There are many game systems that while having
a decent collection of titles, just never
gained widespread market appeal and withered
because of this.
Luckily thanks to downloadable services, re-releases,
remakes, and the App Store, a lot of the best
games of these systems can be played by a
whole new generation of fans.
One such example is the Neo Geo Home System,
and the subject of the current review, Blazing
Star.
Released in 1998, what we have here is a classic
side-scrolling shooter in the vain of R-Type,
or U.N. Squadron.
There's a story told haphazardly via sparse
cut-scenes, and an intro that uses a mixture
of cartoon animation mixed with early full
motion video technology, but let's be honest,
the reason these games are played is for the
shooting, dodging, upgrading, and high scores.
So how does this stack up with other genre
heavyweights?
Fairly well actually.
The game begins by picking from a variety
of characters and ships, each with differing
speeds, charge attacks, and the look of their
space-faring vessel.
From there it's all action!
The first level eases you into things with
easy enemy patterns, and not too much bullet
spammage; but this is only a quick introduction.
After the first boss fight (which are all
timed so you have to defeat them quickly as
well as avoid all their attacks), the game
really starts to take off, and to get through
unscathed requires quick reflexes, all the
upgrades and bonuses you can collect, and
an intuitive sense on when to charge your
weapon, and what attack to unleash.
The game uses on screen buttons and you have
a choice between an on-screen joystick or
just moving your finger to move the ship.
The aforementioned choice of attacks happens
when you hold the attack button.
Your charge meter starts to fill and if you
release the attack button, you'll unleash
a focused power attack, but if you hit the
other button instead, you charge attack will
spread out as ranged fire, covering more ground.
The response of the controls is fine, but
those that love these types of games may already
see the problem incoming.
No matter what you use to control your ship,
you're taking up valuable screen space with
your finger, and it's all too easy to not
see a small projectile heading in your direction.
Perhaps this is less an issue on the iPad,
but on the iPhone it makes you feel like you're
at a disadvantage.
Presentation is a mixed bag.
The sprites are all beautiful and the art
style holds up extremely well for a fourteen
year old game.
The intro does show its age due to the early
3d technology, but seeing it's a product of
the time, that's understandable.
The music is fantastic, but the sound effects...
if only there was a way to turn them off.
The English sound clips become torturous after
just a couple minutes of play, and it's a
shame that muting everything is the only way
to escape from them.
If you're looking for a side-scrolling shooter,
Blazing Star is a complete package.
Its weaknesses in being ported are overshadowed
by its look, the strength of its gameplay,
and how fun it is.
It's definitely worthy of the second chance
it's now received.
