Bad Dudes vs. Dragonninja (c) 1988 Data East USA.

North American release. For more information about the game itself, please see the original Japanese release entry; "Dragonninja".

- TECHNICAL -

[Model 1US34]

- TRIVIA -

Bad Dudes vs. Dragonninja was released in April 1988 in USA. It is known in Japan as "Dragonninja".

This American version has a different ending sequence to that of the original Japanese version.

A Bad Dudes vs. Dragonninja unit appears in the 1990 movie 'Robocop 2', and in the 1989 movie "Parenthood".

- PORTS -

* CONSOLES:
[JP] Nintendo Famicom (1989) "Dragon Ninja" [Model NAM-DN-5800]
[EU] Nintendo NES (1990) "Bad Dudes vs. Dragonninja [Model NES-55-EEC]"
[US] Nintendo NES (jul. 1990) "Bad Dudes [Model NES-DU-USA]"
[US] Nintendo Wii (feb.19, 2010) "Data East Arcade Classics [Model RVL-P-R26E]"
[MX] Zeebo [BR] (jul.27, 2010)

* COMPUTERS:
[EU] Amstrad CPC (1988) "Bad Dudes vs. Dragonninja [Model 112652]" by Imagine Soft.
[EU] Atari ST (1989) "Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja" by Imagine Soft.
[EU] Commodore Amiga (1989) "Bad Dudes vs. Dragonninja" by Imagine Soft.
[US] Commodore 64 (1988) "Bad Dudes [Model 406-0173]"
Commodore 64 (1988) "Dragon Ninja" by Imagine Soft.
[US] PC [MS-DOS] (1988) "Bad Dudes [Model 406-0175]"
[US] Commodore Amiga (1989) "Bad Dudes" by Imagine Soft.
[US] Commodore Amiga (1989) "Bad Dudes [Model 406-196]" by Data East USA, Inc.
[EU] Atari ST (1989) "Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja" by Hit Squad
Sinclair ZX Spectrum+3 (1988) "Bad Dudes vs. Dragonninja" by Imagine Soft.
Sinclair ZX Spectrum (1988) "Dragon Ninja" by Imagine Soft.
MSX (1988) "Dragon Ninja" by Imagine Soft.
[EU] Amstrad CPC (1989) by Ocean
[US] Apple II (apr. 1988) "Bad Dudes [Model 406-0177]"

- SOURCES -

Game's ROM.
Game's picture.

バベルの塔 (c) 1986 NAMCOT.
(Babel no Tou)

Babel no Tou is an action puzzle game. The player assumes the role of Indii Bougunain, an adventurer and archaeologist on a mission to explore the Tower of Babel in an attempt to find the lost hanging gardens of Babylon. But to succeed, he must navigate through 64 treacherous rooms and solve all the mysteries of the tall tower. Although Indy can start his journey from any stage, only 16 are available at first and all the others are password protected. In a nutshell, the gameplay is rather simple - each level has an exit door that Indy must reach in order to progress to the next round, and this is where the true essence of the game lies. Our explorer must lift and move L-Shaped blocks around, and stack them up to create stairs. Once he has picked up a block, he can orient it differently so it faces a direction that is more suited to a particular situation. In typical puzzle game fashion, the gameplay becomes a lot more complicated as the game progresses - removing a supporting block can make a whole staircase momentarily tremble and collapse, or blocks can crush Indy if he falls while carrying one. He also comes with a limited Power level which decreases as he moves blocks around, and acts as a kind of time limit. Enemies also quickly appear on the playfield and add an element of challenge to the mix - koumori bats simply fly around , priests of Uru are a lot smarter and constantly hunt down Indy (and they keep regenerating), and the Baberuzu golems are made out of stone and can create new blocks. Various items also occasionally appear - vases and crowns are turned in for points, jewels make Indy temporary invincible, lamps give him the ability to walk through blocks, crystal balls unlock exit doors later in the game and the rare shooting stars increase Indy's speed. Interestingly, every eight floors, Indy enters an odd looking room - there, he must find a way to reveal one of the eight symbols later used to unlock the final level and to gain access to 64 extra floors.

- TECHNICAL -

Cartridge ID: NBL-3900

- TRIVIA -

Babel no Tou was released on July 18, 1986 in Japan for 3900 Yen.

The game was never released outside Japan.

- TIPS AND TRICKS -

GAME GENIE CODES:
GENYEIEI: CRC Test.

