Undeadline

Last updated
Undeadline
MSX2 Undeadline cover art.jpg
Developer(s) T&E Soft
Publisher(s) T&E Soft
Palsoft (SMD)
BEEP (re-release)
Director(s) Tokihiro Naito
Designer(s) Tokihiro Naito
Programmer(s) Tetsuya Yamamoto
Artist(s) Etsuko Suzuki
Hideaki Shinmura
Takahiro Hachiya
Composer(s) Kazunori Hasegawa
Platform(s) MSX2/MSX2+
X68000
Sega Mega Drive
ReleaseMSX2/MSX2+
  • JP: July 22, 1989
  • JP: February 28, 2020
    (re-release)
X68000
  • JP: September 14, 1990
  • JP: July 31, 2020 (re-release)
Mega Drive
  • JP: December 20, 1991
Genre(s) Vertically scrolling shooter
Mode(s) Single-player

Undeadline [a] is a 1989 vertically scrolling shooter video game developed and originally published by T&E Soft for the MSX2/MSX2+ home computers. It was later ported to the X68000 computer and Sega Mega Drive, published by Palsoft, followed by digital re-releases for Microsoft Windows. Both the MSX2 and X68000 versions also received physical re-releases by Japanese retailer BEEP. It follows a group of characters in rescue of queen Althea from Zidane, a kingdom surrounded by barriers connected with the demon world, whose monsters have overflowed it. Controlling either a fighter, wizard, or ninja, the player can choose from six stages and play them in any order, fighting against waves of enemies and bosses, while defending or avoiding collision with their projectiles and other obstacles.

Contents

Undeadline was directed and designed by Tokihiro Naito, who previously worked on Hydlide and Hydlide 3 , with Tetsuya "Futaro" Yamamoto serving as main programmer. The soundtrack was composed by Kazunori Hasegawa. Due to T&E Soft liking to push its playtesters to the limits and as their skills improved naturally, it led to the designers increasing the difficulty to keep up with them, particularly paying attention to both enemy movement and spawn patterns. Because of its rarity, original copies of the MSX2 version commands high prices on the secondary game collecting market. The game received generally favorable reception from critics, most of which reviewed it as an import title, although its difficulty has been criticized.

Gameplay

Gameplay screenshot of the original MSX2/MSX2+ version MSX2 Undeadline.png
Gameplay screenshot of the original MSX2/MSX2+ version

Undeadline is a vertical-scrolling shoot 'em up game with role-playing elements that plays from a top-down perspective. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] The plot revolves around Zidane, a country surrounded by barriers connected with the demon world whose monsters have overflowed it after being broken in a previous regime. Queen Althea manages the kingdom, as his father became exhausted from battle and fell ill, but she is kidnapped by a creature from the demon world. Joined by the wizard Dino and the ninja Ruika, the fighter Leon stands up to rescue his sister. [1] [5] Prior to starting, the player can configure the game's difficulty or activate rapid fire. [4] [5]

Controlling either the fighter, wizard, or ninja, the player can choose from the first six stages and play them in any order, fighting against an assortment of enemy waves, while defending or avoiding collision with their projectiles and other obstacles. There are seven stages in total, which include forests, ruins, and dungeons. [2] [4] [5] The scenery is constantly scrolling and never stops moving until a miniboss or boss is reached, which must be fought to progress further. Each character also possess their own defense methods, such as Leon being able to block projectiles with his shield. [3]

Scattered across every stage are tresure chests containing power-ups that open when shot, ranging from beneficial or harmful items such as a speed boost or poison, to multiple types of weapons. [3] [5] Picking up a new weapon grants its initial state and can be upgraded by picking the same weapon twice in a row. In the Sega Mega Drive version, they can be cycled through other weapons and power-ups by firing at them. After defeating a boss, the player can increase their overall status by granting experience points (EXP) to any of the character's four characteristics: strength (ST), magic (MP), dexterity (DX), and agility (AG). [3] [5] Diamonds can also be found within chests to gain additional experience points. [5] Getting hit by an enemy or blocked by an obstacle and scrolled offscreen decreases the player's life. Once completely depleted, it will result in losing a live stock, as well as a penalty of decreasing the overall firepower of the character's currently equipped weapon to its original state and starting back at the beginning of a stage. The game is over once all lives are lost.

