Dodonpachi Daioujou Black Label Extra [JP X360] - Patch is out!

[zakk]

I don't believe the arrange soundtrack is available on CD; at least I've never heard any word of it being for sale.

[rtw]

I extracted all the TGA files.  They're all viewable on PC/Mac etc. with something like Paint Shop Pro/Photoshop.  I can upload them if it's OK with EOJ?

Sorry my bad I thought you meant the in game graphics as well

I believe this disc layout contributes to the loading times...

[bcass]

All the game sprites are contained in .dat container files.  Further hacking required there to find out how the container is compiled and what the native sprite format is.

[cstarflare]

There are three DOJ arrange CDs*. I've kind of been assuming the last one released (came out at the last matsuri, I think) had the arrangements from BLEX, but I don't have the CD or the port so

*
http://page2.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/b103571063
http://page10.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/m68342261 (actually I think this one might be doujin but I'll throw it in just in case)
http://page8.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/h134379084

[bcass]

http://page2.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/b103571063

It's definitely not this one, as I have this CD and the remixes are completely different.

[gsl]

The first entry has the remixed music from the console ports of Espgaluda and DOJ.  It's been out for a few years, and Cave had it for sale at their last physical festival.  The second one is a doujin release by circle White Bose, and the third is an official remix album from the last few Cave festivals.  It was released around the same time as a Ketsui remix album as well, but I think those are entirely separate from the current/upcoming console ports for those titles.

Espgaluda & DOJ perfect remix: http://vgmdb.net/album/2934
Kurai Ame: http://vgmdb.net/album/7446
DOJ arrange album: http://vgmdb.net/album/14211

[StarCreator]

So I take it ripping the assets directly from the disc are the only way to really have a copy of the soundtrack?  Maybe this is something I should look into, but I never figured out how to get into the actual game filesystem last time I tried.

[rtw]

So I take it ripping the assets directly from the disc are the only way to really have a copy of the soundtrack?  Maybe this is something I should look into, but I never figured out how to get into the actual game filesystem last time I tried.

Already done, check the ura...

[EOJ]

New Mihara blog post the other day, regarding the patch:

http://mihara.sub.jp/top/blog/sb203/log/eid10367.html

He says the patch was to come out this month, but he really wanted to fix the damn load times, so he made a plan, and managed to reduce the 1 minute load times to a few seconds. However, due to Christmas, he wasn't able to get this added to the patch and approved in time for a release in 2009. So, the patch is due sometime between Jan 10-20th, 2010. The game will finally be bug free, and with short load times. Buy a copy now, while you can still find it (it's no longer in print).

He also praises the "reborn 5pb" for their cooperation.

[Monouchi]

Buy a copy now, while you can still find it (it's no longer in print).

You scared me so much there that I ran to PA and ordered a copy. 

[bcass]

Me too, I picked it up a few weeks ago.  I think there's every chance it'll become something of a rarity once the patch lands.  Very happy that the loading times have been practically eliminated.  It's the only issue I really have with the game.

[antares]

I have the game sealed sitting in the shelf. Will open it when the patch arrives

[lam47]

Play Asia has an issue with getting the game. I ordered a copy about a month ago and they have not been able to dispatch as yet.
We were told they might be able to fulfil the order after Christmas but could not promise anything.

[bcass]

There are still plenty on eBay.

[brentsg]

I have the game sealed sitting in the shelf. Will open it when the patch arrives

You sir, will not be able to properly appreciate the full impact of this patch.   

[lam47]

I found few new copies on ebay so went for one. I miss this game. I bought it for the ps2 at launch and then promptly lost the disc! We took the house apart looking for it but it never did turn up. Such an odd thing to happen as I am very anal about all my stuff. I blame my girlfriend but she swears she had nothing to do with it. I still have the box and the DVD

[EOJ]

Official blurb about the patch on 5pb's site:

http://5pb.jp/games/topics/item_779.html

Just says it's coming mid-January and sorry for the wait, problems, etc.

Also, new blog post by Mihara:
http://mihara.sub.jp/top/blog/sb203/log/eid10373.html

He responds to a question about X-mode's problems, and says they fixed all the problems throughout the game, so all modes are covered. They did not, however, change the game system or scoring system in anything.