- STAFF -

By: TAKASI FUKAWA

CRC Text Routine by: Haruhisa Udagawa, Kumi Hanaoka

- PORTS -

* CONSOLES:
Nintendo Game Boy (1997) "Namco Gallery Vol.3 [Model DMG-AV3J-JPN]"
Sony PlayStation (1998) "Namco Anthology 1 [Model SLPS-01220]"

* COMPUTERS:
Sharp X68000 (1997) "Babel no Tou"

* OTHERS:
Arcade (1986) "Vs. Babel no Tou"

- SOURCES -

Game's ROM.
Game's description by Laurent Kermel; http://www.videogameden.com

B-Wings (c) 1986 Data East Corporation.

B-Wings is a vertical shooter, conversion of an arcade game originally released in 1984. The Earth Federation has dispatched its FX-1 prototype star fighter to counter an impending enemy attack. The elite pilot and his ship must both go on a suicide mission deep inside enemy territory. The general gist of the game is to fly though thirty levels, destroy enemy ships, ground installations and massive Gobunasu armored fortresses. Although the FX-1 is relatively weakly armed in its simplest form, it has the ability to equip weapon modules called Wings. They come in ten different types - Anti-Wing, Cannon Wing, Dyna-Wing, Fire-Wing, Jump-Wing, Hammer-Wing, Multiple-Wing, Side-Wing, Van-Wing and Wide-Wing. Each Wing weapon-module has its own special characteristics - some have a longer range than others, some shoot in a specific direction, some use explosive shells whereas others fire a frontal jet of flames or shield the fighter against enemy attacks. Although the player can select a power Wing at the beginning of the game, a collision with another enemy ship results in the destruction of such module (the second action button also ejects the equipped Wing). Thankfully in these emergency situations, the player has the option to collect other Wings left behind by special flying pods. The second action button also allows the player to dive down for a short amount of time in order to avoid enemy attacks (ejecting the equipped Wing in the process). B-Wings features a two-player alternating option.

- TECHNICAL -

GAME ID: DFC-BW
BARCODE: 4 961082 610012

- TRIVIA -

B-Wings for Famicom was released on June 03, 1986 in Japan. It was sold 4900 Yen.

The game was never released outside Japan.

- TIPS AND TRICKS -

* Stage select:
On the title screen, hold Up and press A, hold Right and press A, hold Down and press A, hold Left and press A, hold Left and press B. You will hear an explosion sound confirming you that the code is enabled. Press Select twice to highlight the Continue option and press Up and Down to select a level. Press Start to play.

* Weapon select:
Once the Stage select code has been activated, pause at anytime during the game and press Select to cycle through the available Wings (this comes in limited quantities though).

* Hidden Wings:
There are three hidden Wings in the game that seem to appear after destroying certain obstacles (it is not really clear which ones). The first one shoots large ring-shaped beams, the second one shoots black spheres (identical to the Hammer-Wing) in eight directions and the third Wing shoots pink helix-shaped beams in four directions.

* Secret Items:
Most of these secret items are hidden inside certain obstacles, and turn into an umbrella when shot at (which doesn't seem to have much effect). The most common item is shaped like a letter - the player must shoot it in order to change that letter and eventually equip another Wing. Another one is a flashing Vol item that gives the player the ability to switch weapons. Once activated, the player can pause the game and press select to equip another Wing. However, this only works once, and another Vol item needs to be picked up to switch again (they can be stocked up though). Other items are a lot more obscure - a set of items with card faces on them give various upgrades such as an armor or extra lives, and one shaped like a horse head (or a chess knight piece) doesn't seem to do anything (maybe just extra points?). Finally, another one shaped like a shooting star gives the player the ability to warp ahead and skip four stages!

- STAFF -

STAFF: Hiroaki Yoshida (H. Yoshida), Yasuhiro Sugahara (Y. Sugahara), N. Nakazawa (N. Nakazawa), Azusa Hara (A. Hara), T. Yamaguchi (T. Yamaguchi), Yukihiko Kitahara (Y. Kitahara)

- SOURCES -

Game's ROM.
Game's description by Laurent Kermel; http://www.videogameden.com

Medal game

Mario Undoukai (c) 1993 Banpresto.

An sport game based on "Super Mario World".

- SOURCES -

Game's ROMs.

幕末浪漫第二幕 月華の剣士 ～月に咲く華、散りゆく花～ (c) 1998 SNK Corporation.
(Bakumatsu Rouman Dai-ni Maku - Gekka no Kenshi: Tsuki ni Saku Hana, Chiriyuku Hana)

Much-acclaimed swordplay fighter with sixteen selectable characters and one end boss. Another SNK triumph!

