Shin Force | Sega Dreamcast Review
Shin Force > Systems > Sega Dreamcast > Games > Under Defeat
Shin Force ~ Dreamcast ~
 Under Defeat / Under Defeat LE Review
Shinobi
Reviewed
04.02.2006
Publisher
Sega
Developer
G.Revolution
Format
1x GD
Origin
Import
Available
Mar. 23, 2006 
(Japan)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
3rd Person
Genre
Arcade / Shooter
Player(s)
1-2
Options
Arcade Stick
Backup 3
Jump Pack
VGA Box
VMS/VMU
Requires
n/a
Importable
99%
Intro
     > Sold in Regular and Limited Edition formats, Under Defeat may well be the final release for the Sega Dreamcast.  The Limited Edition has different box artwork and includes an original soundtrack CD.  It's a Naomi to Dreamcast port, courtesy of G.Revolution.  At first glance, you'll be reminded of great games like Zero Gunner 2 and Radiant Silvergun.  Under Defeat places you in all out war (Empire/enemy vs. Union/you) against a variety of military hardware, complete with vertical scrolling 2D gameplay and ever-so-smooth 3D graphics.  The comparisons are only natural...

     > Buying the Japanese import is the only way to go.  Aside from the high price ($58-Regular/$78-Limited Edition), Under Defeatis easy to import with plenty of English text where it counts.
Graphics
     > Under Defeat's eye-candy is nothing short of amazing.  You can choose various screen modes, including full scale vertical aspect.  The 3D models and backdrops are smooth, convincing and full of animation.  For example, during the Battleship level you'll see rotating ship cannons, smoking damage, detailed wakes, missile contrails, explosions galore, and particle effects like no other Dreamcast game.  Yeah, the bosses are big and the bullets are flying, so you know what else to expect...
Control
     > The gameplay is tight and simple.  You get fire and bomb buttons, the ability to charge an "Option" (second gun), and the versatility to pivot your aircraft.  Of course, when you lay down a bomb, the enemy bullets become ineffective in a massive wave of fire.  Power-ups come along the way to provide additional bombs, or rocket/vulcan/cannon fire.
Sound
     > Very good indeed.  Most of the sound effects are booming, though even subtle sounds like prop wash are included.  The arranged music consists mostly of rock jams, but I haven't reached a point of humming any of the tracks.  At least I can jam to the music anytime, having bought the Limited Edition version with the CD soundtrack included.
Fun
     > Although the difficulty is adjustable, Under Defeat still puts up quite a challenge with limited continues.  You can play in Arcade Mode and Practice Mode, save replays, and unlock various items in the Gallery Mode.  Also, you can be a one man army, or fight with a friend in 2 Player Mode.  Either way, this game is going to keep you coming back for more.
Bottom Line
     > This could be your last chance to buy a new release for the Uberconsole.  Except for maybe a few fanboys, Under Defeat will surely impress even the most jaded of gamers out there.  It features non-stop shooting action with awesome visuals.  An excellent buy, so get it before it's banished to high-price-hell in eBay...
Ratings
Overall: 8.7 | Graphics: 9.5 | Control: 9.0 | Sound: 8.2 | Fun: 8.0
~ Shinobi ~
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