Maker - Vic Tokai   Catalogue No. - T-23013

Type - Shooting Action

One of the all time favorite cult classics that even got a release in the US.  Of course thy had to give it a really poor Americanized cover and change the name to Trouble Shooter.  Thankfully the Japanese version is still available to buy (for a high price) for those who like things the way they should be.

Battle Mania is a horizontal and at times, vertical scrolling shooter from Vic Tokai.  This is actually surprisingly a very good game when you consider that every other Vic Tokai made games is pretty dire.  Graphically Battle Mania isn't that hot.  It sure does it's job with nice colourful areas and very interesting enemies.  It's just that at times it can look a little rushed in some areas.  I also feel that the characters maybe a little too big resulting in some very tricky situations where you are trapped without anyway of avoiding a bullet.  Yet, this isn't anything too major that will spoil your enjoyment of the game.

Between each round you are given a story that explains the crazy plot of the game.  This is accompanied by a few pictures which really add that little extra charm.  Then it's off to the area with your partner to blow away those bad guys.  You take control of both characters at the same time, one of which is constantly firing forward and the other which you can face backwards or forwards at any point throughout the game.  This can be a little odd at first but you'll soon pick it up in no time.  My only concern really is that there are far too many speed ups and not enough speed downs.  So be careful what you pick up during the round.

If you are in to shooters and even if you own the second Battle Mania game, you can do a hell of a lot worse than picking this one up.  A true cult classic !