- TECHNICAL -

Runs on the SNK "Neo-Geo MVS" hardware.
Game ID: NGM-243

[SNK MVS Neo-Geo Controls]
2 Players - 4 buttons Per Player.
=> [Joystick] 8-Way, [A] Weak Slash, [B] Strong Slash, [C] Kick, [D] Repel

- TRIVIA -

Released on November 25, 1998 in Japan.

The title translates from Japanese as 'Bakumatsu Romance Episode II - Swordsman of the Moonlight: On the Moon a Flower Blooming, a Petal Falling'.

This game is known outside Japan as The Last Blade 2.

Kojiroh Sanada is a homage to an ancient Chinese legend about a girl disguising herself as her father (the same story was also used in the Disney movie Mulan).

Lee Rekka is a homage to the Cantonese hero, Wong Fei Hung.

Akari and Juzoh are the comedic relief characters in the Gekka series : If Akari is fighting someone other than Juzoh, Juzoh can be seen next to the elephant. If Akari is fighting Juzoh, Akari's three friends (Hijiri Nanase, Aoi Yahata and Shizuka Kujou) can be seen next to the elephant. If Juzoh is fighting someone other than Akari, Akari can be seen with her friends.

Soundtrack releases:
[JP] December 18, 1998; Bakumatsu Roman Dai Ni Maku - Gekka no Kenshi: Tsuki ni Saku Hana, Chiri Yuku Hana [PCCB-00350] - Pony Canyon
[JP] January 07, 2000; Bakumatsu Roman Dai Ni Maku - Gekka no Kenshi: Tsuki ni Saku Hana, Chiri Yuku Hana [Arrange Sound Trax] [PCCB-00353] - Pony Canyon

- UPDATES -

In the original (Japanese) version of Last Blade 2, each of the 3 modes is described by one kanji : Chikara (red), Waza (blue) and Kiwame (green). Chikara means 'strength', Waza 'skill' and Kiwame 'extreme'.
These 3 modes were made into 'Power', 'Speed' and 'EX', respectively, for their English release.
However, one case where the modes were literally translated remain.
If you look at the English 'How To Play' intro in Last Blade 2, you will see 'Strength and Skill' where they should have said 'Power and Speed'.
A slight mistake in the English renaming, or a tribute to the Japanese and therefore correct, names.

- TIPS AND TRICKS -

* Play As Kaede From Last Blade : Highlight Kaede at the character selection screen, then press C(x9), B, C(x4). You must input the correct button sequence in LESS THAN FOUR SECONDS! - A sound will confirm correct code entry.

* Play As Kouryu : Highlight Kaede and press C(x10), B(x5) and C(x5). You must input the correct button sequence in LESS THAN FOUR SECONDS!

* Hagure Hitogata Appearance : Highlight Akari at the character selection screen, then press C(x8), B(x9), C(x4). You must input the correct button sequence in LESS THAN FOUR SECONDS! - A sound will confirm correct code entry.

* Naoe Kotetsu Appearance : Highlight Shigen at the character selection screen, then press C(x5), B(x10), C(x2). You must input the correct button sequence in LESS THAN FOUR SECONDS! - A sound will confirm correct code entry.

* Time Attack Mode : Insert a coin, hold A+B+C+D and press Start.

* Unlock EX Mode : At the mode selection screen, highlight Speed and press C(x6), highlight Power and press B(x3), highlight Speed and press C(x4). You must input the correct button sequence in LESS THAN FOUR SECONDS!

* Ending variations:
-Hibiki: If you get 6 fatalities/decapitation kills before the last boss, you'll unlock an alternative ending.
-Setsuna: Get the same decapitation kills with Setsuna and his ending will be in full color instead of the usual brown tinted color.
-Lee: Finish the game without using a continue to see an alternative ending.

* Alternative Credits: Finish the game without using a continue and you'll see artworks of every character during the credits.

* Contest? : If you finish the game in one credit, a password is given to you (The Password is ELEPHANT). This password can be entered in the official LB2 Internet page. This contest was available between November 1998 and April 1999.

