Gaiares
Gradius...I mean, Gaiares is goodGenre: shooter - horizontal
Publisher: Renovation Products
Year: 1991
System: Genesis
Gameplay Score: 3
Gameplay Notes:
Gradius clone if ever there was one. This one was endlessly hyped back in the day and while it plays well I don't think it's anywhere near being a classic like the games that inspired it. Movement speed can be toggled although I never found a reason to use anything but Max due to the extreme speed of enemies. Gimmick is the ability to steal an enemy's weapon by throwing your ever-present option. This has a high risk-reward since it's hard to hit enemies with the option and you're unable to fire while it's gone. The option always chases your position and can't be locked in place. Overall I feel like it plays well but is overly difficult and not very memorable.
Level Design Score: 4
Level Design Notes:
The only thing holding back the level design are long stretches of nothing on the screen. The levels have variety and some fun locales, like Antarctica. Lots of variety in enemy design and attack patterns which keeps you on your toes.
Theme Score: 4
Theme Notes:
Standard stuff, but feels energetic and engaging
Art Style Score: 4
Art Style Notes:
The l your sprites is one of the best fighter jet sprites in a shmup. It's a chunky and has a lovely blue cockpit to remind you that you're the pilot. Enemy designs comes in all shapes and sizes and borrow heavily from Gradius, Darius, and other classic shooter franchises.
Audio Score: 3
Audio Notes:
Finally a shooter where the sound effects don't drown out the music! It's a shame that he music is only sort of interesting. Nothing you'll be humming afterward
Overall Score: 68
Review ID: 935
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