already quite good, Fantasy Zone is a massive improvement over the original release.
M2 has handled the emulation and system software here, and if you’ve played the Mega Drive Mini you’ll know broadly what to expect here – there’s a generally high standard of emulation with some minor sound latency, and a simple and attractive menu system. A variety of visual » »