- SERIES -

1. Bakumatsu Rouman - Gekka no Kenshi [Model NGM-234] (1997)
2. Bakumatsu Ruoman Dai-ni Maku - Gekka no Kenshi: Tsuki ni Saku Hana, Chiriyuku Hana [Model NGM-243] (1998)

- PORTS -

* CONSOLES:
[JP] SNK Neo-Geo AES (jan.28, 1999), "Bakumatsu Roman Dai Ni Maku - Gekka no Kenshi: Tsuki ni Saku Hana, Chiri Yuku Hana [Model NGH-243]"
[US] SNK Neo-Geo AES (jan.28, 1999), "The Last Blade 2 [Model NGH-243]"
[JP] SNK Neo-Geo CD (feb.27, 1999), "Bakumatsu Roman Dai Ni Maku - Gekka no Kenshi: Tsuki ni Saku Hana, Chiri Yuku Hana [Model NGCD-243]"
[JP] Sega Dreamcast (dec.21, 2000), "Bakumatsu Roman Dai Ni Maku - Gekka no Kenshi [Final Edition] [Model T-3107M]"
[US] Sega Dreamcast (aug.6, 2001), "The Last Blade 2: Heart of the Samurai [Model T-44305M]"
[JP] Sega Dreamcast (may.23, 2002), "Bakumatsu Roman Dai Ni Maku - Gekka no Kenshi [Final Edition] [Model T-47301M]"
[JP] Sony PS2 (jan.12, 2006), "Gekka no Kenshi 1-2 [NeoGeo Online Collection Vol.2] [Model SLPS-25503]"
[JP] Sony PS2 (june.21, 2007), "Gekka no Kenshi 1-2 [NeoGeo Online Collection The Best] [Model SLPS-25792]"

Notes: Home versions (except AES version) features Musashi Akatsuki as a hidden character.

- SOURCES -

Game's ROM.
Machine's picture.

Video pinball

Video pinball

Pinball-42 has five original pinball tables:

Attack
Western
Speed Limit
Halloween
Apocalypse

Planet B-Ball (c) 1996 Warner Bros. Ent., Inc.

- SOURCES -

Game's Pack.

幕末浪漫 月華の剣士 (c) 1997 SNK Corporation.
(Bakumatsu Rouman - Gekka no Kenshi)

Japanese weapons-based fighter featuring beautiful artwork and sound. Twelve selectable characters and two end bosses.

- TECHNICAL -

Runs on the SNK "Neo-Geo MVS" hardware.
Game ID: NGM-234

[SNK MVS Neo-Geo Controls]
2 Players - 4 buttons per player.
=> [Joystick] 8-way, [A] Weak Slash, [B] Strong Slash, [C] Kick, [D] Repel

- TRIVIA -

Bakumatsu Rouman - Gekka no Kenshi (translates from Japanese as 'Bakumatsu Romance - Swordsman In The Moonlight') was released on December 5th, 1997.

This game is known outside Japan as 'The Last Blade' and in Korea as 'The Last Soldier'.

Parts of Gekka no Kenshi was based off of the manga 'Rurouni Kenshin'.

The Bakumatsu period of Japan (1860-1899) represents the opening of Japanese ports to foreigners. The Last Blade is set during this time period and you can see Europeans in some backgrounds, as well as some European dress influences on some characters.

