Given the bad reputation of the recent Macross shooter games on the PSX and their horrible gameplay, its a relief to know that at least one Macross game was actually good even though it is a SNES game. Just leave it to the SNES/SFC to give you consistent good RPG's and shooter games. This game falls into one of the categories.
Gameplay-Though this game is entirely japanese, it is entirely playable as all of the text is in english. The concept is tried and true shooter gameplay with a little extra thrown in. At the start of the game you can choose between 3 pilots, each with different weapons to use. Each craft can change between 3 modes-fighter, gerwalk, and battroid. Every mode has its own special weapon and 3 levels of power. Each time you get hit, you lose one level and some energy. The different modes add some strategy to the game as some are more effective in tight spots than others. The best way to find out is to experiment with each pilot. Another concept is that your ship has the ability to capture smaller enemy ships and use them at your disposal. Pretty neat indeed, as they are useful as shields and an extra gun. The ships move smoothly and control in a crowded sea of enemy shells is pretty good if not flawless. The best part of all is that your ship is not a one hit wonder. This alone is enough to keep me playing.
GFX and sound- The sound is clear and typical shooter fare-bangs, explosions, beeps, etc. all presented in colorful and well drawn exotic locales. Each stage is nicely drawn and everything onscreen moves fluidly, with little or no slowdown even when crowded. Music is pretty nice for a shooter game and its not a masterpiece or something to write home about, but it might get in your head after a while. Overall, a well-done effort by the folks at Zamuse.
Funfactor-With all of the gameplay variety and energy bar that keeps you from dying at one hit, this game got me hooked early. The difficulty is pretty high for a shooter and I even found the first stage pretty hard to navigate in my first try. Each stage gets harder and harder and some even move fast as hell. This game is most challenging for even some of the more hardcore shooter experts, myself included, and its long and fun all of the way.
Replay Value-Since this game is long and hard, it will keep you trying for a long time until you finish it. After that, you may play it once in a while to bring back memories when shooter games were that damn good or to get a nice challenge. The value here is moderate.
Overall-If you can, find this game on emulator or from someone with some old SFC games. This is a well-rounded shooter that is fun and difficult and puts some of todays shooters to shame. A most excellent effort and I recommend a purchase if possible. A diamond in the rough among some shooters.-Joel-
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