Soldner-X Himmelssturmer is a new side-scrolling shooter for the PS3. Essentially, the game is identical to Microsoft’s Aegis Wing, except Soldner-X offers higher-quality graphics, gameplay experience, and deeper integration of weapon use. Like every game, the game does suffer from some faults, but in the end the game has far more strengths than weaknesses.
Right away you’ll be greeted with a well designed and narrated opening sequence introducing you to the game and the conflicts that await you. Like most side-scrolling shooters, you’ll take command of a small ship that is equipped with massive firepower. You start off with one weapon and gradually increase your arsenal as you play through the games 4 worlds divided into 3 stages each. The levels are bright, colorful, and full of enemies for you to shoot down. This is where the game overpowers you with a mass number of enemies and high difficulty. Within each world you’ll easily be able to destroy 1,000+ enemies. The game swarms you with targets which you must destroy to gain new weapons, health, power boosts, etc.
This is intense and a blast to indulge yourself in. However, this may also be very intimidating to many. Like most titles based on old-school gameplay mechanics — see Mega Man 9 for example — younger gamers and the softened gaming community will become greatly aggravated. The game is merciless and will kick your ass. Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily. For many, the high difficulty is a blessing for them and it’ll separate the hardcore 2D side-scrolling shooting fans from the more casual among us. Even if the default setting is too hard for you to play, you can adjust the setting to an easier state. Be forewarned: even the ‘Very Easy’ setting is hard. The game isn’t hard due to a technical or design flaw, either. The game is difficult because of the level of challenge the levels throw at you. Whether it be a massive number of enemies, dodging mines and bombs in the levels, or just fighting a powerful boss, the game makes you beat the level and doesn’t just give you the right of moving on without pushing you to our limits. Some of the bosses may appear to be impossible initially. To overcome some bosses you’ll have to carefully note their weakness prior to the fight and look at your environment. Think and experiment when battling a boss to devise a solid strategy to defeat them. This is part of the fun. As an incentive to make yourself a better player at the game, you have online leaderboards and trophy support.
Soldner-X: Himmelssturmer is a great effort from an independent developer to create an old-school 2D side-scrolling shooter. It’s apparent that it’s targeted for a unique audience — mainly the ones who love a good challenge. With a price tag of $10.00, this is a solid effort that old-school gamers and thrill seekers will enjoy. Just be ready to get owned in the game and pushed to your limits.
