There were a lot of great shooters for the Super NES. Axelay, Super
R-Type, R-Type 3, and many others. But one that somehow got lost in the
shuffle was Space Megaforce, also known as Super Aleste in Japan and the
UK. And this shooter is probably the best shooter there is for the SNES.
Most people said the Super NES couldn't handle a really fast and furious
shooter due to its slow processor. Well Space Megaforce proves that slow
processor doesn't necessary equal slow shooter. Basically your save the
galaxy story, but since when has a shooter needed a good story to get by
on.
Graphics [8.5/10]:
The graphics in this game are definately good but not outstanding. But
what graphics there are fly. I mean this game at times moves incredibly
fast even when the action is furious onscreen. The graphics definately
will remind you of the game Blazing Lazers for the TurboGrafx 16 system.
Even the speech is almost identical. So while the graphics may not be
the best seen on the SNES they certainly don't detract from this
excellent shoot-fest.
Music and Sound [8/10]:
The music in Space Megaforce can be best described as a slow tempo
techno. And while this may sound as if it would become annoying after
awhile, it really does fit in with the game. The speech is fairly good
but not used very often aside from powerups and enemy warnings.
Personally I prefer a rock and roll type soundtrack with a shooter to
kind of set the fast and furious action but for some weird reason the
techno-type music in Space Megaforce seems to work. Go figure.
Gameplay [10/10]:
Now here is where Space Megaforce really shines. The gamplay in this
shooter is the best I have ever seen in a shooter. Tons of powerups and
weapons, not to mention 6 different levels for each of the 8 different
weapons and several ways to use even all those. And the control is
TIGHT! I mean this is some of the most responsive control I have ever
played. And believe me you are gonna need it to avoid the massive enemy
fire. Take my word for it you will not be dissapointed with this game.
Challenge and Replay [9/10]:
As with most shooters, once is never enough. I always like to go through
a shooter until I can almost beat the game in my sleep. I once played
through the TurboDuo shooter Lords of Thunder with the controller upside
down just to see if I could do it. And the good thing about this shooter
is that it also inludes a WILD setting that will test even the best
shooter expert. But the normal setting is certainly no cake walk so get
you better come prepared.
Conclusion/Overall [9.5/10]:
Overall Space Megaforce is one of the best shooters available for the
Super NES. So don't be fooled because this shooteer didn't recieve the
same kind of attention that and R-Type or Axelay garnered, it's 1st
class all the way. The only down side of this lack of attention is the
fact that Space Megaforce is not terribly easy to come by these days so
if you find one grab it! Either way you can't go wrong with Space
Megaforce. Top notch!
