Post by Nester the Lark on Jan 6, 2008 11:47:21 GMT -5
3PS #39
Axelay
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
System: Wii Virtual Console (SNES)
The SNES may not have been the best system for shmups, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t host a few great ones. Entries in well-known franchises, like Gradius III and R-Type III, took the spotlight, but flying in under the radar was Konami’s Axelay. Unfortunately, it sold poorly, and so plans for a sequel were cancelled. But now, Axelay is available on the Wii Virtual Console, and it has a second chance to gain deserved popularity.
Back in 1992 when Axelay was first released, it separated itself from other shmups by using the SNES’s Mode 7 function to create a quasi-3/4 perspective with a horizon. By today’s standards, it’s not as impressive and even a little awkward. But even all these years later, it’s still a unique aspect of the game that helps it to stand out amongst other shmups.
Taking a cue from a couple of Konami’s other shooters, Life Force and Salamander, the six levels in the game alternate between the vertically scrolling 3/4 view and a traditional side-scrolling perspective. The levels, themselves, also provide variety, with environments such as a robot laboratory, a flooded cavern, and a base over a lake of lava.
Aside from the Mode 7 scrolling, the graphics in the game, in general, were quite impressive for their time. There are many large, well-animated boss characters, ranging from huge mechanical spiders to cybernetic lava giants.
There are several different weapons to use throughout the game. Weapons are equipped before every level. You’ll start out with a small selection, but new weapons are earned after every level you complete.
Axelay’s only real shortcoming is literally its short length. Its six challenging stages may not provide a lengthy gaming experience, but the solid design and presentation make it fun while it lasts. Its solid graphics and unique ideas for the genre make it a standout title. If you’re a fan of shmups and you’re looking for something a little different, Axelay is worth checking out.
Bonus Links
Official VC page
Gameplay footage - from GameTrailers
Review - from Shmups.com
Axelay
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
System: Wii Virtual Console (SNES)
The SNES may not have been the best system for shmups, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t host a few great ones. Entries in well-known franchises, like Gradius III and R-Type III, took the spotlight, but flying in under the radar was Konami’s Axelay. Unfortunately, it sold poorly, and so plans for a sequel were cancelled. But now, Axelay is available on the Wii Virtual Console, and it has a second chance to gain deserved popularity.
Back in 1992 when Axelay was first released, it separated itself from other shmups by using the SNES’s Mode 7 function to create a quasi-3/4 perspective with a horizon. By today’s standards, it’s not as impressive and even a little awkward. But even all these years later, it’s still a unique aspect of the game that helps it to stand out amongst other shmups.
Taking a cue from a couple of Konami’s other shooters, Life Force and Salamander, the six levels in the game alternate between the vertically scrolling 3/4 view and a traditional side-scrolling perspective. The levels, themselves, also provide variety, with environments such as a robot laboratory, a flooded cavern, and a base over a lake of lava.
Aside from the Mode 7 scrolling, the graphics in the game, in general, were quite impressive for their time. There are many large, well-animated boss characters, ranging from huge mechanical spiders to cybernetic lava giants.
There are several different weapons to use throughout the game. Weapons are equipped before every level. You’ll start out with a small selection, but new weapons are earned after every level you complete.
Axelay’s only real shortcoming is literally its short length. Its six challenging stages may not provide a lengthy gaming experience, but the solid design and presentation make it fun while it lasts. Its solid graphics and unique ideas for the genre make it a standout title. If you’re a fan of shmups and you’re looking for something a little different, Axelay is worth checking out.
Bonus Links
Official VC page
Gameplay footage - from GameTrailers
Review - from Shmups.com
