|
Post by soop on Aug 13, 2018 8:38:17 GMT
Galaga is perhaps the pinnacle of the single screen shooters progenated by Space invaders, and this is a great port of one of the definitive versions of Galaga. Varied enemies with their different attack patterns, and even fancy moves, such as two aliens morphing into a tougher foe, or splitting into a swarm of smaller enemies. The single screen stages are punctuated by bonus rounds, or even some scrolling sections, but that's about it. It's an enjoyable shooter, but of the bare-bones hi-score type arcade machines of the 80's and nice though it is, it doesn't really push the PC Engine.
Sapphire on the other hand, is a game that absolutely pushes the Engine. One of the rarest PC Engine titles, this was released late in the life of the PC Engine, hence the rarity. It uses the Arcade card, and is one of the few titles that wouldn't be possible without it. I won't pretend that I know how it's done, but on the first level, we have sprite scaling, faux-3D renders, and other miscellaneous effects. Truly, this wouldn't look out of place on a Saturn or PlayStation. But looks aren't everything, and underneath, we have a fine shooter. I've heard accusations that the game itself is bland, or too easy, the first of which I refute, the second of which doesn't bother me. You can choose from three ships that play very differently, and control well. The music is great too, and completes the package. This is not worth the prices that it can sell for, but it is definitely one of the best shooters on the system IMO.
|
|
|
Post by spenoza on Aug 13, 2018 14:34:54 GMT
I would content that Sapphire is one of the most technically impressive shooters on the system, but in terms of actual mechanical play feel and overall fun factor, not one of the best. I think the actual play experience is simply better than average and not top tier. Those visuals, though!
|
|
|
Post by Galahad on Aug 13, 2018 14:53:21 GMT
Galaga '88 for me,sapphire is impressive visually but lacks in the gameplay department in my opinion.
|
|
|
Post by sunteam_paul on Aug 13, 2018 16:57:04 GMT
Galaga is more pure in its arcadey fun. Oh, and Galactic Dancing wins.
|
|