The TurboGrafx-16, also known as the PC Engine in Japan, was a video game console that was released in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was developed by NEC Corporation and Hudson Soft in a joint venture. One of the most interesting games for the TurboGrafx-16 was Magical Chase. Magical Chase is a side-scrolling shooting game that was released in 1991. It was developed by Quest and published by Palsoft. The game gained a cult following due to its unique art style and challenging gameplay.
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While RGO is mainly YouTube focused these days concentrating on video reviews and historical features, the itch to do some old fashion writing never went away. It never caught up with the likes of what Nintendo and Sega were offering, but it still sold a respectable 10-million before it was discontinued in 1994.
The game gained a cult following due to its unique art style and challenging gameplay. In Magical Chase, players control a young witch named Ripple who is on a quest to retrieve seven magical orbs. She travels through different levels on her broomstick, battling enemies and collecting power-ups along the way.
The Last Official Release: TurboGrafx-16 – Magical Chase (1993)
Welcome back, welcome back! This – THIS is The Last Official Release. I’m not sure why I keep repeating myself, but let’s just roll with it. I’m having fun. Here, I delve into the last games officially released for your favourite consoles. A pretty darn extensive list of what I’ve already covered can be found below if today’s subject is not your cup of tea – but otherwise, let’s get cracking.
Said subject is the TurboGrafx-16, released between 1987 and 1990 around the world by NEC. Some say it’s the biggest insult to the English language as far as consoles go – nothing screams that period of time more than a misplaced “x” – but if you can see around the poor spelling, the TurboGrafx-16 was quite the little 16-bit unit at the time. It never caught up with the likes of what Nintendo and Sega were offering, but it still sold a respectable 10-million before it was discontinued in 1994.
Okay, time for some real talk. I’ve very clearly titled the last game as Magical Chase, and for the most part, that’s what we’ll be rolling with today. However, everything you know is a sham. Magical Chase was released in the May of 1993, but the last actual game was 21 Emon: Mezase! Hotel Ou on the 16th of December, 1994. As you can probably guess, it was Japanese only. It should also be noted that the console was called the PC Engine over there and was much less likely to make your English teacher scream in terror.
Since 21 Emon: Mezase! Hotel Ou doesn’t have the greatest ring to it and it probably irrelevant to most of my readership (although greetings to any Japanese readers if you’re out there) I’ve opted to base this article around Magical Chase. I’m sure you understand. Although for what it’s worth, it’s a boardgame-style game (is that a genre?) where you compete to create the best space hotel against friendly aliens. Wholesome! Here’s a video of it in action.
Okay, back to the West. Well, kinda. Magical Chase was actually released back in Japan in 1991, and the 1993 American release is more or less a port. Sporting different graphics compared to its Japanese counterpart, Magical Chase is a scrolling shooter. Instead of spaceships like many of its peers at the time, however, you control a young witch named Ripple. Ripple, being the mischievous youngster she is, looked in a forbidden book which freed six demons. The goal is to get them back in the book, or her master (which is another, more scarier witch) will turn her into a frog. Bummer!
Magical Chase is incredibly rare in the present day. Not only was it the final game, but it was only available through a mail order store called Turbo Zone Direct. I couldn’t find any eBay listings as of typing (repos only), but a complete copy went for $1,500 way back in 2010 – so who knows what it could fetch these days.
If the name of this console irks you too much and you can’t find a copy of Magical Chase (or several thousand dollars), take solace in the fact that it was also released for Windows in 1998. Alternatively, there was a Game Boy Color port released by Micro Cabin in 2000.
Previously, on The Last Official Release:
Brendan Meharry (149 Posts)Growing up while the fifth generation of consoles reigned supreme meant that Brendan missed out on much of the 80’s and early 90’s of gaming the first time around. He either lacked the cognitive ability to play them, as naturally, he was a baby - or he simply didn’t exist yet. Undeterred, Brendan started a blog called Retro Game On in 2011. This followed his exploits as he collected and played everything he could get his hands on no matter what the release date. While RGO is mainly YouTube focused these days concentrating on video reviews and historical features, the itch to do some old fashion writing never went away. More recently, Brendan has been a staff writer for the gaming website, GameCloud, mostly focusing on the indie gaming scene in his locale of Perth, Australia.
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The game features colorful and detailed graphics, including vibrant backgrounds and characters. One of the standout features of Magical Chase is its power-up system. Throughout the levels, players can collect various items that enhance Ripple's abilities. These power-ups include different types of shots, such as a wide shot or a homing shot, as well as upgrades to Ripple's speed and defense. The power-up system adds an extra layer of strategy to the game as players must decide which items to collect and when to use them. The difficulty level of Magical Chase is quite high, which adds to its replay value. The game requires precise timing and quick reflexes to navigate through the challenging levels and defeat the tough bosses. However, with practice and skill, players can progress and uncover the secrets of each stage. Magical Chase received positive reviews from critics and is considered one of the best shoot 'em up games for the TurboGrafx-16. Its unique art style, challenging gameplay, and memorable characters have made it a beloved title among retro gaming enthusiasts. In conclusion, Magical Chase is a standout game for the TurboGrafx-16 that combines colorful graphics, challenging gameplay, and a unique power-up system. Its popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a beloved title among fans of retro gaming..
Reviews for "Magical Chase on TurboGrafx-16: A Journey Through Fantastical Realms"
1. Amy - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with Magical Chase TurboGrafx. The graphics were outdated and the controls were clunky. The game overall felt lackluster and not very engaging. I had high hopes for this game, especially considering its popularity, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype for me. I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. John - 1/5 - I found Magical Chase TurboGrafx to be incredibly frustrating and difficult to play. The levels felt unfair and the enemies were relentless. The game lacked balance and strategy, making it more of a button-mashing experience rather than an enjoyable adventure. The lack of checkpoints or save points also made progress feel impossible at times. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this game and regretted spending my money on it.
3. Sarah - 3/5 - I had mixed feelings about Magical Chase TurboGrafx. While the concept of the game was interesting and the music was catchy, I found the gameplay to be repetitive and uninspiring. The difficulty level was also inconsistent, some levels were too easy while others were ridiculously hard. Additionally, the game lacked any real depth or storyline, which left me feeling disconnected from the overall experience. Overall, I can't say I hated it, but I definitely didn't love it either.