A technically amazing game on some levels, Star Cruiser is a pretty good port of a little-known PC-88/98 and Sharp title of the same name that was made back in 1988. It's a Japan-only title that was later released for the Mega Drive late in 1990, and is interesting for several reasons.
First, it's one of the few games that not only uses 3D polygons on stock Genesis hardware, but it also incorporates free flight in outerspace and dungeons where the game also acts as one of the few first-person shooters for the system. For its time, the mechanics are executed at least adequately (complete with "necessities" like strafing), which means it also puts most other FPS/Flight games on the system to shame. The framerate is just tolerable enough and things, while mostly comprised of solid colors, are easy enough to distinguish. There are actual planets and areas with trees, benches, buildings, and other things.
Secondly, the soundtrack kicks all kinds of ass. You'd take one look at this and think it's gonna sound lame and typical, but it doesn't; blast your eardrums to some rock and metal, or enjoy some of the more somber, well-composed tunes of just hanging around the Ganymede Base. The soundtrack does not disappoint.
Third, you might think it's unplayable because it's such an early "3D" game, but everything holds together. It's pretty simple and there isn't too much in terms of weapon variety or craft customization, but there are some RPG elements. For instance, your aircraft can go faster in outer space and increase in energy (which is needed for everything such as moving or firing your lazer) and can use various items and key items. You can even warp OR use auto-pilot! The game is also accompanied by an on-going story on top of everything else with semi-anime type characters...it is presented by Masaya after all and originally developed by Arsys, who did titles like the Super Famicom "Battle Zeque Den".
The general story is such: In space society of the 27th century, 200 years have past since Central Earth ended a war that started by their first? contact by aliens. However, in modern times, the balance of power is being jeopardized by a militaristic nation known as VOID who wishes to deport all aliens from civilized society, and by the remains of the Earth Federation, the Federation Patrol. VOID is hinting at a massive strike to take over the galaxy and create war and chaos, but a small battallion based on the sattellite of Jupiter, Ganymede, is being trained to fight back VOID. This is how the story begins.
In this video, you will take control of Brian (by default) who is just coming out of a tough training simulation set-up by your good friend and comrade, Gibson, and instructed by your trusted droid, Freddy.
You end up leaving the main building and going to a restaurant, where you are given the scoop as to what's going on so far; VOID has a base nearby that acts as one of their important strongholds and it is launching out threatening enemies. Your team can't fight it directly, since it has an energy field, protecting it from ordinary weaponry. However, you are asked to lead in a "kamikaze attack", using a starship that can charge through the energy field temporarily employing "Shield Buster" technology. Gibson demonstrates what would happen to a regular ship...it (obviously) gets eradicated by the energy field. Once you pierce through with the Shield Buster, you must then crash into the fortress and destroy it from the inside, while stealing a prototype spacecraft (The Star Cruiser) to even the odds. After your briefing, a VOID attack is launched on the Ganymede Base, blocking off the building in which you start the game.
Any problems? Well, the game allows you to save anywhere. If you get stuck somewhere because you don't have enough energy to get back, you are totally screwed, which is the only glaring problem I can think of. Enjoy.
Review provided by Vyse The Determined
Images courtesy of the Sega Gaga Domain
