PS4

Aleste is a well-respected series which has survived more skirmishes than the Millennium Falcon. This includes four versions of the game on the cart in: Aleste (Mark III), GG Aleste (Game Gear), GG Aleste II (Game Gear) and Power Strike II (Master System.)

Reaching back into what feels to Genki like the near past in compiling three precious (and fairly exclusive) Saturn shooters in Cotton 2, Cotton Boomberang and Guardian Force. Cotton 2 exemplifies all the hit points that made the Saturn a mean 2D machine. Cute sprite graphics and good pacing. Boomerang is not a full sequel to Cotton 2, more feeling like a very slick update as there wasn’t anything really in need of correcting in the prequel. The controls have been revamped along with gameplay additions of a special charge projectile and the facility to switch between three different players. As such the energy bar has gone: each player now represents a life. The in game graphics have been given a lick of paint with some impressive effects hurtling the player into more on screen insanity. The presentation has also been spruced up with hi resolution cut sequences and an intro to give twitchy fingers a break. A true success saving the best until last. Guardian Force is a unique take on the shooter formula with players taking the role of tank driver to blast through enemy lines. No mere gimmick though: in a refreshing twist the tanks turret can rotate through 360 degrees making it possible to pound enemy installations whilst making a hasty retreat. The simultaneous two player option is the icing on the pretty looking cake. A dream team compilation and a real blast.

Reaching back into what feels to Genki like the near past in compiling three precious (and fairly exclusive) Saturn shooters in Cotton 2, Cotton Boomberang and Guardian Force. Cotton 2 exemplifies all the hit points that made the Saturn a mean 2D machine. Cute sprite graphics and good pacing. Boomerang is not a full sequel to Cotton 2, more feeling like a very slick update as there wasn’t anything really in need of correcting in the prequel. The controls have been revamped along with gameplay additions of a special charge projectile and the facility to switch between three different players. As such the energy bar has gone: each player now represents a life. The in game graphics have been given a lick of paint with some impressive effects hurtling the player into more on screen insanity. The presentation has also been spruced up with hi resolution cut sequences and an intro to give twitchy fingers a break. A true success saving the best until last. Guardian Force is a unique take on the shooter formula with players taking the role of tank driver to blast through enemy lines. No mere gimmick though: in a refreshing twist the tanks turret can rotate through 360 degrees making it possible to pound enemy installations whilst making a hasty retreat. The simultaneous two player option is the icing on the pretty looking cake. A dream team compilation and a real blast.

Cotton Rock n Roll brings the series into the new generations and it looks very charming for it. Great use of 3D backgrounds and adversaries, but the action remains true to its 2D roots. The star of Umihara Kawase makes a guest appearance riding on an inflated puffer fish. Just what the doctor ordered.

Classic shooter Darius gets a PS4 version having proved popular on the PCVita to get those trigger fingers twitching more than a freshly dispatched robotic cat fish boss. The darkness of deep space contrasts beautifully against the ships pyrotechnics as blast after blast illuminates the action beautifully. And of course the multi route selection remains adding plenty of replay value to those who can stick at it like a limpet.

Cave’s creation shows it still has plenty to offer with its unique Gothic graphical look that feels different to other shooters. Superb package to bring it to new platforms and display its charming attributes.