Announced today:
https://twitter.com/cavegames/status/1420982728573390851
No real details yet except it is coming out at the end of this year. Probably the X360 port with a new EXA exclusive arrange mode, like SDOJ EXA.
EDIT: Teaser site:
https://exa.ac/ja/2021/07/30/%E8%B5%A4%E3%81%84%E5%88%80-exa%E3%83%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%83%99%E3%83%AB/?v=0f177369a3b7
Looking forward to this a lot.
Will feel inexpensive compared to the pcb :p
Look forward to it as well! Really interested in what all gets reworked in exA mode.
I really hope they add the White and Red modes from the Home Limited Version. Instant buy for me if they do.
Quote from: Liquidus0 on July 30, 2021, 11:47:58 PM
I really hope they add the White and Red modes from the Home Limited Version. Instant buy for me if they do.
Not a chance, I'm afraid. There's no X360 base version with HD graphics to port or work with, you'd have to do it from scratch, in a sense. And CAVE said years ago AK LE would never be ported.
But maybe the EXA label exclusive arrange mode will incorporate some ideas from AK LE in the scoring system? That would be really cool.
Same thoughts as you EOJ. It's more a wish than an expectation for the AK LE Modes.
I'm eager to see what that EXA mode is about. With the good work Trap did with SDOJ EXA Mode, I'm confident he will do something interesting for Akai as well.
4gamer states it will have Arcade, Zetsu and Shin (from the X360 port), plus a new EXA Label mode:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/586/G058671/20210730021/
I knew this would happen. I managed to buy the AK PCB a few weeks ago after a long time wanting it, and I wondered at the time if an EXA version would come out. I concluded no....then sure enough.... The exact same thing happened with SDOJ! In SDOJ case I couldn't resist getting both. I am not convinced my willpower will hold out in this situation either (although my bank balance might be the thing that stops me). Regardless, I am looking forward to the EXA version on the community's behalf as they did a very good job with SDOJ.
@Joe:
I doubt they will replicate all of the original PCB's slowdown (they certainly didn't do that in SDOJ EXA), and of course you get the original 240p graphics. So if you care about those things and own the PCBs then it shouldn't matter if an EXA version is released except if you want to play the new arrange mode.
With that said, the AK PCB, in my experience (and opinion), has far too much slowdown. So much that it started to irritate me whenever I played ST4 and ST5 because most of the time it feels like you are swimming underwater or something. This and DFK BL are two cases where I prefer the X360 ports. If they could just add in a bit more of the PCB's slowdown in ST5 and (especially) on the ST5 boss in EXA label (as compared to the X360 port), it would be the ultimate version IMO.
Quote from: EOJ on August 06, 2021, 11:04:00 PM
@Joe:
I doubt they will replicate all of the original PCB's slowdown (they certainly didn't do that in SDOJ EXA), and of course you get the original 240p graphics. So if you care about those things and own the PCBs then it shouldn't matter if an EXA version is released except if you want to play the new arrange mode.
With that said, the AK PCB, in my experience (and opinion), has far too much slowdown. So much that it started to irritate me whenever I played ST4 and ST5 because most of the time it feels like you are swimming underwater or something. This and DFK BL are two cases where I prefer the X360 ports. If they could just add in a bit more of the PCB's slowdown in ST5 and (especially) on the ST5 boss in EXA label (as compared to the X360 port), it would be the ultimate version IMO.
Thanks EOJ - that's good insight. Although on the matter of slowdown I find that in my old age I am not as nimble as I used to be and for me to have a chance with these games then slowdown would have to be 100% (i.e. everything frozen), but even then I fear I would just manoeuvre myself accidentally into the bullets :)
Location test at Hey arcade from the 21st-27th:
https://twitter.com/exaarcadia/status/1450386281242906627
https://www.4gamer.net/games/586/G058671/20211019086/
Also some pics of the EXA label mode in both links.
Any idea if they plan to stream some of the location testing?
Quote from: RandomRetro on October 19, 2021, 08:20:28 PM
Any idea if they plan to stream some of the location testing?
I had a look at the 4Gamer link and it states they "plan to use a cab that can stream", at Hey. :righton:
Yeah sounds like they hopefully will start streaming today/tomorrow. Excited to see the gameplay and exA mode.
Stream has been live at https://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv334163010?camp202103tw=zE2uqy5Bvg_1634778247690 for about 8 hours now. Looks nice!
Quote from: buffi on October 21, 2021, 04:46:40 AM
Stream has been live at https://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv334163010?camp202103tw=zE2uqy5Bvg_1634778247690 for about 8 hours now. Looks nice!
I watched a little and the new arrange mode reminded me of Progear.
