Soldier Blade (PCE, 1992)
Graphics-9 Sound-7.5 Control-8.5 Challenge-8.5 Story-?
Level Design-8 Frustration-8 Fun-8 Originality-6
Overall Score-8.5
+
Great bosses overall
mini-bosses
use an option as bullet shield
difficulty options (normal/hard)
great art direction
Extra modes
Good weapons system (similar to Spriggan but without combos, stock of 3 works as (different) special attacks and collecting more triggers smart bombs, three levels for each of the three weapons)
Some cool effects and set pieces
Adjustable speed
Great sfx and drum samples
Respawn on the spot (and a chance to get back one powerup)
+/-
Fairly long levels (5-7 minutes)
-
Somewhat uneven difficulty
Samey weapons (and only 3 kinds)
Green weapon is a bit overpowered
Trial & error (some cheap boss attacks with no queue, enemies attacking quickly from sides or behind)
A couple distracting backgrounds
Hit detection isn't perfect (very forgiving though)
Red special is rather weak
Level Design-8 Frustration-8 Fun-8 Originality-6
Overall Score-8.5
+
Great bosses overall
mini-bosses
use an option as bullet shield
difficulty options (normal/hard)
great art direction
Extra modes
Good weapons system (similar to Spriggan but without combos, stock of 3 works as (different) special attacks and collecting more triggers smart bombs, three levels for each of the three weapons)
Some cool effects and set pieces
Adjustable speed
Great sfx and drum samples
Respawn on the spot (and a chance to get back one powerup)
+/-
Fairly long levels (5-7 minutes)
-
Somewhat uneven difficulty
Samey weapons (and only 3 kinds)
Green weapon is a bit overpowered
Trial & error (some cheap boss attacks with no queue, enemies attacking quickly from sides or behind)
A couple distracting backgrounds
Hit detection isn't perfect (very forgiving though)
Red special is rather weak