Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Arcade, Platform, Shooter
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Wii
- Developers: Treasure
- Publishers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd., Sega of America
Alien Soldier: A Genesis Masterpiece
Released in 1995 for the Sega Genesis, Alien Soldier is a run-and-gun shooter game developed by Treasure and published by Sega. The game is set on the planet Sierra, which is being attacked by a terrorist group led by a vicious creature named Xi-Tiger. The player takes control of Epsilon-Eagle, a young soldier who must fight his way through hordes of enemies to stop Xi-Tiger and save the planet.
Alien Soldier is known for its fast-paced action, beautiful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game features a variety of weapons and power-ups, and the player must use all of their skills to defeat the relentless waves of enemies.
Gameplay
Alien Soldier is a side-scrolling run-and-gun shooter. The player controls Epsilon-Eagle, who can run, jump, and shoot in eight directions. Epsilon-Eagle can also use a variety of weapons and power-ups, including a gun, a sword, and a grappling hook.
The game is divided into seven stages, each with its own unique enemies and bosses. The stages are set in a variety of environments, including forests, caves, and factories.
Epsilon-Eagle must use all of his skills to defeat the relentless waves of enemies. The enemies come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they attack in different ways. Some enemies shoot projectiles, while others charge at the player. Epsilon-Eagle must use his gun to defeat the enemies, but he can also use his sword to deflect projectiles and attack enemies up close.
In addition to his gun and sword, Epsilon-Eagle can also use a variety of power-ups. These power-ups include invincibility, increased speed, and increased firepower. Epsilon-Eagle can also collect health power-ups to replenish his health.
Graphics
Alien Soldier is known for its beautiful graphics. The game’s backgrounds are lush and detailed, and the character sprites are large and expressive. The game also uses a variety of special effects, such as parallax scrolling and scaling.
The game’s graphics were praised by critics upon its release. IGN called the graphics “some of the best on the Genesis,” and GameSpot said that the game “looks like a cartoon come to life.”
Music
Alien Soldier’s soundtrack is also highly praised. The soundtrack is composed by Yuzo Koshiro, who is known for his work on other classic Sega games such as Streets of Rage and Sonic the Hedgehog.
The soundtrack is a mix of techno, rock, and orchestral music. The music is fast-paced and energetic, and it perfectly complements the game’s action.
Critical reception
Alien Soldier was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its fast-paced action, beautiful graphics, and catchy soundtrack.
IGN gave the game a score of 9 out of 10, and said that it was “one of the best shooters on the Genesis.” GameSpot gave the game a score of 8.5 out of 10, and said that it was “a must-play for fans of the genre.”
Alien Soldier has been ranked among the best Sega Genesis games of all time. In 2018, GamesRadar ranked Alien Soldier as the 20th best Sega Genesis game of all time.
Legacy
Alien Soldier is considered to be one of the best run-and-gun shooters ever made. The game’s fast-paced action, beautiful graphics, and catchy soundtrack have made it a classic among fans of the genre.
Alien Soldier has inspired a number of other games, including Gunstar Heroes and Metal Slug. The game has also been ported to a number of other platforms, including the PlayStation 2, the Xbox 360, and the Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
Alien Soldier is a masterpiece of the run-and-gun genre. The game’s fast-paced action, beautiful graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding game to play, then Alien Soldier is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8.5/10
