Month: October 2009

MAME WR No. 5 – 1942

This is where it began for the 194X series and where it had almost just begun for Capcom.  Released in 1984 and only their fourth release after Vulgus, Sonson, and Pirate Ship Higemaru. With an almost self-flagellation approach to games design, the Japanese based Capcom essentially allow the player to pilot a western fighter plane to shoot the bejesus out of wave after wave of Japanese planes.  I understand that when basing a game on the pacific dogfights of WWII you have to stay somewhat true to the history but to create a game which sees your own countrymen shot to shit strikes me as odd.  Perhaps they wanted closure?

Heading over to Twin Galaxies, it’s no surprise to see at large amount of submissions for 1942 considering it’s popularity over the years.  Capcom report a total of 1.2 million copies sold across all formats since it’s initial release.  In total there are 64 MAME submissions with the lowest being 6,190 and the highest score being 12,413,510 by Simon Beck.  I first encountered 1942 when my parents had it installed in their pub back in the day.   The day being 1986. Aaaahh the memories.  I was shit at it then.  I wonder if my years of gaming has helped me improve any?

Probably not and I can’t remember my score from 23 years ago anyhow…

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MAME WR No. 4 – 1941: Counter Attack

1941: Counter Attack

Developed by Capcom (always a stamp of quality in my eyes) and released in 1990 this is the three-quel (?) to the vertical scrolling classic 1942.  (The sequel being 1943: Battle Of Midway).    It’s still a standard vertical shump and as in 1942 the player collects power ups and shoots the hell out of all oncoming enemies whilst avoiding the shit they sling your way.  Not entirely sure it’s a faithful representation of WWII.  I’m certain the Japanese didn’t shoot glowing plasma balls during that particular fracas but hey I’ll overlook that…

The current MAME World Record stands at 2,455,800 and is held by Vicente Morales and every entry in the top 5 are above 1,000,000 so if I’m to make a decent stab of this I need to be aiming for at least that.

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A Cafe, a Cafe! My Kingdom For A Cafe!

It’s a standard weekend morning scenario. One which is played out across the globe. Fuzzy headed and bleary eyed, I wake from my slumber. The fragrant remnants of last night’s alcohol and curry still “fresh” in my mouth. The one thing on my mind is the longing for another helping of grease to take the edge off the empty stomach cramps. A full English is in order but as there are 6 of us in the house and only 6 bacon rashers we are forced to enter the outside world (also known as Wakefield) and hunt for a greasy spoon. A full English complete with black pudding, fried bread and mug of builder’s tea is the only gastronomic concoction which will keep the threatening hangover at arms length. None of this cosmopolitan panini, mocha, latte, frappuccino, for us. No Siree.

You’d assume finding a greasy spoon would be an easy task but alas no. Wakefield, it seems, is devoid of a traditional good old British cafe. Yes, there’s Neptune Diner but it’s a tad too clean to be classed as a greasy spoon and anyway that wasn’t open. Aside from this, the rest the Merrie city has to offer are the old high street stalwarts; Marks and Spencer, McDonalds, Costa, Cafe Nero etc etc. All the independents are seemingly going continental and offering al-fresco dining in such luxurious locations as the newly refurbished Grey Bull Ring and next to the sick puddle outside the Sony Centre. The only other choice was Sainsbury’s which was hardly a short walk so back in the cars it was.

It was shut… Brilliant. It didn’t open until 10am. Quality. By now the troops were getting restless. Just how hard it is to obtain a decent breakfast? After much soul searching its either the world famous Red Beck or Kingsway Cafe in Ossett. Both of which are ten minute car rides away. The Kingway got the vote and at £4.50 for a large breakfast consisting of two bacon, two Eggs, two sausages, tomatoes, black Pudding, two slices of toast, beans, mushrooms and a mug of tea (with a free 2nd refill!) it did the trick, moods were lifted and all was good in world once more.  Kudos to them.

It seems that in Wakefield’s drive to become mini Leeds and go all continental on us they’ve left behind a british classic. The good old greasy spoon. Shame.