Yeah, looks heavily Progear influenced, which I guess makes sense considering how much AK looks influenced by Progear in some ways (enemy/stage design among other things)
I think Exa label mode looks really cool. Not sure if rank is controlled simply by the gem chain or something else.
The timing for item-spawns cancelling other item spawns seems shorter than in Progear, which I guess means that gem-waves similar to S1 boss in Progear is unlikely. The quicker cancels look real nice though!
I have really only played the regular Arcade version of AK, so looking forward to play in the other three modes :)
PEK played it and said if you press DOWN on the character select screen in EXA Label mode you can play some Ultra-type mode.
https://twitter.com/peketti/status/1451176947023679497
Maybe like Red mode in AK Limited Ver?
The location test ended early today, because EXA pulled the plug on it. Maybe they found some glitches/problems that need to be fixed. They have not stated the reason yet.
Hopefully another location test will follow soon!
https://twitter.com/exaarcadia/status/1451345368382279692
https://twitter.com/otearai753/status/1451390648762789892
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCRgGIAVcAUoP9a?format=jpg&name=small)
The second location test is going on now until January 5th (https://twitter.com/exaarcadia/status/1473554530876887043).
LEN says (https://twitter.com/LEN21746060/status/1474272068967747585) EXA Label plays like Mushi Futari with hypers.
On a similar note, PEK said (https://twitter.com/peketti/status/1473954367451852809) the scoring system has changed from the previous location test, and feels more like Mushi Futari Original mode. He also says the difficulty is mild (https://twitter.com/peketti/status/1473968974807572483) and people familiar with STGs will be able to clear it on their first try, as he did.
Comes out February 17, according to 4gamer:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/586/G058671/20220106006/
Some new pics there too.
Hey guys. Has anyone put together a FAQ regarding Exa without a cab? I am not buying a suitable setup for these but I'd consider a kit or three if I can set this up with a monitor and whatever.
I miss the scene but fear my old body would suck at these now. Hope everyone is well!
Get one of those Sigma superguns, an I/O board and any LCD monitor and you'll be good to go.
I hear ya about 'old body'. Every day there is a new ache or pain for old man EOJ.
You don't even need a Supergun now.
HDMI for video and audio.
AC power cable.
and one of these which allows you to use console controllers via the JVS USB connection.
https://forum.arcadeotaku.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=43732
Preorders are open.
QuoteUtilizing new exA-Arcadia tech, 1 frame input lag provides the most responsive feel of any version of the game to date with 5 times the response speed of the Nesica version and double the speed of the original CV1000 JAMMA board.
Now equipped with 4K visuals, play the Original mode in 4:3 and the other game modes in 16:9 widescreen. (Vertically oriented screens are also supported for those inclined to play in this manner.) Audio has been remastered in stereo HD for not only the Original and Arranged soundtracks created by the legendary Ryu Umemoto but also for the first time, the FM Arranged Soundtrack initially created by Umemoto and completed posthumously by Keishi Yonao is exclusively available in this release.
In addition to a more accurate rendition of the arcade Original mode fixing unintended design & performance issues and bugs in the original release, additional game modes are available for the first time in arcades. the all new Ultimate mode provides a 2nd loop difficulty in any game mode for veteran players selectable from the start, Climax (Zetsu) is now playable in 16:9 aspect ratio and Slash (Shin), the Director's Cut, adds a brand new stage and a true last boss for players to enjoy. EXA LABEL combines the best aspects of all modes for a whole new experience geared towards players of all levels with realtime difficulty adjustments in a brand new arranged mode only on exA-Arcadia.
Preordered the regular version. LE cost was way too high with shipping
Quote from: EXA-ArcadiaClimax (Zetsu) is now playable in 16:9 aspect ratio
Er, the X360 Zetsu mode was already in 16:9 (it also has the same new stage found in Shin mode).
Ultimate mode option sounds fun!
Quote from: SuperPang on January 06, 2022, 07:46:16 AM
You don't even need a Supergun now.
HDMI for video and audio.
AC power cable.
and one of these which allows you to use console controllers via the JVS USB connection.
https://forum.arcadeotaku.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=43732
Is there an HDMI port next to the DVI-D?
Quote from: Joe T. on January 08, 2022, 08:14:15 PM
Quote from: SuperPang on January 06, 2022, 07:46:16 AM
You don't even need a Supergun now.
HDMI for video and audio.
AC power cable.
and one of these which allows you to use console controllers via the JVS USB connection.
https://forum.arcadeotaku.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=43732
Is there an HDMI port next to the DVI-D?
Yes.
This releases today (the 17th in Japan). I'll be on the lookout for any gameplay videos.
Gameplay of the new Exa Mode with the new Kiwami difficulty selected. Dies in Stage 5.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEJ2M-xp-OA&t=196s
Other footage of gameplay of the Exa Mode with Kiwami difficulty selected, but also with the Extreme difficulty selected.
