Catalogue No. - T-1809G

I once mistook Hyper Duel as a Thunder Force title in the arcades about 15 years ago. Little did I know it was an all new title with quite shocking resemblances to Thunder Force as far as enemy craft went and why not since both games are by Technosoft. Anyway, fast forward a few years and out comes this Sega Saturn version. Featuring an arcade perfect port of the game complete with test boot up screens and an all new Saturn version.

The Saturn version is a great leap above the original arcade version featuring an all new rearrange sound track, improved graphics and a welcome change to the controls. In the original arcade version it was impossible to lock your gun in one direction when transformed in to the robot. Thankfully in the Saturn remake Technosoft have now added a lock button enabling you to move the robot in any direction while still firing in the direction you wish. This really does make a big difference to the gameplay. As far as power ups go it just your typical array of speed ups and so on however there is no bomb in this game. Instead you have an energy bar that when used will increase the power of your normal shot and (depending on which character you choose) throw out laser beams destroying anything in their path.

Hyper Duel is one of those pure classics that remind you of the good old days of horizontal shooters. Even if this Saturn version was just a pure arcade port it would be well worth buying  but with the added Saturn remake version you most certainly can't go wrong.