This game is really "out there", it's something fresh, and exciting!
I just recently picked this game up here on ebay, not only because I fell in love with the gameplay the very first time I saw it in motion, but because it was developed by TREASURE.
Since 1992, these guys have come up with Gunstar Heroes, Alien Soldier, Guardian Heroes, Radiant Silvergun, Ikaruga, Sin & Punishment 1(JP only N64 release) & 2(US/JP Wii release), Gradius V (5), Silpheed the Lost Planet, Stretch-Panic, Bangai-O, as well as several other Licensed games with franchises such as Tiny Toons, Astro Boy, McDonald's, and anime/manga series such as Yu-Yu-Hakusho, Hajime No Ippo, Bleach, and Dragon Drive!
Not only are they incredibly skilled as a group in general, but TREASURE was founded by former members of KONAMI, and they all worked on some of their biggest arcade and console hits prior to parting ways with the company to start new project of their own.
As a relatively small group, compared to many studios today, TREASURE focuses on Gameplay FIRST, and each game feels exactly the way it should feel, from the controls, to how deeply you can manipulate your character to react to any situation, you are always given enough options to deal with anything their games will throw at you. And they will throw. Many things.
As a whole, this original 2D title is full of substance, from its almost goofy art-style, to blending of genres like Platforming, Shoot em Up, and a lick of RPG. Not only are you always challenged to blast enemies away before they manage to hurt you and deplete your life bar, but you have to recognize whether that enemy is a Silhouette or a Mirage type. Using your character's own abilities to change from Silhouette or Mirage types, by facing to the right or to the left, you need to rely on using the proper type of attack to destroy your enemies. All this Silhouette/Mirage *or* "Light/Dark" as it could be referred introduces a level of challenge in its own right, because you have to manage the position of your character properly, in order to face the proper direction for the attack you need to use, in order to destroy your enemies.
This game compares to no other, and borrows noting from any other game out there. This Light/Dark mechanic inspired Ikaruga to be the shooter it turned out to be; it's almost the exact same concept of gameplay.
Bursting with colour EVERYWHERE, this game is sure to brighten your room with its warm glowy glow, and warm you up with its challenge. Those who crave something ENTIRELY unique to play, and something really cool to show off, grab this; you won't regret it.
PS-The artwork on the instruction manual, and the back of the case is holographic gold, and it's amazing to see in person.
PPS-On the disc features a movie for Lunar 2, I'm not sure exactly what it is, yet, but I'll be sure to check it out soon.Read full review
