Alien Soldier is a 2-D side-scrolling, run and gun video game developed by Japanese indie developer, Treasure, and published by Sega for the Sega Mega Drive. The game was released in Sega cartridge form only in Japan, Asia, and Europe in 1995.
The game's high action with great graphics reminded me of the Contra series. I love to call it "Chicken Soldier" back then because the hero looks like a damn chicken/rooster in armor. But it's high difficulty and only single-player action turned off most of the gamers in my country during that time.
The Story
As alien soldier Epsilon-Eagle, you are genetically engineered to have maximum intelligence and strength. You are a former member of the criminal organization Scarlet. But when you decided to break away, you were forced into a showdown with the group and its new leader Xi-Tiger!
The Graphics and Sound
Stunning 16-bit graphics are found in this game's levels and especially the incredible bosses. The graphics are some of the best that the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis has seen. The different weapon effects look awesome, and so do the backgrounds, monsters, and the enemy bosses.
The sound quality is pretty good. The music keeps you going and the sound effects are very good. I think they could have both been better though.
The Gameplay
The gameplay is chaotic. It seems like a mindless, difficult shooter. But it is actually a deep and engaging game.
First, you get the choice of 4 different weapons from a choice of six. Each weapon is kind of useful in some situations.
This is a game that emphasizes mobility and reflexes. Your ability to dash through enemies to the other end of the screen is great. And that can put you away from danger as well as in better positions to shoot back. You also have the ability to guard against some enemy attacks, changing their projectiles into health. With full health, you dash becomes a phoenix charge that does some great damage.
This game is mostly boss rush mode with a short distraction between each boss.
With different weapons, and the ability to charge and guard, the odds might be good. Except, dying basically loses all of your acquired power-ups. But still your continues are infinite.
Also, correct and precise use of your dashing abilities is key. It will need some practice, as the game is fast and does not give you time to think.
The game's "super easy" mode gives the players the chance to familiarize themselves with the game's systems so that they can get good at it.
Replay value is up to the player. Hardcore action gamers might love it but the soft, whiny casual players won't.
My Verdict
Technically, Alien Soldier is a very good game. Unfortunately, its setting is uninteresting and the difficulty is high. A 2 player option might make it better. You might have fun playing the game, but the game is not fondly memorable like the other Sega titles.
Play it on the Sega Mega Drive console or play it on a friggin' good emulator.