"A very well made, old school, vertical shooter!"

The age of 2D shooters has pretty much come to a close. However, there are still quite a few really good classic 2D shooters around if you can get your hands on them. MUSHA is just one of those games. With excellent animation, very cool music, and many weapon varieties, this game is a very solid 2D shooter.

Graphics

Very cool graphics. Everything from the enemy ships to the explosions have a very unique look. Many of the enemy ships have strange, distorted faces on them that gives the game an eerie look to it. The game also has some very cool backgrounds below you as you are shooting away. The intro is very cool as well, and sports some very cool anime artwork. The whole game itself has a whole anime look to it. Very well done.

Music/Sound

The sound is about average with the usual shooting and explosion sound effects, but the music rocks. It sets the mood very well within the stages. Overall, above average.

Gameplay

If you like 2D shooters, you'll love this one. As the player, you take the helm of a giant flying mech. The game has many unique levels. MUSHA's movement is vertical, as the Raiden games were. There are 3 different weapon types in the game as well, and you can upgrade them to even stronger weapons as you collect more weapon pods. There are also a couple of smaller ''helper'' ships that fly with you during your quest. You have the ability to set up the formations of the smaller ships helping you as well. For example, they can be placed at your side to shoot right along side of you, or they can be ordered to automatically engage enemy ships and attack at their own will. Another cool thing about this game is that you actually have a life bar instead of instantly blowing up the moment you hit an enemy ship or bullet, so it does not get so frustrating. This is definitely an excellent 2D shooter, so if you can find it, pick yourself up a copy.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/11/00, Updated 04/11/00