Einhander

"My Favorite Shooter of All Time"

I read a while ago that there are two rule to a good video game - Thou shalt look good and Thou shalt be fun to play. Einhander does both. Shooters are not nearly as popular as they once were. The thing that is so outstanding about this game is that Square is mainly known for their RPG's, namely their Final Fantasy series. But I have noticed something about this company: they are not limited in their scope or imagination.

Let me say that this game will appeal greatly to two different types: If you like a game that can play, and are not totally hung up on graphics, you will like this game. Also, if you're coming from the old-school like me and grew up playing Defender, Xevious, and Galaga you will easily place this game as one of the best "shooters" of all time.

Graphics are standard PSX polygons, nicely done. Action is mainly by side-scrolling, but there are times that the action perspective is moved, giving you much more of a 3-D feel.

Sounds and music on the game are good. Nothing to blow you away, but the music goes from techno to moody. Sounds are nicely done.

Of course, with any game deserving of a "9" score, the gameplay is excellent. This game reminds me some of an old SNES game, Area 88. In other words, pick up the controller and hold on tight, because the enemies are coming fast and hard. I must say this game is not easy, but that's what makes it good.

One of the terrific innovations that Square put on this game is the "pods" that your aircraft can carry. As you destroy enemies, some are carrying "pod" weapons: cannon, grenades, spreader, homing missles, etc. When the enemy is blown up, the pod will fly up, and you have to touch the pod with your ship. Your ship will automatically pick up the pod and equip it for your own use. There are three different ships to choose from. Each ship has a different number of pods it can carry; from one to three. So, depending on how much and often you like to use the pods, you will select the ship that suits your taste.

Sounds kinda ordinary, you say. Well, there's more. Pods attach themselves to either the top of your ship, or the bottom. If you have two or more pod slots on your ship, you can toggle the pods from top to bottom. Each pod has a different effect if it's on the bottom or top. For example, if you have the missle pod, on top the missles will "home in" on a target. If toggled to the bottom, the missles will go in a straight line. If you equip the cannon on top, the cannon will fire in a staight line, shooting on the same line as your standard guns. But if you toggle the cannon to the bottom, the cannon will be pointed down at about a 45 degree angle, thus making it very easy to hit ground targets with having to get your ship low. The concept takes a little time getting used to, but it works great and allows for strategy in the game, more than just hitting the fire button.

At the time this review is being written, the only place you'll be able to get a copy of Einhander is at GameStop for about $30.00 or Ebay. I can tell you that I play the game on a regular basis.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/25/05