Customer Reviews

Thunder Force V: Perfect System

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Thunder for, in my opinion, is one of the best shoot'em up's ever created. It should not be compared to other games (like Einhander, even though people think that this is better, which I disagree) of it's type. All those who have ever played the other games of the series know that even though the game can be EXTREMELY HARD, it is NEVER cheap. It demmands ultimate concentration, just as Working Designs implies. The graphics may not be the best ever seen, but they are pretty ... good anyway. I recommend this game, but be warned, you must be up to the challenge.

As an old school shoot 'em up fan, Thunder Force V immortalizes what I love about this genre of games: futuristic settings, sleek mechanical designs, fluid gameplay, and the sheer challenge of dodging/absorbing bullets from dozens of enemies on the screen... and blasting them into digital pieces.

The game itself takes place after the final battle with the Orn in Thunder Force IV, leaving the Rynex starfighter drifting into deep space. Many centuries later, humanity recovers the fighter and builds the artificial intelligence known as the Guardian to unlock its secrets. The research into Rynex results in the development of Vasteel technology, allowing the human race to build starships and powerful weapon systems, as well as enabling the colonization of worlds distant from Earth. But a sinister secret is unlocked deep within the fighter, and the AI becomes self-aware and declares war on the humanity. After the brutal conflict claims half of the Earth's population, a series of experimental fighters are constructed and flown by the pilots of the elite Thunderforce 333 squadron to destroy the Guardian and save the human race.

As you progress through the levels, you can collect a series of power-ups that enable you to use the special weapons of the RVR-01 Gauntlet: the rear-firing cannon, the wave cannon, the homing missiles, and the free-range laser (arguably the most useful and most powerful weapon in the game; pretty much required for survival in the later levels). In addition, your ship can pick up the CRAWs (much like the options in Gradius) that can absorb bullets and power-up your ship's overweapon to lay down a swath of destruction on enemies and bosses alike. You can also adjust the speed of the Gauntlet at will.

The difficulty of this game can also be adjusted (ranging from easy to hard); hard mode is no joke. It adds many more enemies to the level that fire a lot more bullets. As enemies pile on the screen, you might experience somewhat of a slow-down as the PlayStation attempts to compensate (especially during the use of the over-weapon). Fortunately, the fluid response from the controls in the game make it easy to recover from. The bosses are no pushover in later stages in the game, each with unique attacks and weaknesses (through patterns) that will test your shoot 'em up mettle.

The graphics are good considering the limitations that the PlayStation One has, and the story-arc reminds you that the game has depth beneath the surface of blasting baddies with lasers. And the hard rock/speed metal soundtrack adds to the pace and frenzy of staying alive to see the next stage.

In summary, you will be hard-pressed to find another shooter with the same fast-paced gameplay, responsive controls, nail-biting difficulty, and killer soundtrack. Thunder Force V delivers! Pick this one up if you can!

Even thought it is fun it is very hard (sometimes). I would reccomend this game all the way. it takes alot of time and tries to get used to this game but its worth it. BUY IT YOU WONT BE SORRY!!!!!!