Treasure keeps the dream alive on the Sega Genesis! Their releases thus far on the 16-Bit platform have been rock star hits. Gunstar Heroes, