Maker - Telenet Japan   Catalogue No. - T-49013

Type - Shooting Action

Back in the days of the 16 bit systems, shooters were one of the most popular genres for games or at least in Japan they were. The Mega Drive had far more than it’s fair share (not as many as the PC Engine mind you) with many not offering anything to stand out above the rest.  You could be enjoying the game quite a bit then put it on the shelf once completed. A year or so later you have completely forgotten all about it because of the 100’s of other shooters that had come along looking pretty much the same. Gaiares on the other hand DID have that something to make you remember it. First off there are the wonderful anime style cut scenes with a choice of English or Japanese text. Now I know the likes of Zero Wing had an anime style intro with really bad EngRish but that doesn’t come close to the one featured on Gaiares. The music is also quite interesting. Those who have ever played Valis on the Mega Drive will instantly know the type of sound Gaiares has due to both games being made by the same company. Some may like it while others hate it. Personally I like it. Graphics are pretty good overall ranging from some nice reflective backgrounds on the ice stage to some crazy plasma effects on a few other stages. One thing that really does stand out above any other 16 bit shooter is the size of the bosses. They are full screen in height plus animated ! Very impressive stuff.

One of the most interesting things about the game though is the unique power up system. Your ship is equipped with the TOZ or WOZ depending on which language you are playing the game in. The TOZ / WOZ is a satellite that you can shoot off from your ship. It then attaches it’s self to the nearest enemy in it’s path learning that enemies weapon. It then returns to your ship with a clone of the enemy’s weapon. You can hit the same type of enemy up to 3 times to power up the weapon. Hit a different type of enemy though and it’s back to square 1 but with a new weapon.

Gaiares is one hell of a tough game that will have you pulling your hair out at times, for those of us who like hard shooters on the other hand will be in heaven.