This game has a lot to do with Japanese religion. In what little understanding of Japanese culture, there are four gods in Japanese mythology : Seiryuu (blue dragon), Suzaku (red phoenix), Byakko (white tiger) and Genbu. Each god is associated with a direction : Byakko with west, Seiryuu with east, Genbu with north and Suzaku in the south. The four gods also seem to be portrayed in an identical manner : Suzaku is often seen as a renegade of sorts, Genbu is often wise, Byakko seems to be strong and Seiryuu seems to be the role of the protagonist. To this end, the four characters that are avatars to these gods in Gekka no Kenshi (Kaede, Okina, Shigen and Kagami) seem to fit the gods themselves to a tee (Kaede to Seiryuu, Okina to Genbu, Shigen to Byakko and Kagami to Suzaku). However, there may be one (unintentional) reference to the entire fighting game itself. These four characters may very well represent the four popular styles of characters found in nearly fighting game :
Kaede is a Shotokan-style character. This type of character, of course, is the earliest type of fighting game character (as early fighting games always had the protagonist be proficient in some form of karate). However, ever since the release of "Street Fighter II - The World Warrior", a Shoto-character refers to a character with similar moves to that of Ryu and Ken from that game, or more specifically, a character with a projectile and a built upper. Kaede fits this property well : his Ittou Hayate is a projectile (much like Ryu's Hadou Ken) and his Ittou Kuuga is a built upper (like Ken's Shoryuu Ken). Of course, Kaede may also be a nod to that of SNK's first fighting game protagonist (Terry Bogard) as well : his Kasshin Fukuryuu super is in the style of Terry's Power Geyser. To this day, many fighting game characters are known as Shoto characters - their simplicity can't be beat.
Shigen is a large character. Large characters come generally in two flavors : the power character and the grappler (Shigen himself is a mix of both). Power characters generally don't move much but deal lots of damage per hit. Grapplers are those whose special moves are mainly throws. These characters tend to last longer because of their size, but have a weakness that they have either short range or are slow (or, in the case of some characters, overly complicated moves).
Okina may be described as a turtler. This may seem like an inside joke (Okina, in his profile, refers to his family as a bunch of turtles), but it sometimes make sense. Jokes aside, turtlers are not exactly a type of character, but a type of player. That is, a turtler is a player who tend to block attacks a lot.
Charge characters (i.e. those whose repertoire of moves are mainly charge moves) generally fall into this category, as it is often that they need to remain in a blocking position in order to get their charges and counterattack.
Over the years, there have been many incentives to stray away from this style (as well as derivatives thereof, such as ticking), such as guard breaks, overheads, low attacks, shorter charges and unblockable moves.
Granted, the turtler is not as big as a factor as it used to be (the most popular character in "Street Fighter II - The World Warrior" was Guile because of his turtling and ticking abilities), but Okina's reference to turtles remains.
Kagami, of course, continues SNK's tradition of making cheap-ass characters for final bosses.

Akari and Juzoh are the comedic relief characters in the Gekka series : Juzoh is seen in Akari's stage if Akari is fighting (and obviously, if Akari is not fighting Juzoh). Likewise, Akari can be seen in Juzoh's stage if Juzoh is fighting (and if Juzoh isn't fighting against Akari).

Soundtrack releases :
Bakumatsu Roman - Gekka no Kenshi / SNK Shinsekai Gakkyoku Zatsugidan - Pony Canyon / Scitron - PCCB-00287 - December 17, 1997
Bakumatsu Roman - Gekka no Kenshi Arrange Sound Trax / SNK Shinsekai Gakkyoku Zatsugidan - Pony Canyon / Scitron - PCCB-00301 - January 21, 1998
Bakumatsu Roman - Gekka no Kenshi Drama CD -Pony Canyon / Scitron - PCCB-00302 - February 04, 1998

- UPDATES -

On the AES version, Musashi and Kagami are playable characters by imputing a code. On the MVS version only Musashi can be unlocked (see Tips & tricks section for more information).

- TIPS AND TRICKS -

* Play As Musashi : at the character selection screen, press C(x6), B(x3) and C(x4). You must input the correct button sequence in LESS THAN FOUR SECONDS!

* Time Attack Mode : insert a coin, hold A+B+C+D and press Start.

* Alternate Costume Colors : press Start when selecting a fighter at the character selection screen.

- SERIES -

1. Bakumatsu Rouman - Gekka no Kenshi [Model NGM-234] (1997)
2. Bakumatsu Ruoman Dai-ni Maku - Gekka no Kenshi: Tsuki ni Saku Hana, Chiriyuku Hana [Model NGM-243] (1998)

- STAFF -

Executive Producer: Hiroshi Matsumoto (as H. Matsumoto)
Producer: Akira Goto (as Akira. G)
Director: Kimura Ken (as Kim-Ken), Wakama2 (as Wakama2), Hidetaka Suehiro (as Swery 65%)
Voice Cast: Kouji Suizu (Kaede), Jun Hashimoto (Lee Rekka/Moriya Minakata), Hazuki Nishikawa (Yuki), Shigefumi Nakai (Genbu no Okina), Mayuko Omimura (Akari Ichijou), Tyson Ōya (Juzoh Kanzaki), Akio Otsuka (Hyo Amano), Atsushi Maezuka (Shikyoh), Enma Itō (Shigen Naoe), Franky Nakamura (Musashi Akatsuki), Makoto Awane (Shinnosuke Kagami), Katsuyuki Konishi (Keiichiro Washizuka), Ryuzaburo Otomo (Zantetsu)
Sound: Yasuhiro Naka (as Yassun), Yasuo Yamate (as Tate_Norio), Brother-Hige (as Brother-Hige), Zoe, Okan
Tool Staff: K. Miyazaki (as K. Miyazaki), Masatoshi Hashimoto (as M. Hashimoto), O. Daimon (as O. Daimon), T. Kanehiro (as T. Kanehiro), K. Hamamoto (as K. Hamamoto)
Adjuster: Kengo Asai (as K. Asai), Game King, M-Panic!
Programmer: YuritaRo (as Yuritaro), Hiropon (as Hiropon-MK2), Naoyan Apchiba (as Naoyan)
Demo Section - Direction: Hidetaka Suehiro (as Swery 100%)
Demo Section - Graphics: Wadamo (as Wadamo)
Demo Section - Programming: Naoyan Apchiba (as Naoyan)
Special Thanks: 56, Sho Chan (as Sho-chan), Asami Don, Oh!Butch (as Oh!Butch), Anne, Haruo K. (as Haruo. K), Sanpo A. (as Sanpo. A), H. Shinmei (as H. Shinmei), M Marohie (as Marhie), Sike-Tune, All SNK Staff