Development and release

Undeadline was developed by T&E Soft, best known for the Hydlide series. [6] It was directed and designed by Tokihiro Naito, who previously worked on Hydlide and Hydlide 3 , under supervision of Eiji Yokoyama and Toshiro Yokoyama. [7] [8] [9] Tetsuya "Futaro" Yamamoto served as main programmer, with Katsushi Morizane and Shigeru Tomita providing subroutines. [7] [10] Etsuko Suzuki, Hideaki Shinmura, Kayoko Miura, Kenji Nakashima, Takahiro Hachiya, Takako Hayase, and Yuuji Hattori were responsible for designing the artwork. [7] The music was scored by Kazunori Hasegawa. [7] According to Tetsuya Yamamoto, T&E Soft liked pushing its playtesters to their limits by cutting a hole in paper and using it to cover the screen so only a portion of the playfield was visible at any time. [10] Yamamoto recounted that this led the designers increasing the difficulty to keep up with the testers, as their skills improved naturally, with T&E Soft particularly paying attention to both enemy movement and spawn patterns. [9] [10]

Undeadline was first published for the MSX2/MSX2+ in Japan on July 22, 1989 by T&E Soft. [1] [2] [3] The game was later ported to the X68000 on September 14, 1990, featuring improved visuals and audio, as well as two additional stages. [11] It was also ported to the Sega Mega Drive, published by Palsoft on December 20, 1991. [12] Each version was re-released in digital form for Microsoft Windows through D4 Enterprise's Project EGG service. [13] [14] [15] [16] In 2020, both the MSX2 and X68000 versions received physical re-releases by Japanese retailer BEEP as part of their "BEEP Extra Games" lineup intended for reprinting games on their initial platforms, as original copies of the MSX2 version commands high prices on the secondary game collecting market due to its rarity. [6] [17] [18] [19]

Reception

Undeadline received generally favorable reception from critics, [20] most of which reviewed it as an import title. [32] [24] The Sega Mega Drive version received scores of 18.08 out of 30 and 6.6428 out of 10 in public polls taken by Mega Drive Fan and the Japanese Sega Saturn Magazine respectively. [33] [34] Technopolis highlighted its mixture of role-playing and shooting elements, and the ability to select any stage but noted its difficulty. [31] The Japanese MSX Magazine echoed similar sentiments but also noted the ability to choose between characters, commending its playability, visuals, and scenario. [28] MSX Club's Pere Baño praised the colorful graphics, addictive fast-pacing, sound, presentation, and originality. [26]

An editor for MSX Gids lauded its audiovisual presentation and quality, comparing it favourably with Knightmare (1986). [27] Oh!X's Hiroaki Kageyama commended the X68000 port for taking advantage of the system's hardware and the addition of extra stages. Kageyama also gave positive remarks to the game's idea and intensity. [29] Games-X reviewed the Mega Drive version, commending its presentation for the detailed backgrounds, enemy animations, and atmosphere, but they saw its difficulty even on the easiest setting as a negative. [21] Sega Pro 's Damian Butt shared similar thoughts regarding its high difficulty, remarking that it may prove frustrating for players and criticized issues with collision detection. Regardless, Butt praised the "arcade-quality" graphics, large bosses, audio, and long-term gameplay. [30]

MegaTech 's Mark Patterson and Paul Glancey found it to be playable shoot 'em up but both remarked that "a couple of problems lead to frustration" and noted the lack of additional option settings. [25] Console XS gave the Mega Drive port high marks for its visuals, sound, gameplay, and challenge. [22] Game Zone's Graham Lineham commended the game for its "neat" ideas, "attractive" graphics, and "smooth" gameplay. He also commented that the environmental hazards made the game more interesting compared to standard shoot 'em ups, but concurred with both Games-X and Butt about its tough difficulty. [23]

Notes

  1. ↑ Japanese: アンデッドライン, Hepburn: Andeddorain

Related Research Articles

<i>Zero Wing</i> 1989 arcade video game

Zero Wing is a 1989 side-scrolling shooter arcade video game developed by Toaplan and originally published in Japan by Namco and in North America by Williams Electronics. Controlling the ZIG space fighter craft, players assume the role of protagonist Trent in a last-ditch effort to overthrow the alien space pirate organization CATS. It was the eighth shoot 'em up game from Toaplan, and their fourteenth video game overall.

