Silhouette Mirage

"Working Designs DID alter this game, but it was for the better, mostly"

Silhouette Mirage is another ''unique'' 2-D sidescrolling release from fan-favorite Treasure, which was published, translated, and domestically released by Working Designs. The WD translation is in full effect here, and its a bit shoddy compared to the PS1 Lunars and Arc the Lad Collection. WD made a few changes, all of which can be found in Subatomic Brainfreeze's guide in the FAQs section. The MEGA change that got a lot of people upset turns out to be quite a small one: making spirit energy used for ammunition. This can be a pain, but it adds some difficulty, which I suppose was needed. This change, along with the others (Weapon price increases, domestic translation) were all with Treasure's blessing however, and added to the game. WD added one thing that REALLY added to the game, which will be found under ''Replay and Length''.

Graphics: 7/10. The graphics are good, but some of the sprites could have used more detail, especially your character's sprite, which was lacking. The backgrounds look good, as do the boss battles, and for the most part, the bosses themselves.

Story: 6/10. Yes, this game has a storyline worth noting. Humorous at times, ''serious'' at other times. You play as Shyna, and your on a mission to restore the planet to its former glory. The humorous parts are good, while the serious parts are not. The game could have benefited from more recurring characters and less offing of the few main characters they have. The characters are all likeable though. The storyline is obviously not the main draw here, since this is a sidescroller.

Gameplay: 8/10. This is a game that will take some getting used to, but the learning curve isn't that high. If Shyna faces one direction, she'll shoot and be able to deflect silhouette, and if she faces the other she'll shoot and deflect mirage, which is necessary to defeat your enemies. You'll progress through levels that consist of avoiding obstacles, jumping from platform to platform, running from hazards, all whilst fighting enemies with one of the following elements: normal, silhouette, and mirage. To defeat silhouette foes, you use the mirage shot, and to defeat mirage adversaries, you use the silhouette shot. To defeat normal, you'll have to deflect the blasts of the foe, using the silhouette shield for silhouette blasts, and mirage for mirage. If you were to shoot an enemy with its own attribute, you'd suck out its spirit power, adding to your own, BUT, the same applies to you. Spirit power is used for special weapons ammunition and special attacks. You can shake monsters for money, which can be used for purchasing health, spirit energy, and special weapons, and you can throw your enemies and slam them, but those attacks won't hurt them, but may have affects on certain bosses. This may sound complicated, but after playing for a bit, it'll make sense. Boss battles are as crazy and fun as they've ever been in previous Treasure games, and are a high point of the game.

Sound: 7/10. The background music is bland in some parts, while very well done in others. The vocal song that plays during the credits is well done, and the boss music for Serah and a certain sub-boss in the last level is excellent. Most of the music is jumpy, standard fare music.

Control: 8/10. Not much to say here, the control is good, and you shouldn't have any problems with it. You may have a little problem with the two sided system though. There are a few moves that really have no use and you probably will never use as well.

Length and Replay: This game is about 5 hours long, but could take 10-15 hours to do everything. The replay value wasn't that high in the Japanese version, but WD added in the following features if you complete all the ''paths'' (Refer to a FAQ for path info) you will open up a level selection menu, various special options, and a two player game that pits the Shyna, the first player, versus the second player, Zohar. Also added is a playable Zohar during the games credits. The replay value is significant, if you do all the paths.

Difficulty: Medium-High. This game can be hard. You shouldn't have any huge problems beating it on one of the easy paths, but on the harder ones, your going to need some strategy and practice. The big challenge, completing all 5 paths, will require you to manage your 10 continues throughout all 5 paths. You will not receive a new batch of continues upon completing a path. This adds a lot of difficulty, but can be overcome by only using continues on the ultra hard bosses, Za-Zohar and the 5th path's last boss, and any other boss you have trouble with. Try to avoid using continues on levels and easy bosses, period.

PS: Its possible to get a level five Sarisa weapon in the first level. Read the FAQs for details. This will make the game easier.

Overall (Not an average): 8/10. Another good Treasure game. It has its faults, but if your a fan of 2-D platformer ''character shooters'', you'll like this. Probably.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/26/02, Updated 05/26/02