- PORTS -

* CONSOLES:
[JP] SNK Neo-Geo AES (jan.29, 1998; "Bakumatsu Roman - Gekka no Kenshi [Model NGH-234]")
[US] SNK Neo-Geo AES (jan.29, 1998; "The Last Blade [Model NGH-234]")
[JP] SNK Neo-Geo CD (mar.26, 1998; "Bakumatsu Roman - Gekka no Kenshi [Model NGCD-234]")
[US] SNK Neo-Geo CD (mar.26, 1998; "The Last Blade [Model NGCD-2341]")
[JP] Sony PlayStation (feb.25, 1999; "Bakumatsu Roman - Gekka no Kenshi [Model SLPM-86118]")
[JP] Sony PS2 (jan.12, 2006; "Gekka no Kenshi 1-2 [NeoGeo Online Collection Vol.2] [Model SLPS-25503]")
[JP] Sony PS2 (june.21, 2007; "Gekka no Kenshi 1-2 [NeoGeo Online Collection The Best] [Model SLPS-25792]")
Nintendo Wii [Virtual Console] [JP] (mar.13, 2012)

* COMPUTERS:
PC (2000)

- SOURCES -

Game's ROM.
Machine's picture.

幕末浪漫 月華の剣士 (c) 1997 SNK Corporation.
(Bakumatsu Rouman - Gekka no Kenshi)

Japanese weapons-based fighter featuring beautiful artwork and sound. Twelve selectable characters and two end bosses.

- TECHNICAL -

Runs on the SNK "Neo-Geo MVS" hardware.
Game ID: NGM-234

[SNK MVS Neo-Geo Controls]
2 Players - 4 buttons per player.
=> [Joystick] 8-way, [A] Weak Slash, [B] Strong Slash, [C] Kick, [D] Repel

- TRIVIA -

Bakumatsu Rouman - Gekka no Kenshi (translates from Japanese as 'Bakumatsu Romance - Swordsman In The Moonlight') was released on December 5th, 1997.

This game is known outside Japan as 'The Last Blade' and in Korea as 'The Last Soldier'.

Parts of Gekka no Kenshi was based off of the manga 'Rurouni Kenshin'.

The Bakumatsu period of Japan (1860-1899) represents the opening of Japanese ports to foreigners. The Last Blade is set during this time period and you can see Europeans in some backgrounds, as well as some European dress influences on some characters.

