Here
we go now, a shooter that stands out a little from the crowd. The
main kick of VS is the unique weapon system. Though the ship may
look like it has a beak on the front, and is preparing to eat some
worms, this yellow extension is nothing to laugh at.
After
powering up a few times, the player is able to set the nosecone
at three different selections: closed, silly looking but most powerful,
1/2 open which realistically offers too much wind resistance but
spreads your weapon out some, and fully open, which would block
the pilots view completely (like when your car's windshield pops
open), offering a full spread on most weapons.
There
is also an R-Type like power up bar, but instead of a powershot,
you get a circular blast around the ship. This really confuses me-I'm
expecting a power shot and get this "ring around the shooter".
This takes a little adjustment. And here's something else I hate
that some wise-guy shooters do: an option screen that is somewhat
hidden. Yes, this game has a hard and easy mode, but after months
of playing, I just found out! (Thunderforce does this too.....)
VS plays a little too slow: it's got that laid-back, we'll get there
when we get there attitude, which can be a little frustrating to
me....I like faster paced games.
But
the challenge level is there too, as VS is none too easy. This one
is at least worth a look for shooter fans, and is a nice breather
from the cookie cutter, same formula shmup. And the further you
get into the game, the more it plays like R-Type (yet still different).
Violent
Soldier
