SHMUPS!

Mystic Riders - Irem

Mystic Riders

Reviewed by Michael Miller

You ever get the feeling sometimes that those Pokemon people might know what they're doing? I mean is it possible that a game starring fruity "hyper-cute" characters could be fun? Well, yeah! Much like most of Treasures' games this shooter is nowhere near as kiddie as you think.

GRAPHICS: The first thing you'll notice is the abundance of color. Purples, reds, blues, greens, all in their best and brightest. The animation isn't as good as some games, but is more than adequate. All of the sprites are large and _very_ well drawn. The enemies range from little ghosts (think Pac-Man type) to giant skeleton pirates to horse-dragon-things (that's the only description I could come up with, and it works). I wouldn't put the graphics among the best 2D ever Metal Slug, but they are way above average.
9/10

Sound:The version I played didn't have any sound :P. I would just guess, but I would be wrong.
?/10

Gameplay: Here's where you start disbelieving. This is one of the best playing shooters I've ever seen. No, there aren't any spaceships or aliens or biplanes to blow up. This may turn off some people, but the gameplay overshadows any lack of those retread baddies. You have your normal shot which is powered up by collecting gems. When you collect a certain amount, you gain a weapon level. Not too innovative there, it's like many other shooters. The cool part is your broom. See, the stars of this game are witches on brooms. Very Cotton-like. What's neat is the ability to throw your broom in eight directions while firing. The broom can take out some enemy fire, which helps a lot since this game is tough, and does damage both going and coming. I'm pretty sure similar play mechanics have been used before, but I don't know if they're as well done. This game is MEAN. In places you'll find yourself saying "That is soooooooo cheap!" but you won't mind because the game is soooooo good.
9/10

Overall: When I first saw this game, I thought "Awww..., a cute little shooter for the kiddies!". I was sadly mistaken. I haven't had this much fun (yes, fun) with a shooter in a while. If you see this game (or have MAME) check it out, it's well worth your time.
9/10

This is the beginning of one of the coolest shooters I've ever seen.

[ Ooh! lovely graphics! - Felix the Cat ]

Some areas require skillful maneuvering through maze-like walls.

This is the first boss. He's not too hard. If he kills you, give up.

This is the screen after each level.

[ Almost like a guided tour - Felix the Cat ]

Probably the most graphically impressive level in the game. Too bad you won't have much time to look, as the bullets are fast and furious.

Same level. Nothing else to say, really.

This is a _very_ weird boss. It's a rock monster that splits up and shoots himself at you. The weird thing is that he doesn't flash much when you hit him so you think you're not hitting him right, but then he explodes all of a sudden.

This level is called Flying Turtles. Gee, I wonder why.

I HATE these things. Why does a turtle have feathers anyway?

Check out more pics on PAGE 2!

Cheers Mike! Lovely review you subitted there. Didn't even know this game existed! SERIOUSLY!!

It's one of those games which usually sneaks past you when an emulator like MAME is updated, and considering the amount of games MAME emulates every update, I wouldn't be surprised if it slipped by you too! After reading the review, I had to go and fetch it myself, and yes, Mystic Riders is a very impressive shmup. It's plays like any normal sidescroller, but the extra mechanics like the throwable broom makes it one that stands out. I'd advise you all to go and fetch it for a go! Cute has never been so much fun! - Akira -

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