<i>Truxton</i> (video game) 1988 video game

Truxton is a 1988 vertically scrolling shooter arcade video game originally developed by Toaplan and published in Japan and Europe by Taito, as well as in North America by Midway. Set in a future where the Gidans alien race led by Dogurava invaded the fictional planet Borogo, players assume the role of fighter pilot Tatsuo taking control of the Super Fighter ship on a last-ditch effort to overthrow the alien invaders.

<i>Super Hydlide</i> 1987 video game

Super Hydlide is an action role-playing game for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. It was originally released in 1987 in Japan only under the title Hydlide 3: The Space Memories for the MSX, MSX2, and PC-8801mkII SR. It's the third game in the Hydlide series. Ports were also released for the X1, Famicom, X68000, Microsoft Windows, and Nintendo Switch. The game was developed by Hydlide series veterans T&E Soft and released worldwide on the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive on October 6, 1989, in Japan, early 1990 in the United States, and 1991 in Europe. This remake evidences substantial graphical upgrades to the original Hydlide 3, though the gameplay remains largely identical. Before its release, it was called Hollo Fighter in some Sega advertising material and was one of the first third party published titles to be released in the U.S, the other being Air Diver.

<i>Valis: The Fantasm Soldier</i> 1986 video game

Valis: The Fantasm Soldier is a 1986 action-platform video game originally developed by Wolf Team and published by Telenet Japan for the MSX, PC-8801, X1, FM-7, and PC-9801 home computers. It is the first entry in the Valis series. It stars Yuko Asou, a Japanese teenage schoolgirl chosen as the Valis warrior and wielder of the mystical Valis sword to protect the Earth, the land of spirits, and the dream world Vecanti from demon lord Rogles. Throughout the journey, the player explores and search for items and power-ups, while fighting enemies and defeating bosses to increase Yuko's attributes.

<i>Hydlide</i> 1984 video game

Hydlide is an action role-playing game developed and published by T&E Soft. It was originally released for the NEC PC-6001 and PC-8801 computers in 1984, in Japan only; ports for the MSX, MSX2, FM-7 and NEC PC-9801 were released the following year. A Nintendo Switch port based on the PC-8801 version was released on December 21, 2023 by D4 Enterprise.

<i>Valis II</i> 1989 video game

Valis II is a 1989 action-platform video game originally developed by Laser Soft, published by Telenet Japan and NEC for the PC Engine CD-ROM²/TurboGrafx-CD. A home computer version was released for PC-8801, MSX2, PC-9801 and X68000. A super deformed-style remake was also released in 1992 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It is the second entry in the eponymous series. It stars Yuko Asou, a Japanese schoolgirl teenager chosen to become the Valis warrior by wielding the titular mystical sword, after defeating the demon lord Rogles. The dream world Vecanti fell under the rule of emperor Megas, whose hatred towards his brother Rogles and bloodthirsty tendencies seeks to wipe out traces of the former tyrant, including his supporters. Gameplay varies between each version but all share similar elements, as the player explores and search for items and power-ups, while fighting enemies and defeat bosses.

<i>Tommy Lasorda Baseball</i> 1989 video game

Tommy Lasorda Baseball is a 1989 baseball video game developed and published by Sega as one of the six launch titles for the Sega Genesis in the North America and for the Sega Mega-Tech arcade system. It is a follow-up to the arcade game Super League (1987). It prominently features former MLB player Tommy Lasorda, who was manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers at the time. In the game, players compete with either AI-controlled opponents or against other players across single exhibitions, open matches or a 30-game season.

