The PGM / Polygame Master Conundrum...

NeoGeoNinja

Athena's Wardrobe Manager
Joined
Dec 4, 2011
Posts
2,287
The PGM. It's one of those things that I've watched other peeps get involved in from afar, rather enviously. However, recently, an opportunity has arisen for me to finally get involved in some Polygame Master goodness.

Luckily, considering the absolute fucking dumbshit that I am when it comes to the technical aspects of actual Arcade Hardware, this unit has been pre-consolised. So, as far as I'm aware, hook it up to the TV via SCART, blast away, go go go etc.

However, the conundrum is nothing to do with the hardware or connectivity options themselves. The conundrum lies in the rather confusing software line-up!

I have no idea WTF is actually going on with all these different releases and revisions of games already released in the library. Here are my prime examples:

1: Oriental Legend 'series'

Oriental Legend (1997)
Oriental Legend Special (1998)
Oriental Legend Special Plus (2004)

Theoretically, 'Special Plus' should qualify as 'the' de facto version, but are the other two different enough to warrant owning alongside?

2: Knights of Valour 'series'

Knights of Valour (1999)
Knights of Valour Plus (1999)
Knights of Valour Superheroes (1999)
Knights of Valour Superheroes Plus (2004)
&
Knights of Valour 2 (2000)
Knights of Valour 2: Nine Dragons (2001)

Same as Oriental Legends tbh... are there nuances, differences in gameplay, palette changes (re: FF2 & FFSp) that make these variants all worth while owning? Bearing in mind I AM the kind of guy who DOES appreciate those small things, like those present in FF2 & FFSp, that make the games quite different underneath the surface.

3: The Killing Blade 'series'

The Killing Blade (1998)
The Killing Blade Plus (2005)

Same as the above questions really?

4: The Dragon World series

Dragon World II (1997)
Dragon World 3 (1998)
Dragon World 3 EX (1998)
Dragon World 3 Special (2000)
Dragon World 2001 (2001)
Dragon World: Pretty Chance (2001)

Just wondering what the actual deal is with these? I know they're looked on rather unfavourably, but I reckon I could enjoy the concept of playing one or two. I wondered (if this concept can even exist?!) which ones are considered the best of the bunch/most definitive.

-

I'm hoping that someone with years of experience with these titles, who really knows their shit, can just pop their head in and say what and why.

I checked for previous threads, but the last proper thread hasn't seen activity in half a DECADE: http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/showt...-(plus-KoV-question)/page3&highlight=Polygame

Thanks to all and any who can offer any sort of info or insight into the mystery that is, up to 4 versions of the same game on the same hardware!

I suppose the Guilty Gear XX 'series' is the nearest analogy re: ridiculous number of revisions! I'm surprised Martial Masters, Demon Front, Gladiators & SVG didn't receive the same treatment...
 
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pulstar

Mickey's Coach
10 Year Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2011
Posts
585
I'm not an expert on most of these games but I know a few of the differences for Knights of Valor. I'm sure the Plus version is the original with all of the secret/extra characters available on startup (I assume this to be the same with all Plus versions). Knights of Valor Superheroes has a deeper combo system than the original and (if I remember correctly) some changes to the routes you'll able to take through the game.

I loved the PGM system when I had it and I miss it now. This thread is making me want to get another system now.:)
 
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