They must have a really big backlog of titles for the Virtual Console that they need to get out. I know there’s a hell of a lot of games they can release, but good gravy, wake me when something good comes out. This week sees the release of Galaxy Force II from the Genesis. I’d rather play Star Fox, but lets see what your other friends at DHGF think about it.
Galaxy Force II
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sega
Original Release Date: 1990
Cost: 800 Wii Points.
Mark B.: Galaxy Force II is one of Sega’s last Space Harrier-style games, IE you fly around as SOMETHING that you view from behind as you blow up everything you see, and while it’s not Sega’s worst effort as far as these games go, it’s not their best, either. The gist of the game is that you fly around blowing up alien spaceships and dodging enemy attacks in hopes of earning enough energy to continue with your mission, and if you run out of energy, it’s Game Over. You’ve most likely seen this sort of game a million times, especially if you’re a Sega fan, as it’s basically Thunder Blade II with an energy bar instead of one-hit kills. In fact, now that I think about it, it’s a LOT like Thunder Blade II; you can speed up and slow down at the press of a button, you fire rockets and regular shots, and it’s really frustrating dodging around the environmental obstacles.
On the other hand, I can actually PLAY Galaxy Force II, so there is that.
Anyway, the bottom line is that if you like Space Harrier and After Burner and their ilk, Galaxy Force II is not at all bad. Otherwise? You can probably pass.
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DJ Tatsujin: It’s almost like the U.S. gets its Virtual Console releases from some guy who draws balls out of a hopper that contain the name of every single 8- and 16-bit game ever made. That’s the only way you could possibly explain obscure releases like this.
Galaxy Force II was really a game that was fairly impressive for its time, showing off pseudo 3-D game play in an experience that should remind many of Star Fox – even though Galaxy Force II came two years earlier. Galaxy Force II has a missile lock-on mechanic to take out multiple enemies at once as players fly through space on the surface of planets as they proceed to the enemy base and attempt to blow up its core. Players only get one shot as being destroyed ends the entire game. Not only do players have to keep tabs on their shields, but as they fly, their fuel reserve constantly drains (but it can be replenished via in-game and end-of-level bonuses).
Again, it was impressive for its time with its attempt at 3-D, decent arcade game play and solid effects, however, it’s just something that isn’t worth 800 Wii Points. It’s a dated game with little mileage and those 800 points could be put toward Star Fox 64, which will provide a richer experience.
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And on Wii Ware this week is Family Pirate Party, which would have been better suited when Johnny Depp-like pirates were fresh in people’s minds instead of Somali pirates, but whatver. It looks interesting for you family types out there.
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