From what I understand, Extreme is a new difficulty in the test menu. In the original PCB difficulty was between 1 and 4 ("2" being the default difficulty). Looks like the new Extreme difficulty would be "5". Crazy stuff going on :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bLB7rae9qg
I watched a stream from Wai Wai arcade yesterday. Best run I saw was 702 billion in EXA mode/Kiwami, up to the stage 5 boss. The scoring looks like a mix of Espgaluda and Progear (but mostly Espgaluda). There also seems to be some shot change mechanic like Futari Original/Ultra. You have a stage counter and overall counter on the lower left. The overall counter flashes and switches between red and blue until you get over 980000 (it maxes out at 999999), whereupon it changes to yellow and the shot change mechanic seems to go away. When you die or bomb, like in Futari, both counters reduce.
I saw someone playing Zetsu mode and it looked like it ran faster than the X360 original (some Japanese guys on the stream also commented on this). Less slowdown, and the slowdown that was there looked choppier. Not a big deal, the X360 version is less than 50 bucks, so just play that instead. I didn't see anyone play the original Akai Katana, unfortunately. I hope the slowdown accuracy is better there.
Here is the archive of the stream I mentioned:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbUC5wbsyik
Footage of Original mode played by VXD (Great Aka to Blue Type-R player btw) :
Starting at 34:22
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1304172021
Quote from: EOJ on February 19, 2022, 02:41:58 PM
I hope the slowdown accuracy is better there.
They did stated since this version was announced that they were making adjustments and didn't aimed for slowdown accuracy, which is a good thing in my opinion considering how things were running on the CV1000 PCB.
So far, I like a lot what I see and I'm eager to try the game myself.
Yeah, I own a AK pcb (EOJ's old one actually :p ), and game runs uh... not great on that, so not replicating that slowdown feels like the right choice to me.
I dont mind slowdown when its for some pattern, but AK on cv1k just goes full slowmo even during stges when you have enough gold items on screen
I watched VXD's stream. The slowdown looks pretty similar to the X360 version.
I agree the PCB has too much slowdown overall, but IMO there is an ideal middle ground these ports (X360 & EXA) have not reached, unfortunately. Some high level scoring patterns on the PCB are based on the slowdown and are thus much more difficult to pull off on the ports with different (or missing) slowdown.
I also don't like that the EXA port has used the score font from the USA/EU X360 port of Akai Katana. Only the Japanese X360 version has the Arcade original's score font.
Quote from: EOJ on February 20, 2022, 03:23:33 PM
I also don't like that the EXA port has used the score font from the USA/EU X360 port of Akai Katana. Only the Japanese X360 version has the Arcade original's score font.
Score font in the exA version looks the same as the cv1000/JP360 to me. Only differences being the numbers are now all the same size and use color instead to count the japanese way. Also, commas are implemented each 3 numbers to count like the US/UK (imperial ?) way.
Looking again at the cv1000, I guess the lower res font could trick the eye.
Quote from: Liquidus0 on February 20, 2022, 11:08:05 PM
Only differences being the numbers are now all the same size and use color instead to count the japanese way. Also, commas are implemented each 3 numbers to count like the US/UK (imperial ?) way.
Well, these are pretty apparent differences, and I just don't like the look compared to the original. Perhaps the font is technically the same, but it looks like all the digits are the size of the 100 million digit on the original (perhaps a bit larger than that even).
I don't like the new high score font in the DFK 1.5 home ports either.
Game plays very well. Havent touched the pcb in a long time, but got a quick and dirty Type C 1CC of Original first. Gonna start looking more at exA Label mode now, which seems fun.
https://youtu.be/rs233USslrg
AK Original is sortof weird, in that if you play type C, you basically dont have to dodge the bosses much since you can just be in guardian mode, with the quick recharges. This works same on exa as it did on pcb and 360.
Slowdown feels better than on pcb. Still plenty during dense patterns.
Thanks for the video. I watched stage 5 and the last bosses. I don't know if it's something wrong with the video encoding, but I notice a lot of frame stuttering in that video, or abrupt choppiness. Or is that present when you play the game? It's not in the X360 version.
Can you give a timestamp so I know what to look for
Also, heres a Climax (Zetsu) clear
https://youtu.be/7_lg4MLOs5s
Quote from: buffi on February 23, 2022, 12:27:04 AM
Can you give a timestamp so I know what to look for
Try 15:58 and watch from there. But it's pretty apparent throughout stage 5.
Yeah I dunno, might be encoding since I have no idea what I'm doing there tbh and just picked something in OBS and avidemux. Can't say I noticed it playing, but I'll look out for it!
I'm pretty shit at noticing things like that though fwiw.