<i>Granada</i> (video game) 1990 video game

Granada is a shooter video game developed and originally published by Wolf Team exclusively for the X68000 in Japan on 20 April 1990. The ninth title to be created and released by Wolf Team for the X68000 platform, the game is set on a futuristic Africa in 2016 where a war erupted over mining rights towards rare metals and has quickly escalated due to newly-introduced weapons called Maneuver Cepters, as players assume the role of mercenary Leon Todo piloting the titular Maneuver Cepter tank unit in an attempt to stop the conflict once and for all. Its gameplay mainly consists of action and shooting mixed with mission-based exploration using a main two-button configuration.

<i>Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams</i> 1991 video game

Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams is a scrolling shooter video game developed by Success and originally released in Japanese arcades in 1991. The first installment in the Cotton series, players assume the role of the young witch Cotton who, alongside her fairy companion Silk, sets out on her broomstick on a quest to defeat several monsters and get her Willow candy. Its gameplay mainly consists of shooting mixed with role-playing game elements using a main two-button configuration. It ran on the Sega System 16 hardware.

<i>Cyber Core</i> 1990 video game

Cyber Core is a 1990 vertically scrolling shooter video game developed by Alfa System and published in Japan by Information Global Service (IGS) and in North America by NEC for the TurboGrafx-16. Set in the year 2269 where Earth has been overrun by an alien race known as Hyper Insects, the player controls a Chimera bio-fighter craft, piloted by the enforcer Rad Ralph in order to fend off the invaders and reclaim the planet. Similar to Dragon Spirit, Ralph has a projectile weapon for destroying air-based enemies and a bomb for destroying ground-based enemies.

<i>Nostalgia 1907</i> 1991 video game

Nostalgia 1907 is a 1991 adventure video game developed by Takeru, and published by its label Sur Dé Wave. Originally released for the Sharp X68000, it was later ported to the FM Towns Marty, PC-9801, and Sega Mega CD. The player assumes the role of a passenger aboard a cruise liner named the Nostalgia that has been taken captive by a criminal looking for an artifact.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">D4 Enterprise</span> Japanese video game publisher

D4 Enterprise Co., Ltd. is a Japanese video game publisher currently specializing in content delivery services like Project EGG, EGGY and PicoPico over the Internet. The company has also collaborated with Nintendo to re-release Neo Geo, MSX and arcade titles for the Wii, and MSX titles for the Wii U, as part of the Virtual Console services on both consoles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hiroyuki Takahashi (game producer)</span> President of Camelot Software Planning

Hiroyuki Takahashi, is the president of the video game development studio Camelot Software Planning. He has participated in most of the company's projects as a game designer, producer, and writer.

<i>Mad Stalker: Full Metal Forth</i> 1994 video game

Mad Stalker: Full Metal Forth is a 1994 side-scrolling beat 'em up game developed by Fill-in-Cafe and published by Family Soft in Japan for the X68000. It is the fourth game to be created and released by both Fill-in-Cafe and Family Soft for the X68000 platform late into its commercial life span, after being discontinued in 1993.

Takeru, also known as Sur Dé Wave, was a Japanese video game developer.

<i>Naious</i> 1990 video game

Naious is a scrolling shooter video game developed and published by Exact exclusively for the Sharp X68000 in Japan on October 26, 1990. It is both the first title to be created and released by Exact for the X68000 platform, as well as the first project produced by the company.

<i>Aleste Gaiden</i> 1989 video game

Aleste Gaiden is a 1989 vertically scrolling shooter video game developed and published by Compile for the MSX2 home computer. A follow-up to Aleste (1988), it was included as part of the autumn special edition of Disc Station, a monthly disk publication by Compile. It is a sidestory to the main series, taking place in an alternative continuity. Controlling the soldier Raymond Waizen, protagonist of the first game wearing a cybernetic ninja suit, the player must overthrow the supercomputer DIA 51 by fight waves of enemies and bosses, while avoiding collision with their projectiles and other obstacles.

