Reviewed
06.19.2000
Publisher
Game
Arts (JPN)
Sega
(USA)
Developer
Game
Arts
Format
1x
CD
Origin
Import
/ Domestic
Available
1993
(Japan)
1993
(USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
3rd
Person
Genre
Flight
/ Shooter
Player(s)
1
Options
6
Button
Backup
CD
Key
Pro
CDX
Requires
n/a
Importable
100% |
| Intro |
|
> Many people subscribe to the notion that Sega CD / Mega CD
was a waste of time. I do not. Indeed, if companies like Sega,
Game
Arts, Core, and Namco would not have
supported the Sega CD, then my subscription would be in.
Anyway, Silpheed is one of the many reasons why the Sega
CD provides me with many hours of enjoyment. The Sega
CD version is a remake/upgrade of the little seen computer original.
This game combines a Galaga shooting format with excellent
interstellar backdrops (which are polygon generated). There was a time,
believe it or not, when some people made fun of polygon games. Well,
look were we are now. As a matter of fact, most of the earliest polygon
games for home systems can be found on Sega consoles.
Remember Abrams Battle Tank, F-15 Strike Eagle II
and F22 Interceptor for Genesis, and Heart
of the Alien and Starblade for Sega CD?
> If you're thinking about getting the Japanese version then don't worry.
Other than having Japanese subtitles during the narration, the US and Japan
versions are identical. That's right! It's all English otherwise.
Just make sure you have either a conversion cartridge or Mega CD
to
play it on. |
| Graphics |
|
> Considering when Silpheed was released, its graphics are
excellent. Nothing could compare to the pre-rendered, scrolling polygon
backdrops and Star Wars type silhouettes at the time.
I still love watching those huge battlecruisers blow up into a million
polygons! Before you know it, you're going into hyperspace -- that's
when your blood really starts pumping. Throw in the awesome FMV intermissions
and you really get into the game. Overall, a beautiful marriage of
sprites and polygons. |
| Control |
|
> Silpheed's control is perfect. To avoid enemy ships,
asteroids, lasers, and battlecruisers, you can move left, right, forward
and back. Your SA-77 Silpheed spacecraft is armed with standard
lasers to begin with, but you can earn better guns and special weapons
as you progress. I recommend that you save your special weapons for
the bosses because dodging all their fire can easily wear you down if it
takes too long to destroy them. To top it off, other power-ups can
be gathered during a mission including shield regeneration, limited invincibility,
and bonus points. |
| Sound |
|
> Silpheed's tunes are very dramatic -- decent for the mood
of the game. They help you get into the game, but I doubt you'll
be humming any of the songs later on. I guess the music is reminiscent
of what a space-based anime soundtrack would be like.
> The sound effects are adequate and include explosions, lasers, alarms
and voices. I would have liked deeper explosions, but it's much too
late now. The narrated intermissions are great and keep you up to
speed on the story line. |
| Fun |
|
> Fly through 12 levels of non-stop space shooting satisfaction.
This game is in a 16 bit class of its own. It's a shooter fan's paradise.
Long term replayability isn't the draw here, just quick arcade gameplay
with visual satisfaction! But hey, that could be said about most
shooters. |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> An excellent all around shooter which has wide appeal. Behold the
polygon realms and texture mapped planets as they sail by! To this
date, Silpheed is one of my favorite games of all time.
It's definitely a must have title for Sega CD owners. |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
9.3 | Graphics: 9.8 | Control: 9.8 | Sound: 8.6 | Fun: 8.9 |
~
Shinobi ~
|
