Catalogue No. - GS-9088

When you ask people about Saturn gun games they very rarely if ever mention Hakaider. Why is this? Probably because not that many people even know about it. Hakaider or Mechanical Violator Hakaider to give it it's full title, is based upon one of the many "guy in a mech suit kicking arse" Japanese TV shows from the early 90's. However this is based upon on of the more darker shows giving the game quite a nice dark tone unlike all those other bright colourful efforts. Atmosphere is pretty good throughout the game thanks to the many cut scenes and BGM. The characters also help drive that darkness thanks to their general appearance.

The game is basically a 2D gun or pad controlled shooter interspersed with FMV style 3D RPG sections. These RPG sections help drive the plot of the game as well as enforcing the dark atmosphere. Unfortunately it's all in Japanese so none Japanese speakers will miss out on most of the plot. Still, the game isn't unplayable so no worries there.

Graphic wise Hakaider looks ok but nothing too special. The thing that put me off the most was how pixilated the enemy sprites become as they get closer to the screen. Still, if you can live with this (as I did) you'll find yourself with a pretty decent shooter for your Saturn light gun. Make no mistake though, this isn't a Virtua Cop or House of the Dead beater by any means.