<i>Illusion City</i> 1991 video game

Illusion City is a role-playing video game originally developed and published by Microcabin for the MSX Turbo R home computer. It was later ported to PC-88 and PC-98 computers, FM Towns, X68000, and Sega Mega-CD. The story takes place in the 21st century after Hong Kong was devastated by a demonic attack, before the crisis was isolated and the region was reformed under new order by SIVA corporation. The game follows demon hunter Tianren, gathering information in order to unravel the mystery surrounding the demonic beings and SIVA corporation. Gameplay features a growing party led by Tianren navigating the city, talking with non-playable characters, exploring complex areas, and taking part in turn-based battles against enemies.

<i>Namachūkei 68</i> 1991 video game

Namachūkei 68 is a 1991 sports video game developed and published by Konami for the X68000. In the game, players have the choice to compete in matches against computer-controlled opponents or other human players in either a single game or a full season. The players selects between 12 teams that come with the game, but can also create their own team as well as manage the statistics of each individual player. Gameplay incorporates multiple camera angles to present a pseudo-3D perspective, in a manner resembling a sports television broadcast.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Gaming World: Soft Flash — アンデッドライン (MSX2)". Technopolis  [ ja ] (in Japanese). Vol. 8, no. 83. Tokuma Shoten. July 1989. p. 44.
  2. 1 2 3 "アンデッドライン". MSX Magazine  [ ja ] (in Japanese). No. 69. ASCII Corporation. July 1989. p. 22.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "New Soft: アンデッドライン (Undeadline)". MSX Magazine  [ ja ] (in Japanese). No. 70. ASCII Corporation. August 1989. pp. 16–17.
  4. 1 2 3 "新着ゲーム情報: アンデッドライン [MSX2/+2]". Micom BASIC Magazine  [ ja ] (in Japanese). No. 87. The Dempa Shimbunsha Corporation  [ ja ]. September 1989. p. 262.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Martínez, Manuel (September 1991). "Como Acabar: Undeadline". MSX Club (in Spanish). No. 77. Manhattan Transfer. pp. 42–46.
  6. 1 2 Day, Ashley (June 10, 2021). "So You Want To Collect: MSX Games". Retro Gamer . No. 221. Future plc. pp. 52–55.
  7. 1 2 3 4 T&E Soft (July 22, 1989). Undead Line (MSX2/MSX2+). T&E Soft. Level/area: Staff roll.
  8. ↑ "MSXにおくる手紙". MSX Fan  [ ja ] (in Japanese). No. 87. Tokuma Shoten Intermedia. August 1995. pp. 6–9. (Translation by Arc Hound. Archived 2022-10-21 at the Wayback Machine ).
  9. 1 2 "Software Houst Hot Information: T&E Press". Micom BASIC Magazine  [ ja ] (in Japanese). No. 86. The Dempa Shimbunsha Corporation  [ ja ]. August 1989. p. 335.
  10. 1 2 3 Szczepaniak, John (November 4, 2015). T&E Soft Chapter - YAMAMOTO, Tetsuya. Vol. 2. S.M.G. Szczepaniak. pp. 40–49. ISBN   978-1518818745.{{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  11. ↑ "Gaming World: 移植!! — 幻獣鬼 (X 68000 シリーズ)". Technopolis  [ ja ] (in Japanese). Vol. 9, no. 98. Tokuma Shoten. October 1990. pp. 32–33.
  12. ↑ "ソフトウェア一覧（ソフトライセンシー発売）| メガドライブ". SEGA HARD Encyclopedia (in Japanese). Sega. 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-06-26. Retrieved 2022-10-16.
  13. ↑ "T&Eやテレネット, KSKの名作群がEGGで復活!". SoftBank Games (in Japanese). ITmedia  [ ja ]. March 27, 2004. Archived from the original on 2019-07-13. Retrieved 2022-10-16.