This game has a lot to do with Japanese religion. In what little understanding of Japanese culture, there are four gods in Japanese mythology : Seiryuu (blue dragon), Suzaku (red phoenix), Byakko (white tiger) and Genbu. Each god is associated with a direction : Byakko with west, Seiryuu with east, Genbu with north and Suzaku in the south. The four gods also seem to be portrayed in an identical manner : Suzaku is often seen as a renegade of sorts, Genbu is often wise, Byakko seems to be strong and Seiryuu seems to be the role of the protagonist. To this end, the four characters that are avatars to these gods in Gekka no Kenshi (Kaede, Okina, Shigen and Kagami) seem to fit the gods themselves to a tee (Kaede to Seiryuu, Okina to Genbu, Shigen to Byakko and Kagami to Suzaku). However, there may be one (unintentional) reference to the entire fighting game itself. These four characters may very well represent the four popular styles of characters found in nearly fighting game :
Kaede is a Shotokan-style character. This type of character, of course, is the earliest type of fighting game character (as early fighting games always had the protagonist be proficient in some form of karate). However, ever since the release of "Street Fighter II - The World Warrior", a Shoto-character refers to a character with similar moves to that of Ryu and Ken from that game, or more specifically, a character with a projectile and a built upper. Kaede fits this property well : his Ittou Hayate is a projectile (much like Ryu's Hadou Ken) and his Ittou Kuuga is a built upper (like Ken's Shoryuu Ken). Of course, Kaede may also be a nod to that of SNK's first fighting game protagonist (Terry Bogard) as well : his Kasshin Fukuryuu super is in the style of Terry's Power Geyser. To this day, many fighting game characters are known as Shoto characters - their simplicity can't be beat.
Shigen is a large character. Large characters come generally in two flavors : the power character and the grappler (Shigen himself is a mix of both). Power characters generally don't move much but deal lots of damage per hit. Grapplers are those whose special moves are mainly throws. These characters tend to last longer because of their size, but have a weakness that they have either short range or are slow (or, in the case of some characters, overly complicated moves).
Okina may be described as a turtler. This may seem like an inside joke (Okina, in his profile, refers to his family as a bunch of turtles), but it sometimes make sense.
Jokes aside, turtlers are not exactly a type of character, but a type of player. That is, a turtler is a player who tend to block attacks a lot.
Charge characters (i.e. those whose repertoire of moves are mainly charge moves) generally fall into this category, as it is often that they need to remain in a blocking position in order to get their charges and counterattack.
Over the years, there have been many incentives to stray away from this style (as well as derivatives thereof, such as ticking), such as guard breaks, overheads, low attacks, shorter charges and unblockable moves.
Granted, the turtler is not as big as a factor as it used to be (the most popular character in "Street Fighter II - The World Warrior" was Guile because of his turtling and ticking abilities), but Okina's reference to turtles remains.
Kagami, of course, continues SNK's tradition of making cheap-ass characters for final bosses.

Akari and Juzoh are the comedic relief characters in the Gekka series : Juzoh is seen in Akari's stage if Akari is fighting (and obviously, if Akari is not fighting Juzoh). Likewise, Akari can be seen in Juzoh's stage if Juzoh is fighting (and if Juzoh isn't fighting against Akari).

Soundtrack releases :
Bakumatsu Roman - Gekka no Kenshi / SNK Shinsekai Gakkyoku Zatsugidan - Pony Canyon / Scitron - PCCB-00287 - December 17, 1997
Bakumatsu Roman - Gekka no Kenshi Arrange Sound Trax / SNK Shinsekai Gakkyoku Zatsugidan - Pony Canyon / Scitron - PCCB-00301 - January 21, 1998
Bakumatsu Roman - Gekka no Kenshi Drama CD -Pony Canyon / Scitron - PCCB-00302 - February 04, 1998

- UPDATES -

On the AES version, Musashi and Kagami are playable characters by imputing a code. On the MVS version only Musashi can be unlocked (see Tips & tricks section for more information).

- TIPS AND TRICKS -

* Play As Musashi : at the character selection screen, press C(x6), B(x3) and C(x4). You must input the correct button sequence in LESS THAN FOUR SECONDS!

* Time Attack Mode : insert a coin, hold A+B+C+D and press Start.

* Alternate Costume Colors : press Start when selecting a fighter at the character selection screen.

- SERIES -

1. Bakumatsu Rouman - Gekka no Kenshi [Model NGM-234] (1997)
2. Bakumatsu Ruoman Dai-ni Maku - Gekka no Kenshi: Tsuki ni Saku Hana, Chiriyuku Hana [Model NGM-243] (1998)

- STAFF -

Executive Producer: Hiroshi Matsumoto (as H. Matsumoto)
Producer: Akira Goto (as Akira. G)
Director: Kimura Ken (as Kim-Ken), Wakama2 (as Wakama2), Hidetaka Suehiro (as Swery 65%)
Voice Cast: Kouji Suizu (Kaede), Jun Hashimoto (Lee Rekka/Moriya Minakata), Hazuki Nishikawa (Yuki), Shigefumi Nakai (Genbu no Okina), Mayuko Omimura (Akari Ichijou), (Juzoh Kanzaki) Tyson Ōya, Akio Otsuka (Hyo Amano), Atsushi Maezuka (Shikyoh), Enma Itō (Shigen Naoe), Franky Nakamura (Musashi Akatsuki), Makoto Awane (Shinnosuke Kagami), Katsuyuki Konishi (Keiichiro Washizuka), Ryuzaburo Otomo (Zantetsu)
Sound: Yasuhiro Naka (as Yassun), Yasuo Yamate (as Tate_Norio), Brother-Hige (as Brother-Hige), Zoe, Okan
Tool Staff: K. Miyazaki (as K. Miyazaki), Masatoshi Hashimoto (as M. Hashimoto), O. Daimon (as O. Daimon), T. Kanehiro (as T. Kanehiro), K. Hamamoto (as K. Hamamoto)
Adjuster: Kengo Asai (as K. Asai), Game King, M-Panic!
Programmer: YuritaRo (as Yuritaro), Hiropon (as Hiropon-MK2), Naoyan Apchiba (as Naoyan)
Demo Section - Direction: Hidetaka Suehiro (as Swery 100%)
Demo Section - Graphics: Wadamo (as Wadamo)
Demo Section - Programming: Naoyan Apchiba (as Naoyan)
Special Thanks: 56, Sho Chan (as Sho-chan), Asami Don, Oh!Butch (as Oh!Butch), Anne, Haruo K. (as Haruo. K), Sanpo A. (as Sanpo. A), H. Shinmei (as H. Shinmei), M Marohie (as Marhie), Sike-Tune, All SNK Staff

