Star Soldier Series

Super Star Soldier
Inter State / Kaneko 1990

There doesn't appear to be any "Superstars" and I didn't see too many soldiers either; just a space ship shooting the shit out of everything.
After my initial surprise, I then settled into simply shooting the shit out of everything; just as the game requires. Super Star Soldier is a sequel to the NES game Star Soldier, I've not played the original, so I can't comment on how competent it is.

The game itself is easily the hardest of the three on this page, it's a proper old school difficulty setting with no "easy" options for any pooftah's out there. When you die it's back to the start of the level (which can be a helluva long way) unless you pick up a multi-coloured pickup thing, then it gives one chance to restart where you died, you can however pick up more than one; but that's easier said than done. It's also a little slower than the other games too, it is still quite quick moving.

Final Soldier
Hudson Soft 1991

I think this was supposed to be the "final" Soldier game, although it's a good thing it wasn't as the series would not have gone out on a high note. Don't get me wrong, the game is a blinder, really good stuff. It's just not as good as the other two presented here. Still, I only paid £4.99 for it.

The weapons in the game don't seem to be very well balanced and you will find yourself favoring one over the others. You can also select three of each type of the four weapons before you begin the game; I find myself just using the default set though.

Soldier Blade
Hudson Soft 1992

The ultimate PC-Engine shooter? Some think so. The packaging proudly boasts an illustration by Yuji Kaida, he appears to be quite well respected and has done Macross illustrations among others.
People (or sites) also state that this was developed by Red, I'm in no position to argue; but Red is not mentioned anywhere in the manual or game. If someone wants to clarify (were they an internal team or something initially?) feel free.

Inside the manual, there is a picture of the title screen with "Special Interception Airforce" written above the logo. Not sure what it means.

05/11/06