iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

This has been an expensive day 🥲

December 2025 Linda Cubed pop-up shop. Zoomed out picture of the entire Linda Cubed corner with people shopping.

Assorted Linda Cubed pin badge collectibles. Characters are random (unless you buy them all as a set).

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 17/05/2025

Share the last 4 games you’ve played and expose your gaming habits.

Famicom Detective Club: The Missing Heir - Famicom Disk System

Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom - Famicom

OreShika (Ore no Shikabane wo Koete Yuke) - PS1

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

I finished Metal Max (Famicom) last night! I feel completely blindsided by how great it was. How did it take me this long to give it a go? Anyway, one of my new all-time favorite RPGs. Can’t wait to check out MM2 and MM Returns!

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

No. 1 - Kokū Hyōryū Nirgends (Visual Novel/Flight Sim/RPG - 1996) Head: 🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +2) Score: 9/10 An unusual mix of genres that is carried to greatness by a compelling plot—one built upon a well-developed setting and cast. Uniquely leverages the system's video capabilities.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

No. 2 - Der Langrisser FX (Strategy/RPG - 1996) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 9/10 Perhaps the most complete and well-rounded game for the system. Considered the definitive version of Langrisser II by many, with amazing music arranged by composer Noriyuki Iwadare himself.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

No. 3 - Blue Breaker: Ken yori mo Hohoemi o (Romance Sim/RPG - 1996) Head: 🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 8/10 A seminal combination of romance sim and RPG, developed with involvement from Ryuga Tateishi—one of the minds behind Tokimeki Memorial. Greater than the sum of its parts.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

I ended up picking up the PS1 version’s player’s guide partially for the art!

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

No. 4 - Boundary Gate: Daughter of Kingdom (RPG - 1997) Head: 🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +2) Score: 8/10 A breezy JRPG disguised as a first-person dungeon crawler. Imperfect, but its mature fantasy vibes and striking art style differentiate it from the rest of the library.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

No. 5 - Kishin Dōji Zenki FX: Vajra Fight (Action/Platforming - 1995) Head: 🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 8/10 A licensed anime title and the PC-FX's unexpected go-to action game. A compact 40 minutes of varied brawler setpieces that demonstrate the potential of the hardware.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

No. 6 - Comic Road (Life Sim - 1997) Head: 🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 7/10 A charming manga artist take on Princess Maker. Makes up for admittedly less-than-refined game design by cramming in 3 hours of FMV content for countless random events. Even includes readable manga samples.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

No. 7 - Chōjin Heiki Zeroigar (Shooting - 1997) Head: 🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +0) Score: 7/10 The PC-FX's sole shooter. Gameplay is average, but visual presentation is excellent, particularly its anime interstitials. Includes an experience and leveling system unusual for the genre.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

No. 8 - Fire Woman: Matoi-gumi (Romance Sim/Life Sim - 1996) Head: 🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 7/10 A sim masquerading as an RPG. Visuals are hit-or-miss, but sprite work is impressive. Most celebrated for its unique combat system and outstanding degree of player freedom.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 12/01/2025

No. 9 - Battle Heat! (Fighting - 1994) Head: 🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +0) Score: 7/10 A beautifully animated FMV fighter with character designs by Junichi Hayama of Hokuto no Ken fame. Chaotic until fully grasped and difficult to master, but rewarding once learned.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 11/01/2025

No. 10 - Zen-Nihon Joshi Pro Wrestling: Queen of Queens (Fighting - 1995) Head: 🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +2) Score: 7/10 An FMV fighter notable for employing live-action footage of real wrestlers. Extremely silly in action, but quite engaging after learning the mechanics.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

No. 11 - Team Innocent: The Point of No Return (Action/Adventure - 1994) Head: 🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 7/10 Alone in the Dark, but in space...and anime. Split into short, replayable chapters. Unique and memorable, even if it lacks the polish and depth of certain similar titles.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

No. 12 - Farland Story FX (Strategy/RPG - 1996) Head: 🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 6/10 A simple and low-stress take on the fantasy SRPG formula. Features an all-star voice cast as well as beautifully animated cutscenes and sprite work. Unfortunately held back by gratuitous loading.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

