Space Megaforce

"Super Aleste sounds better"

I've played all the other SHUMPs(Shoot 'em ups). This is my second most favorite SHUMPs next to R-Type series. This game was made from Toho. The people who made Godzilla games. Once again, another game that is overlooked by many gamers.

Story: NA/10
There's no plot at all. So, no use of reviewing that section.

Gameplay: 9/10
Wow. The gameplay is Superb. The controls are so easy to master. So, you shouldn't have a problem with that. The only thing to remember is you can set your speed during gameplay. Just press select. There are 2 modes: Short and Standard game. Short game is more like a practice mode to me because you'll only play 5 stages. Standard game is a typical normal game.

One of the strong point of the game is the power-ups you get. You start in level zero. When you get a power-up it starts out weak. As you get a onrange teardrop, you level up. Another thing what so cool about it is that you can change the settings in your power-up. For example, you have the multiple shot. You can change the direction of your shots by pressing ''R.'' There are 8 power-ups in all. Each with its own unique touch. The only thing that's bad is that you are too overpowered.

There are several dificulties in that game. There are Easy, Normal, hyper, tricky and Wild. The difficulites are easy thoughout. It got easier because you can't die so easily. One example is when you get hit by a turret, you go back to level zero. If you get hit again, you die. Another thing that makes the game easier is you can't die from walls. Overall, the gameplay is superb.

Graphics and Visuals: 9/10
The graphics is pretty good for a SNES game. The sprites are beautifully detailed. Another strong points in the game there's HARDLY ANY SLOWDOWNS!!! In the first stage when a group of weak enemies bombarded you with their firepower, the speed of the game is still constant.

Sounds: 9/10
Wow. I love the music in the game. Especially the first 3 stages. What's so cool is that the music is orchestrated. That's a big plus on the music department. The sound effects are magnificent also. The sounds of gunfiring, the explosions and charge shots are above average. My only gripe in the SFX department is that they need more variations. I like the voice-over when you get a power-up. But the voice over can be a little bit muffled at times.

Replayability: 7/10
Once you finished the game, you can play this in a higher difficulty. There's not much to do once you finish the game.

Rent or buy?
Buy it of course!!! This is a great alternative for Raiden.

Final word
This is probably the best vertical SHUMPs I played by far. If you are a fan of Raiden or wanted to play other Vertical SHUMPs, buy this game.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/20/04, Updated 01/03/05