Anyways, here's a Shin clear too. Just ExA Label left!
https://youtu.be/JhIJyfwDBR4
Having a lot of fun with Shin, cool mode!
Thanks for all these videos of the different modes!
I'd like to see if Shin is a port of the X360 original, or the later Nesica version. The Nesica version has some differences. For example, bombing the TLB does not do damage (on the X360 version, it does do damage).
The game crashes in EXA Label mode in 2P simultaneous play:
https://twitter.com/DASI_aily/status/1496306546342768640
Happens in the first stage. The guy above tested it and it happened three times (all in different places in the stage).
EXA-Arcadia replied that they have fixed this bug. You can send your cart back to get the update.
EDIT: It seems nearly all international orders already have the updated ROM, so this only affects a small amount of buyers.
Havent had much time to play this recently, since Elden Ring came out but finally got Exa Label mode 1cc now.
A lot harder than the other modes for survival, but you can still melt bosses well with some more routing :)
Doing enough scoreplay to hit second extend, but not going to crazy with it, since that pushes up rank a lot
https://youtu.be/4F9ftbS21KY
For some actual good gameplay instead, this Exa Label run is pretty damn insane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PyvvbBrHbo
Here's some details of the 1.0.1 version update :
Version 1.0.1
Input Lag: 1 Frame (I think version 1.0.0 is 1 Frame as well)
・Fixed 2 player simultaneous play bug with Type B's laser
・Fixed 2 player simultaneous tutorial display bug
・Removed ability to disable all play modes
・Improved graphics display for the maximum amount of bullets on EXA Label Ultimate play mode when set to Extreme difficulty
This update was made soon after the release date.
https://exa.ac/en/current-game-version-info/?v=0f177369a3b7
Anyone on the JP twittersphere know what the TLB requirements for Exa Label is?
I was surprised when I triggered it for the first time yesterday (https://youtu.be/tWVtbIK-4QM).
Sortof assumed you needed no miss or hit max multiplier, but here i reached it at last life and max multiplier x7.
Maybe just having a score high enough is sufficient?
Think my previous times reaching last boss (non-TLB) has all been below 400b
Quote from: buffi on September 20, 2022, 12:15:15 PM
Anyone on the JP twittersphere know what the TLB requirements for Exa Label is?
I was surprised when I triggered it for the first time yesterday (https://youtu.be/tWVtbIK-4QM).
Sortof assumed you needed no miss or hit max multiplier, but here i reached it at last life and max multiplier x7.
Maybe just having a score high enough is sufficient?
Think my previous times reaching last boss (non-TLB) has all been below 400b
I did a quick search, and only found one tweet discussing this:
https://twitter.com/dbacohukai/status/1506267560169275393
He says there is a "no miss" requirement for the TLB on the Nesica version of Shin, but this is not present in EXA label (which you already discovered!).
Did some tests for the EXA Label TLB triggers :
Lost 0 life and used 4 bombs : yes (Haven't tested Lost 0 life and 5+ bomb used, but I would assume it's "yes")
Lost 1 life and used 2 bombs : yes
Lost 1 life and used 3 bombs : no
Lost 2 lives and used 1 bombs : yes
Lost 2 lives and used 2 bombs : no
Lost 3 lives and used 0 bomb : yes
Lost 3 lives and used 1 bombs : no
(Haven't tested Lost 4 lives and used 0 bombs, but I would assume it's "no")
So I assume these 2 conditions to trigger the TLB :
- No miss until Stage 7
or
- Use a maximum total of 3 lives and/or bombs until Stage 7
There is at least another condition that is multiplier/counter or score related as some runs do not fulfill these 2 conditions above and still get the TLB.
I had a run where I was having 430b+ points going into s7boss. Max counter was just 640k though, so real low.
That did _not_ trigger TLB, so it's definitely not triggered by score.
I've had several runs where score has been in the 400b range, and counter was 700k+ which spawned TLB.
My best guess right now is that counter > 666666 (2/3 of max) is one trigger, but dunno.
Well I dunno what triggers it, but I seem to be able to do it consistently now so any decent scoring run should spawn TLB I guess.
Beat it for the first time today!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuEhm2CFq7E
Exa Label mode is definitely a big step above the other modes imo. So fun to pump that multiplier.
Apparently the EXA version of Shin is different from the X360 original and the Nesica version. For one, the behavior of the bosses is different:
https://twitter.com/nitiku08/status/1596668641550151680
Interestingly, the latest JHA (Japanese high score rankings) has a score of 10 points in Zetsu Mode on the EXA port (ALL clear). I assume this is some 'lowest score possible' ranking category:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eZxMbrWuUaPJRN7UnoyG8hN3jWTaSvJnSsYnValpvCw/edit#gid=1113401945
I'm guessing this could be done on the home ports as well?