No. 13 - Tengai Makyō: Dennō Karakuri Kakutōden (Fighting - 1995) Head: 🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +0) Score: 6/10 A well-animated FMV fighter with a colorful roster. Combat itself plays out much like a complex game of timed rock paper scissors. Fun once mastered, though not especially deep.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

No. 14 - Last Imperial Prince (Action/RPG - 1997) Head: 🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️ (JP Bias +2) Score: 6/10 A competent but exceedingly linear Falcom-esque sidescrolling action RPG. Compelling in concept, its tactical combat system is unique, but the game otherwise lacks an interesting draw or identity.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

Honorable Mentions: Chip Chan Kick! (Action/Platforming - 1996) First Kiss Story + HuneX Fighters '98* (Romance Sim/Visual Novel/Fighting - 1998) Miraculum: The Last Revelation (RPG - 1996) Power DoLLS FX (Strategy - 1996) *Bonus fighting game included in the PC-FX release of First Kiss Story.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 24/12/2024

...and a PC Engine CD tune to also get you into the holiday spirit:

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 23/12/2024

A PC Engine chiptune to get you into the holiday spirit:

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

Happy 30th birthday to the PC-FX! (Released December 23rd, 1994)

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 21/12/2024

Don't mind me. Just checking how these look...

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 21/12/2024

NEC wishes you a happy holiday season! (A very thoughtful co-worker recently gave me this Bazarre de Gozarre plush!)

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 01/12/2024

This! ☝️ As a side note, it’s hard to blame the North American side for the change, releasing the first game as The Legendary Axe, since that was the official subtitle of the game in Japan (and an axe is featured prominently in the Japanese logo to boot). “Painted into a corner” for sure!

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 01/11/2024

For those curious… (Screenshot from this helpful site: tothenorth.jimdofree.com/%E5%8C%97%E3...)

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 01/11/2024

In Sapporo visiting locations from Hudson’s 1999 Dreamcast game “Kita e” like a nerd.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 31/10/2024

Gave my daughter her first NEC product.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 06/10/2024

No. 1 - Linda³ (Super CD-ROM² - RPG - 1995) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +3) Score: 12/10 An absolute masterpiece developed by some of the same talent behind Tengai Makyou II. One of the most unique and well-designed RPGs of its era, in spite of less-than-impressive visuals.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 06/10/2024

No. 2 - Tengai Makyou II: Manjimaru (Super CD-ROM² - RPG - 1992) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 11/10 A massive RPG with production values unheard of in '92. Developed by incredible industry talent. Despite brisk pacing, this epic still clocks in around 80 hours!

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 05/10/2024

No. 3 - Soldier Blade (4M HuCard - Shooting - 1992) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 11/10 The apex of Hudson's shooting catalog during their golden years. Not only is it a great game, but it also pumps out incredible visuals despite its space-limited HuCard format.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 05/10/2024

No. 4 - Akumajou Dracula X: Chi no Rondo (Super CD-ROM² - Action/Platforming - 1993) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 11/10 Most with any interest in the PCE are familiar with this one, so it needs little introduction. Just know that it really does live up to its reputation.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 04/10/2024

No. 5 - Nexzr (Super CD-ROM² - Shooting - 1992) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +2) Score: 11/10 A PCE gem, oft-forgotten for its generic sci-fi setting. Free of common gimmicks, it's held up purely by its excellent core gameplay, beautiful visuals, and stupendous soundtrack.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 03/10/2024

No. 6 - Star Parodier (Super CD-ROM² - Shooting - 1992) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +2) Score: 10/10 Hudson's answer to Konami's Parodius. Its Soldier series references and beautiful presentation set it apart from the rest of the PCE library, and its core design holds it together.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 02/10/2024

No. 7 - Winds of Thunder / Lords of Thunder (Super CD-ROM² - Shooting - 1993) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 10/10 Gate of Thunder's fantasy-themed spiritual sequel, and even more metal! More form over function than its predecessor, but sometimes that's not a bad thing.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 30/09/2024

