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Here it is, the most important
Capcom Generation in my book. Featuring the classic Senjou No Ookami
(Commando), Gun Smoke and the game that makes the set really worth
owning, Senjou No Ookami II (Mercs). Let's start off with good old Gun
Smoke.
Gun Smoke is probably the weakest title on the disc but that doesn't
make it a bad game. The idea is to guide your cowboy through the
scrolling levels avoiding the on-coming fire from bandits, Indians and
so on until you come to the main culprit at the end of the level. The
unique thing about Gun Smoke is that you can't actually control the
scrolling of the screen. It continuously moves up on it's own like a
space shooter would. Another unique thing are the controls. The A button
fires to the left while the B button fires straight ahead with the C
button firing to the right. This is a bit confusing at first but you'll
soon get the hang of it. It's also possible to fire left & right at the
same time but not straight ahead and left or right. Over all Gun Smoke
is a pretty tough game with simple yet frantic game play that will keep
many of you going for a very long time.
Senjou No Ookami (Commando) is the next title we'll talk about. Just
like Gun Smoke this was released in the mid 80's which you can tell by
the graphics. Again they are simple yet do the job the are meant to.
Like many of the games of the time the controls are a bit basic and in
this games case it can lead to frustration at times. The main problem I
find is that if you play with rapid fire on (enabled from the options)
sometimes your soldier just will not fire a bullet when you want him to
leaving you to face death. Also the collision detection can be mighty
dodgy at times leaving you dead in no mans land even though you can see
the bullet never actually touched you. Still, these two problems are
common of games this old and shouldn't let you be distracted from the
fun this title has to offer. The game is pretty long featuring 5 levels
which are each split in to 3 or 4 sections, each being more difficult
than the last.
The best game in this collection and the reason for buying it has got to
be Senjou No Ookami II, better know as Mercs in the west. This 3 player
simultaneous shooter is a true trip down memory lane for me. I remember
playing the Mega Drive version to death when I was in my early teens.
I haven't played the arcade version in many years but as far as I
remember this Saturn conversion is mighty close if not perfect.
So, the game starts as you (and your fellow players if your are having a
multiplayer game) slide down a rope from your helicopter right in to the
middle of some frantic commando action. Blast your way through the
areas blowing away bad guys, passing vehicles and scenery. You
also have to remember to search the areas well for hidden power ups or
food for that vital life boost. Once you get tired of walking
steel a jeep or a hovercraft or even a tank and let loose on all who
stand in your way. You get the idea, right? Senjou No Ookami
II is just fantastic!
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