Last Hope Dreamcast

[Phar]

This arrived today from Van Basilco, early impressions are pretty good, only played it for about an hour though and couldn't even get off the first stage, it's definately not a game I can see alot of people completing in a matter of days, graphically it's ok, nothing that fancy from the little of it I saw, but do the job. Gameplay wise if you've played pulstar or r-type, then you should know what to expect.

On the main screen theres two modes of play , either Dreamcast or Arcade mode from what I've played the Dreamcast version seems slightly easier as it seems a little slower than the Arcade mode to me.
Overall though the main screen seems a little bare, with just the modes mentioned above and also an option screen with the usual difficulty, music on/off, controls settings etc.

As for the packaging it's fantastic, really good quality all round just like an official product, the look of it all resembles the japanese design, the instructions are all in japanese and it even comes with a spine card.

As I said I haven't played it enough to give a fair impression of it yet but from what I've played of it, it definatley has that one more go factor and is worth the ?27 I paid for it

[wheelaa]

How many hits until you die? Just curious as on the Neo version (I presume that's the arcade option) on easy you die on the third hit, whereas normal or above is one hit and you're dead.

[Phar]

It's only one hit, although I've only played it so far on normal difficulty for both Dreamcast and Arcade settings, I keep on getting hit and start at the 1st halfway point on the first stage, can't seem to get much further than that at the minute, at least it's a challenge, might have to try the other difficulty settings if I can't get any further soon.

[wheelaa]

Yeah could be wise. I'm ashamed to say I toned it down to easy for the first few hours of playtime..and still couldn't nail level 3. I can reach level 5 now but have yet to sample level 6. Too many other games to play tbh.

[Phar]

Just tried changing the difficulty to easy and you do get 3 hits although in the option screen theres a setting to change the number of lives up to 7, is that on the Neo version as well?

Anyway I finally managed to beat the first boss, must of took me about half an hour to do. The good news is that you can save your progress so you can start from the last stage you got to, as for the 2nd stage, graphically it's nicer than the 1st with some nice lighting effects.

Anybody else got there copy of the standard edition yet?

[ShadowDancer]

Only just bought mine, so another week i should imagine (i'll leave it at that as i know the rules)..

What is the music like?, i heard one of the samples and it was kinda melancholy but seem to fit nice.

Is the gameplay solid? I wish the normal mode wasn't as hard as you make it sound and i'm sure it is, just i have problems putting any game onto easy! (may have to here!)

[Phar]

Music wise I've only heard the first 2 tracks, probably the best way to describe it is sort of ambient trance, at least thats what i think, does suit the game quite well though.

As for gameplay yes it's pretty solid, borrows alot from R-type and Pulstar, it's pretty challenging but still makes you want to have just one more go, although i'm sure it could lead to a lot of frustration with some people.

The only gripe I have with it at the minute though is if you die on a boss you have to start from the last checkpoint which is pretty annoying, would have been nice to continue from the start of the boss battle

[VR46]

Managed thirty minutes play on this earlier today, difficulty is high yes. It's one of those games where precision movements are essential to staying alive.

Graphically obviously not next-gen, but looked OK on the 50" screen at work

Really like the music, always nice to have a solid beat playing in the background on a shooter.

Some of the checkpoint restart positions can be a bit annoying, but initial impressions are good and it has the all important "one more go appeal".

More impressions and hopefully a couple of gameplay videos's over the weekend.

So good to have the DC back in action.

[SUMIRE]

Just got my standard copy...will have to dig the Dreamcast out now..can't wait!

Initial impressions of the packaging/intructions looks very proffesional, very impressed.

[briareos_kerensky]

Play Asia has a small gallery up...the quality of printing is good, and looks like NGev.Team did a terrific job, japanese manual, artworks and "fake" spine cards...can't wait to have the LE in my hands.

[CMcK]

For a homebrew Neo Geo title this is one impressive game. My copy for the DC arrived yesterday and I had a bash this afternoon. This is one seriously hard game.
I know I'm p*sh at most games but I may have to try this on easy for a wee bit.
Great to have a non bullet hell game for a wee change. Kinda makes me wish I still had a MVS setup.

[VR46]

Play Asia has a small gallery up...the quality of printing is good, and looks like NGev.Team did a terrific job, japanese manual, artworks and "fake" spine cards...can't wait to have the LE in my hands.

I've uploaded some pics, mobile phone quality, sorry.

https://www.ntsc-uk.com/reviews/sdc/LastHope/DSC01186.JPG

https://www.ntsc-uk.com/reviews/sdc/LastHope/DSC01187.JPG

https://www.ntsc-uk.com/reviews/sdc/LastHope/DSC01188.JPG

https://www.ntsc-uk.com/reviews/sdc/LastHope/DSC01189.JPG

[buster_broon]

picked up my copies from my mum's house today and it does look good

feels a little light - but smashing anyway

wont be able to add my thoughts about this until i get my DC unpacked and ready to rock and roll

[SUMIRE]

Yeah, had a 30 min blast after dusting off the ole' Dreamcast.

Really liked the music, sounds real nice and adds alot to the game. Sound effects are pretty naff though.

I managed to get off the first stage and onto the second. The first stage is kind of nice, if forgetable with lots of animation and detail, but I found the backgrounds slightly confusing and most of my lives were lost from hitting the scenery. The first Boss fight is static and pretty mediocre...not seen any of the others yet.

Second stage seems to be a copy off Pulstar, although graphically no where near as good as the Neo CD version, graphically or the music.

Anyway that's as far as I got.

From what i've played so far, it's impressive but flawed. It does keep you wanting to try again and again to get a little bit further though. I guess its just a matter of memorizing enemy patterns.

Worth picking up though if your a Dreamcast Neo Geo fan and have any interested these type of shooters.

[MikeRox]

think I might order a standard edition now as well as the LE I'm getting fed up of waiting. >_<

Smeg needs more DC lovin'!