- PORTS -

* CONSOLES:
[JP] SNK Neo-Geo AES (jan.29, 1998; "Bakumatsu Roman - Gekka no Kenshi [Model NGH-234]")
[US] SNK Neo-Geo AES (jan.29, 1998; "The Last Blade [Model NGH-234]")
[JP] SNK Neo-Geo CD (mar.26, 1998; "Bakumatsu Roman - Gekka no Kenshi [Model NGCD-234]")
[US] SNK Neo-Geo CD (mar.26, 1998; "The Last Blade [Model NGCD-2341]")
[JP] Sony PlayStation (feb.25, 1999; "Bakumatsu Roman - Gekka no Kenshi [Model SLPM-86118]")
[JP] Sony PS2 (jan.12, 2006; "Gekka no Kenshi 1-2 [NeoGeo Online Collection Vol.2] [Model SLPS-25503]")
[JP] Sony PS2 (june.21, 2007; "Gekka no Kenshi 1-2 [NeoGeo Online Collection The Best] [Model SLPS-25792]")
Nintendo Wii [Virtual Console] [JP] (mar.13, 2012)

* COMPUTERS:
PC (2000)

- SOURCES -

Game's ROM.
Machine's picture.

Ninja Princess (c) 1985 Sega.

- TECHNICAL -

GAME ID: 315-5051

- TRIVIA -

Released in March 1985 in Japan.

This game is also known as "Sega Ninja [Model 315-5102]" and as "Ninja [Model 315-5102]".

- STAFF -

From highscore table : (R.N), (M.O), Yoshiki Kawasaki (Y.K), Reiko Kodama (R.K), (M.K), (H.U), (TAC)

- PORTS -

* CONSOLES:
Sega SG-1000 (1986)
[JP] Sega Saturn (Nov. 27, 1997) "Sega Memorial Selection Vol.2 [Model GS-9163]"

* COMPUTERS:
MSX (1986)

* OTHERS:
Mobile phones (2003)

- SOURCES -

Game's ROM.

Sega Ninja (c) 1985 Sega.

Re-release of "Ninja Princess [Model 315-5051]".

- TECHNICAL -

Game ID: 315-5102

Runs on the Sega "System 1" hardware.

Players: 2
Control: 8-way joystick
Buttons: 3

- TRIVIA -

Released in March 1985.

This game is known in Japan as "Ninja Princess [Model 315-5051]" and also known as "Ninja [Model 315-5102]".

- PORTS -

* CONSOLES:
Sega Master System (1986) "The Ninja"

- SOURCES -

Game's ROMs.

Ninja (c) 1985 Sega.

Export release. Game developed in Japan. See the original for more information; "Sega Ninja [Model 315-5102]" and "Ninja Princess [Model 315-5051]".

- TECHNICAL -

Game ID: 315-5102

- TRIVIA -

Released in March 1985.

- PORTS -

* CONSOLES:
Sega Master System ("The Ninja")

- SOURCES -

Game's ROM.

TP Mahjong 24: Sexy Beach (c) 2004 Seibu Kaihatsu.

- SOURCES -

Official website; http://www.seibu-kaihatsu.co.jp/work1.htm

TP Mahjong 28: BINKAN Lips Plus (c) 2006 Seibu Kaihatsu.

- SOURCES -

Official website; http://www.seibu-kaihatsu.co.jp/work1.htm

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)

https://undumped.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_Undumped_Arcade_Games#Nichibutsu_(Nihon_Bussan)