  14. ↑ Kitamura, Takakazu (March 29, 2004). "Project EGG、新作3タイトルを販売開始 X68K「幻獣鬼」、「デスブリンガー」、PC88「DUEL」". GAME Watch (in Japanese). Impress Corporation. Archived from the original on 2013-06-28. Retrieved 2022-10-16.
  15. ↑ "「アンデッドライン（MSX2版）」が「プロジェクトEGG」にて配信開始". 4Gamer.net (in Japanese). Aetas Inc. April 23, 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-04-23. Retrieved 2022-10-16.
  16. ↑ "プロジェクトEGGで『アンデッドライン（メガドライブ版）』がリリース". Dengeki Online (in Japanese). Kadokawa Corporation. August 10, 2021. Archived from the original on 2021-09-19. Retrieved 2022-10-16.
  17. ↑ Wong, Alistair (December 7, 2019). "BEEP Announces Undead Line MSX2 Version As First Entry In New Game Re-release Line". Siliconera . Enthusiast Gaming. Archived from the original on 2019-12-07. Retrieved 2022-10-21.
  18. ↑ "T&Eソフトの名作シューティング「アンデッドライン」の復刻版がついに発売、MSX2向けゲーム". AKIBA PC Hotline! (in Japanese). Impress Corporation. February 29, 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-02-29. Retrieved 2022-10-16.
  19. ↑ "『幻獣鬼 X68000復刻版』が"BEEP"より7月31日に発売決定。T&E SOFTの名作アクションが蘇る". Famitsu (in Japanese). Kadokawa Game Linkage. May 29, 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-06-15. Retrieved 2022-10-16.
  20. 1 2 "NEW GAMES CROSS REVIEW: アンデッドライン (メガドライブ)". Famitsu (in Japanese). No. 157. ASCII Corporation. December 20, 1991. p. 40. (Transcription by Famitsu.com).
  21. 1 2 "Console Connexions: Undead Line (Mega Drive)". Games-X . No. 38. Europress. January 16–22, 1992. p. 26.
  22. 1 2 "Software A-Z - Mega Drive: Undeadline". Console XS . No. 1. Paragon Publishing. May 1992. p. 136.
  23. 1 2 Lineham, Graham (May 1992). "Import Review - Mega Drive: Undeadline". Game Zone. Vol. 1, no. 7. Dennis Publishing. pp. 61–62.
  24. 1 2 "Shoot'em Ups Roundup - Mega File: Undeadline (Palsoft • Import)". Mega Drive Advanced Gaming . No. 1. Maverick Magazines. September 1992. p. 80.
  25. 1 2 Patterson, Mark; Glancey, Paul (March 1992). "Undeadline Review". MegaTech . No. 3. EMAP. pp. 44–46.
  26. 1 2 Baño, Pere (December 1989). "Coleccionable: Undeadline (MSX: 2da generación y Plus)". MSX Club (in Spanish). No. 58. Manhattan Transfer. pp. 28–30.
  27. 1 2 "Software: Undeadline (MSX-2 en MSX-2+)". MSX Gids (in Dutch). No. 27. Uitgeverij Herps. March–April 1990. p. 44.
  28. 1 2 "MSX Software Review: アンデッドライン". MSX Magazine  [ ja ] (in Japanese). No. 73. ASCII Corporation. November 1989. pp. 30–31.
  29. 1 2 Kageyama, Hiroaki (November 1990). "The Softouch Special - Game Review: 幻獣鬼 - ステージが選べるアクションゲーム". Oh!X  [ ja ] (in Japanese). No. 93. SoftBank Creative. pp. 40–41.
  30. 1 2 Butt, Damian (February 1992). "ProReview - Mega Drive: Undeadline (Import)". Sega Pro . No. 4. Paragon Publishing. p. 58.
  31. 1 2 "Gaming World: アクションが苦手でも楽しめる! — アンデッドライン (MSX2)". Technopolis  [ ja ] (in Japanese). Vol. 8, no. 85. Tokuma Shoten. September 1989. p. 46.
  32. ↑ Driesenaar, Ben (1991). "Spelbespreking: Undeadline". MSX Mozaïk (in Dutch). No. 31. De MSX-er. p. 46.
  33. ↑ "Mega Drive & Game Gear All Catalog '93 7月号特別付録 – アンデッドライン". Mega Drive Fan  [ ja ] (in Japanese). Vol. 5, no. 7. Tokuma Shoten. July 15, 1993. p. 51.
  34. ↑ "メガドラ読者レース". Sega Saturn Magazine (in Japanese). No. 9. SoftBank Creative. September 1995. p. 85. Retrieved 2022-10-16.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.