Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar

"Old school game that rulez"

First off, the title is really Thunder Force IV, but that's really besides the point.

Story: Eh...like most shooters (note: MOST, there are a scarce few), the story is almost nonexistant (not that that stops gameplay or anything).

Difficulty: This game will castrate a newb to the genre and make him cry in the corner like some sick child. This game is HARD even on the easy or normal settings. Certain parts of the difficulty is avoid hellish numbers of bullets and/or enemies. There is some slowdown, but chances are, if there is, you're gonna need it, cause that means there are a crazy number of bullets coming at you. And even when there IS lag, whatevers shooting at you will keep up its barrage from hell. Also, knowledge of what weapon to use vs. some bosses really comes in handy (not to mention actually having that weapon when you get to the boss). The good thing about the high difficulty is that it really makes the game more enjoyable to avid shooter players.

Music: This game's music is awesome. Some people think synthed versions of the real thing are always worse. This game proves that wrong. Way wrong. The synthed electric guitars in this game really rock (no pun intended). In paticular, most of the bosses have their own particular music, with about 6 of them having synthed guitars and pumping andrenaline. On particular note, 3 songs are even remixed later on. The title screen music becomes the BGM for a certain boss in Thunder Force V (which fits that boss), the 8th stage's (called "Metal Squad") got remixed for the Best of Thunderforce with a heavy on the techno side of things, and a mix for the Broken Thunder soundtrack, where it's given the long overdue live electric guitars, complete with keyboard and drums. The last song is the ending music (called "Standing up Against Myself"), which also gets the live-performance treatment on Broken Thunder.

Graphics: Considering the platform, the graphics are awesome. Parallax heavy stages with some perspective adds sheer depth and vastness. Bosses are given HEAVY detail in particular. There's even a "wavy" water effect in the first stage and this fog effect in another. Also in the first stage, whenever the boss's tail skits across the water, there's really this "skitting" sound and effects to boot.

Overall: Awesome game for the avid shooter, not a place for beginners.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/05/06