[StarCreator]

So the patch pretty much brings the port up to the accuracy level of the PS2 port (and thus, making it the most accurate Cave conversion on 360)?

Also, is it still split into a free patch and a DLC patch?

[EOJ]

Sounds like it, but remember the PS2 port didn't give you Black Label. Plus you get X-mode (which is fun), with online replays and scoreboards.

Again, they didn't change anything about the games themselves, so the slowdown might be less accurate in the X360 version compared to the PS2 version. I felt the X360 version ran a bit faster, and they didn't fix stuff like that because it's not part of the bug list. Thus, Deathsmiles Arcade mode will likely still retain the crown for "most accurate Cave port on a console".

It doesn't sound like visual options were added, so it won't look as nice as Futari does on an HD tv. But with Mihara involved, the upcoming "complete" version (via paid DLC) should add all the visual bells and whistles, along with other stuff (probably a better training mode, tightened up accuracy in regard to port quality, and maybe an X-mode with a tweaked scoring system).

[StarCreator]

Oh, I don't disagree with any of that.  I do greatly enjoy X-Mode as it stands even now.  Just noting the irony of how the worst port of the bunch seems to be turning into the best port on the system all of a sudden.

[EOJ]

Deathsmiles Arcade mode is definitely more accurate in terms of game speed, and Futari might be as well. Maybe the "complete" version will put it over the top, though, but it's hard to beat Deathsmiles Arcade because it's pretty much perfect (all it needs is some visual options).

[neomoe]

Sounds like it, but remember the PS2 port didn't give you Black Label. Plus you get X-mode (which is fun), with online replays and scoreboards.

Again, they didn't change anything about the games themselves, so the slowdown might be less accurate in the X360 version compared to the PS2 version. I felt the X360 version ran a bit faster, and they didn't fix stuff like that because it's not part of the bug list. Thus, Deathsmiles Arcade mode will likely still retain the crown for "most accurate Cave port on a console".

It doesn't sound like visual options were added, so it won't look as nice as Futari does on an HD tv. But with Mihara involved, the upcoming "complete" version (via paid DLC) should add all the visual bells and whistles, along with other stuff (probably a better training mode, tightened up accuracy in regard to port quality, and maybe an X-mode with a tweaked scoring system).

wow, can't wait.  so are both the patch and the paid DLC both coming in mid January...or is it only the patch?

[EOJ]

Only the patch. No one knows when the DLC will come.

[Monouchi]

Same here. Canceled the PA order (it was not in stock) and got a copy from ebay. Cheaper and all. 

[Monouchi]

Got it. played it. Liked it.

And the patch isnt out yet, right?
I didnt think the loading times were so horrible so the patch will prolly make the game amazing for me. 

...but the one thing that really annoyed me was that when you choose to play in TATE, then the menu still remained in yoko, so lots of twisting my neck...

[EOJ]

Yeah, the whole menu interface is atrocious and completely unintiutive, especially if you've been playing Futari with its great and intuitive menus.

I've been playing this game today as well, actually, in anticipation of the patch next week. It's great fun.

[EOJ]

Darn, bad news from Mihara's blog today:

http://mihara.sub.jp/top/blog/sb203/log/eid10415.html

He said he wants to have the patch out by the end of January but there's some problems with the MS certification that they have to deal with, so he says we may have to "wait just a little longer". So it sounds like February, unless we get lucky (in which case it will land in the last week of January).  

[Lunchbox]

 

Can't wait for the patch to play BL (Looking forward to see if indeed is somewhat more easy than DOJ).
What's the general opinion of the specialists in terms of BL's port accuracy?

[EOJ]

It's pretty accurate, but that's because it's basically the PS2 code.

Mihara also said the guy in charge of the DDPDOJBLEX port "doesn't know anything about shooters", but he's still trying his best. The guy in charge of the Ketsui port apparently also doesn't know anything about these games, and Mihara says the Ketsui port is "really regrettable" in regard to "port accuracy and extra content".

[Monouchi]

Mihara says the Ketsui port is "really regrettable" in regard to "port accuracy and extra content".

...doesnt sound good.. 

So BLEX patch in end of Jan, Esp2BL in end of Feb, BLEX DLC somewhere in spring?, Ketsui somewhere in spring?  ....still, this is a cool beginning of 2010.