Kurt Kalata is an ardent video gamer from New Jersey. He has founded websites such as The Castlevania Dungeon, which focuses on Konami's long running, vampire slaying series, and Hardcore Gaming 101, which gives comprehensive reviews focusing on the history of gaming. In addition to his own sites and books, his writings have appeared in Retro Gamer magazine, The Overstreet Guide to Video Game Collecting, and at 1up, Nintendo Life, Siliconera, and Gamasutra (now Game Developer).

HG101 Digest Vol. 5: Treasure by Kurt Kalata

Cult classic video game developer Treasure is behind some of the most well-regarded video games of the 1990s and? 2000, including Gunstar Heroes, Guardian Heroes, Radiant Silvergun, Ikaruga, and Sin & Punishment. This book examines their entire output, including other lesser known games like Mischief Makers, Dynamite Headdy, Stretch Panic, Rakugaki Showtime, Silhouette Mirage, Bangai-O, and Alien Soldier, as well as their multiplayer anime brawlers based on Yu Yu Hakusho and Bleach.?It also examines the expanded universe of related titles that have the Treasure spirit, either by sharing development staff or using similar mechanics, including Mad Stalker, Panzer Bandit, Rapid Reload (AKA Gunners Heaven), Asuka 120% Burning Fest, Phantom Breaker, Code of Princess, and several others. This way Treasure fans can expand their knowledge beyond just the titles they're familiar with and potentially find new games to enjoy! Finally, there are capsule reviews of 80 Japanese Saturn games, the premier console for 2D action, making this essential reading for fans of retro video game action!

CURATOR'S NOTE

I always look forward to Kurt's forays into obscure gaming history. Treasure, at a glance, shouldn't be considered "obscure." It's developed some of the most iconic games of the last few decades including Ikaruga and Sin and Punishment. Not enough people appreciate those games; after reading this book, Kurt all but guarantees that you will. – David L. Craddock

 
 

BOOK PREVIEW

Excerpt

Konami's legacy stands as one of Japan's premier video game developers and publishers. Whether you're a fan of their games or not, you have to admit that they have a very diverse and strong track record. Castlevania, Contra, Gradius, Metal Gear, Dance Dance Revolution, Snatcher, Rocket Knight Adventures, even Winning Eleven. Konami has done it all and generally does it well. This knack for excellence even extends to some of their offshoots.

In 1992, Masato Maegawa and several of his fellow programmers, designers, and artists, many of whom had worked on some of Konami's greatest 16-bit achievements on the SNES, decided to leave the safe confines of the company and embark on their own little creative venture. The focus of the new company, christened Treasure, would be on making original, totally compelling games. It could be argued that many of Treasure's "innovations in play mechanics" are gimmicky in practice. Even so, this grandiose, yet-admirable notion has resulted in some great software.

Having found a home as a second-party developer for Sega, Treasure made their impressive debut on the Genesis with the excellent Gunstar Heroes, which consequently has gotten the most coverage of any of their games over the years. In terms of gameplay, it was the perfect starting point for the company, as some of the team members had been involved in the development of Contra III: The Alien Wars, arguably one of the best run-and-gun games ever. If Contra was the benchmark, Gunstar Heroes sought to break the mold, while still offering a familiar and organic play experience. Most anyone who tries this game can instantly see how great it is. While the visuals have now crossed into the realm of retro, Gunstar Heroes is so well- executed that even the most jaded of the post-PlayStation generation of gamers have to give pause.