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
+
Choose your own starting level (four levels to choose from, after that the game picks for you)
Great power up system (keep an inventory of 5 weapons (you can upgrade two of them, 6 in TF2 though - or 11 if you count the overhead view weapons), you only lose the weapon you were currently using when dying), , Options/sideships aka gun drones that add extra firepower, Shield adds a few HP (no time limit unlike in the prequel))
Forgiving deaths (not too hard to catch up if you die later on since you lose only the equipped weapon)
Manual speed adjustment by default
Fast and intense action
Varied levels (unique traps in each level, multi-scrolling battleship and final levels)
Difficulty options (normal-very hard, no lives per credit options)
Good length
+/-
Limited continues (8) - no level select here
Very easy to get 1-ups
No smart bombs or special attacks
No easy mode
-
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
+
Choose your own starting level (four levels to choose from, after that the game picks for you)
Great power up system (keep an inventory of 5 weapons (you can upgrade two of them, 6 in TF2 though - or 11 if you count the overhead view weapons), you only lose the weapon you were currently using when dying), , Options/sideships aka gun drones that add extra firepower, Shield adds a few HP (no time limit unlike in the prequel))
Forgiving deaths (not too hard to catch up if you die later on since you lose only the equipped weapon)
Manual speed adjustment by default
Fast and intense action
Varied levels (unique traps in each level, multi-scrolling battleship and final levels)
Difficulty options (normal-very hard, no lives per credit options)
Good length
+/-
Limited continues (8) - no level select here
Very easy to get 1-ups
No smart bombs or special attacks
No easy mode
-
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.