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Star Soldier R Review for the Nintendo Wii

Star Soldier R Review for the Nintendo Wii

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Man I really want to play some videogames, but if my game lasts longer than 5 minutes, I may miss some life altering event, in turn ruining my entire existence?” Nope, me either. But if such a scenario ever does arise, there now exists the perfect remedy. Star Soldier R is fast-paced screen frenzy aimed at those with a serious lack of concentration. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. What Star Soldier R offers up is distracting enough and actually worth multiple plays. Unlike most games of the same ilk, Star Soldier R creates a highly entertaining shootout spectacular, light on depth but high on fun.

Star Soldier R screenshot

Let’s get down to brass tacks: there is just not a whole lot to this game. Star Soldier R offers up three modes: 2-Minute, 5-Minute, and Quick-Shot mode. Based on the names, you have probably guessed what the first two entail. Each mode is time based, but the 2 and 5-Minute modes are longer contests where players try to rack up as high a score as possible within the time limits. Quick-Shot, on the other hand, gives the player 20 seconds to rifle off as many shots as possible while measuring how many bullets they are letting loose per second. In all honesty, Quick-Shot is nothing more than a one and done type of deal. The real meat is the 2 and 5-Minute games. Although the scope of Star Soldier R seems extremely limited, as there only 2 levels, there is a good bit of replay value. Gunning to take down your high score is fun because you won’t have to waste over an hour trying to do it. By limiting you to time limits rather than lives, it ensures every person has an equal shot at taking the crown. Of course, those who can avoid getting killed make their chances much better than the rest of the competition.

As the name implies, Star Soldier R is a space shooter, and like many other games of this type it is all about survival. Stay alive as long as possible, and collect as many upgrades as you can along the way. Since this game is all about accumulating mass amounts of points in a short period of time, those able to most effectively ‘pimp their ride’ will find the added firepower helps out a ton.

Star Soldier R screenshot

Star Soldier R boasts two different sets of upgrades; the first is a purple vile that will enhance your guns, and the second is a blue vile that will strengthen your shields. As mentioned, the goal is to collect as many of these as possible without dying, thus creating a super ship of sorts. For example, as you collect purple enhancements, your ship will begin to shoot in pretty much every direction creating as much destruction as possible while protecting you from cowardly enemies. The more blues you get, balls will encircle your ship giving you a force field to shield yourself from stray bullets. In addition, there also yellow orbs you can break, which release what look to be giant blocks of cheese. Seeing as how the moon is actually made of said dairy product, it all begins to make sense. Despite the direct connection with the old wives tales, all these yellow balls amount to is a boost in points.

Star Soldier R screenshot

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.

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

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