Thunder Force III (MD, 1990)
Graphics-7.5 Sound-8.5 Control-8 Challenge-7
Level Design-7.5 Frustration-7.5 Fun-8 Originality-6
Overall Score-8
+
Fast and intense action
varied levels (unique traps in each level, multi-scrolling battleship and final levels)
choose your own starting level (four levels to choose from)
good power up system (keep an inventory of 5 weapons (you can upgrade two of them)
options/sideships add extra firepower
shield adds a few HP (no time limit unlike in the prequel), you only lose the weapon you were currently using when dying) good length, difficulty options. forgiving (not too hard to catch up if you die later on), speed adjustment
+/-
Very easy to get 1-ups
no smart bombs or special attacks
-
Trial & error (fast enemy attacks from all sides, boss patterns, haides level where the scenery kills you, gorgon fire traps, Gorgon base)
bosses go down in a matter of seconds when using the right weapon (even on Mania)
doesn't keep your highscore
hunter weapon is a bit overpowered in some situations
some dead space in the Hydra level
Comment:
TF2 and TF3 were my main source of shoot 'em up goodness growing up, and having played plenty of contemporary stuff later in life I've come to appreciate Technosoft's design choices even more. The way it all comes together makes for a smooth experience, one that newcomers to the genre can easily enjoy, plus it makes it the perfect game to ease myself into the genre after a long hiatus. What really keeps me coming back to TF3 though is the cool art style and perfect blend of rocking, atmospheric and melancholic synth tunes that make up the soundtrack. Destruction is always more fun when done in style.
Level Design-7.5 Frustration-7.5 Fun-8 Originality-6
Overall Score-8
+
Fast and intense action
varied levels (unique traps in each level, multi-scrolling battleship and final levels)
choose your own starting level (four levels to choose from)
good power up system (keep an inventory of 5 weapons (you can upgrade two of them)
options/sideships add extra firepower
shield adds a few HP (no time limit unlike in the prequel), you only lose the weapon you were currently using when dying) good length, difficulty options. forgiving (not too hard to catch up if you die later on), speed adjustment
+/-
Very easy to get 1-ups
no smart bombs or special attacks
-
Trial & error (fast enemy attacks from all sides, boss patterns, haides level where the scenery kills you, gorgon fire traps, Gorgon base)
bosses go down in a matter of seconds when using the right weapon (even on Mania)
doesn't keep your highscore
hunter weapon is a bit overpowered in some situations
some dead space in the Hydra level
Comment:
TF2 and TF3 were my main source of shoot 'em up goodness growing up, and having played plenty of contemporary stuff later in life I've come to appreciate Technosoft's design choices even more. The way it all comes together makes for a smooth experience, one that newcomers to the genre can easily enjoy, plus it makes it the perfect game to ease myself into the genre after a long hiatus. What really keeps me coming back to TF3 though is the cool art style and perfect blend of rocking, atmospheric and melancholic synth tunes that make up the soundtrack. Destruction is always more fun when done in style.
