Star Soldier R Review for the Nintendo Wii

System: WiiWare	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Hudson Soft	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Hudson Entertainment	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: May 19, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Graphically Star Soldier R is a virtual all-you-can-eat buffet. The screen is packed with enemies coming from all angles, and it really nails the old school vibe. It looks very similar to a Super Nintendo game but with quite a bit more shine. Varying enemy types, explosions everywhere, and intense shootouts create a visual splendor.

Star Soldier R screenshot

Where the graphics dazzle, the sound comes out with more of a whimper. With high intensity on display, you just expect a bit more punch, a tune to get the blood flowing a little bit. That being said, the sound effects are pretty good and really match what you would expect to hear based on the display in front of you.

There is no way to be disappointed with the controls. It is a simple game, and it is easy to control. For those finicky gamers out there, almost every control scheme imaginable is put at your disposal, but since this game only requires you to move and shoot, it really does not matter what style you choose. Everything seems extremely responsive, though it should be since the game has auto-fire.

Well, Wii Ware is finally here, and suffice to say all new original content is a welcome addition to the little Japanese wonder machine. As much as I love the classics, it is nice to see Nintendo making positive strides in catching up with the competition. As for Star Soldier R in particular, it is certainly a decent game. Is it worth the price of admission? Maybe, it all depends on how entertaining you find trying to break high scores. Although, it is definitely a great way to determine who is buying the first round of beers.

By Tom Kelly
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.0

Graphics
A great game to look at. Good old school feel with fresh, vibrant visuals

4.7

Control
Handles smoothly, which is good because with the amount of fire coming your way it can't afford to stall

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Nothing spectacular, but the effects serve their purpose nicely

2.2

Play Value
As much fun as the game can be due to its limitations. You could really get all you want out of it in just a couple of hours.

3.5

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

2-Minute, 5-Minute, and Quick-Shot mode

Experience space shoot outs like never before, with high paced action and enemies at every turn

Turn your ship into a destruction machine by amassing power-ups as you traverse your way through loads of enemy fire