No. 8 - R-Type (Two 2M HuCards - Shooting - 1988) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +2) Score: 10/10 Arguably one of the most influential horizontal shooters of all time. Hudson's excellent port was the PCE's killer app for a period. Gruelingly difficult, but a timeless classic.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 29/09/2024

No. 9 - Ys I & II (CD-ROM² - Action/RPG - 1989) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 10/10 The game that sold the idea of the CD medium to many gamers. Some of the more archaic elements of its PC roots make it less easy to revisit, but this action RPG is still a masterpiece.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 29/09/2024

No. 10 - Gate of Thunder (Super CD-ROM² - Shooting - 1992) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 10/10 One of the best horizontal shooters for the system, featuring one of the greatest CD soundtracks to boot! An easy recommendation for those who enjoy the Thunder Force series.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 29/09/2024

No. 11 - Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou (Super CD-ROM² - Shooting - 1992) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 10/10 My personal favorite of the Gradius series. This version is an impossibly outstanding port, though brutally difficult without the use of the Konami code.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 28/09/2024

No. 12 - Super Star Soldier (4M HuCard - Shooting - 1990) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +2) Score: 10/10 Perhaps generic in appearance, but among a sea of shooters, Super Star Soldier manages to stand out by simply being all-around excellent, albeit difficult.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 28/09/2024

No. 13 - Kaze no Densetsu Xanadu (Super CD-ROM² - Action/RPG - 1994) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +2) Score: 10/10 On paper, its unusual mix of design choices should have resulted in a mess. Yet, the game's systems are surprisingly well-balanced, further elevated by excellent dialogue.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 27/09/2024

No. 14 - Magical Chase (4M HuCard - Shooting - 1991) Head: 🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 9/10 A fine shooter with graphics that almost look more at home on the SFC than the PCE, not to mention spectacular chiptunes. Unfortunately now infamous for its absurd price tag.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 26/09/2024

No. 15 - Snatcher (Super CD-ROM² - Adventure - 1992) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 9/10 The definitive, voiced remake of Hideo Kojima's well-regarded adventure title. It may take a bit TOO much from the works that inspired it, but one cannot deny its influence on the genre.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 25/09/2024

No. 16 - Tengai Makyou: Fuuun Kabuki Den (Super CD-ROM² - RPG - 1993) Head: 🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 9/10 One of the most unique RPGs for the system. It is far from perfect, but makes up for its faults with charm and...singing? A must-play for fans of the Tengai Makyou series.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 25/09/2024

No. 17 - Bomberman '94 (8M HuCard - Action/Puzzle - 1993) Head: 🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 9/10 The third and final PCE entry in Hudson's flagship series, and they pulled out all the stops. If you ask me, the series never noticeably improved beyond the standards set here.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 24/09/2024

No. 18 - Ys IV: The Dawn of Ys (Super CD-ROM² - Action/RPG - 1993) Head: 🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 9/10 Hudson's interpretation of the fourth Ys entry. Perhaps less beloved than I & II, but a fine game nonetheless. I also highly recommend the soundtrack, even on its own.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 23/09/2024

No. 19 - Tokimeki Memorial (Super CD-ROM² - Dating Sim - 1994) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 9/10 The original version of the hugely influential dating sim classic. An impressive title for the hardware and still very playable to this day, even if not the definitive release.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 23/09/2024

No. 20 - Gunhed / Blazing Lazers (3M HuCard - Shooting - 1989) Head: 🧠🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +1) Score: 9/10 One of the best shooters for the system, and developed by the esteemed Compile. Not my personal favorite, but there's no denying its status as a genre-defining classic.

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JP Wentz @jpengine.bsky.social · 23/09/2024

No. 21 - Tenshi no Uta II (Super CD-ROM² - RPG - 1993) Head: 🧠🧠🧠 Heart: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (JP Bias +2) Score: 9/10 A standout RPG of the 16-bit generation that hugely improves on the standards set by its predecessor. Great music, great atmosphere, and a simple but engaging cast and story.

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