Overwritten.net

Games => General Gaming => Topic started by: Quemaqua on Tuesday, December 09, 2008, 10:34:25 PM

Title: Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer - shmup fans rejoice?
Post by: Quemaqua on Tuesday, December 09, 2008, 10:34:25 PM
Basically, this came out on PC and was well received, though some had issues with it.  It was a good shmup with really pretty graphics and a good soundtrack, and the PC packaging was quite substantial, including a booklet with lots of backstory, art, and game info.  Now there's a retooled PS3 release you can grab on PSN for ten bucks, and it's apparently much better than the PC version was.  I guess the developer is very active on their forums, and they've spent a lot of time talking with fans and listening to complaints.  It's a shame that this didn't result in a brand-new PC version with all the improvements, but I imagine their sales had to be somewhat lacking on that platform.  It's a niche genre to begin with, and not one with a tremendously big PC legacy.

Anyway, the basic idea is a chain system: shoot guys until you build up a meter, then switch your weapon and start building more chain.  Do this repeatedly and you get tougher and tougher chains to complete, and there's a bonus at the end of each, eventually making your ship much more powerful.  And, of course, since this is a super-tough shooter along the lines of Ikaruga, this is absolutely necessary to progression, and knowing which weapon to have out at any given time is pretty helpful too.  A lot of people complained that they felt really underpowered, but I think that's somewhat intentional, because it makes the choice of weapon at any given time a more important one.

I tried it out earlier and I quite enjoyed it.  I think this is one I'll be picking up.  Ten bucks on PSN doesn't seem like a bad deal at all.

(http://www.soldner-x.com/content/screenshots/PS3/soldner-x_07.jpg?phpMyAdmin=e3eeffc8d5126fd5fd1d050f02449f10)
(http://www.soldner-x.com/content/screenshots/PS3/soldner-x_16.jpg?phpMyAdmin=e3eeffc8d5126fd5fd1d050f02449f10)
(http://www.soldner-x.com/content/screenshots/PS3/soldner-x_10.jpg?phpMyAdmin=e3eeffc8d5126fd5fd1d050f02449f10)

(http://www.soldner-x.com/content/screenshots/2007_11_28/screen_15.jpg?phpMyAdmin=e3eeffc8d5126fd5fd1d050f02449f10)

The last shot there you can see has a different interface.  That's the PC version.  I think I actually prefer the HUD there, but I guess it's clearer and more informative in practice on PS3, if a bit less sleek.
Title: Re: Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer - shmup fans rejoice?
Post by: TheOtherBelmont on Tuesday, December 09, 2008, 11:05:57 PM
That looks pretty sweet, I'll have to check that out.