Lords of Thunder for TG-16 CD

Image: MobyGames

Lords of Thunder

Headbangers delight

Genre: shooter - horizontal

Publisher: TTI

Year: 1993

System: TG-16 CD

Gameplay Score: 4

Gameplay Notes:

This may be heresy but I nearly gave this a 3 because of one thing - the power up system, of lack thereof. This game tries something novel but allowing you to start out powered up and nerfing you as the stage goes on. Every hot takes off more of your weapon strength until you're down to the weakest form of the gun you chose for the stage. Interesting concept, but an annoyance at my advanced age. That's due to your slow movement compared to your enemies, the screen filling swarms of enemies, and the currency pickups that must be picked up after every enemy dies. My brain and reflexes are stretched to their limits but these factors.

Level Design Score: 4

Level Design Notes:

Excellent level design is punctuated by the Mega Man style stage select. Thunder Force IV, UN Squadron, and this are the only shooters that I can think of which offer this level of freedom. Stages are too full of stuff to be top tier but there's lots to like.

Theme Score: 4

Theme Notes:

You're a flying mech, sort of. The opening cutscene doesn't explain much to me honest.

Art Style Score: 5

Art Style Notes:

LOTS of sprite flicker is a downer, but there's not a hint of slowdown despite a massive amount of sprites on screen. Bold colors make the graphics pop.

Audio Score: 4

Audio Notes:

I know this game is famous for its soundtrack and while I appreciate it, full-on butt rock isn't my favorite genre.

Overall Score: 82

Review ID: 10025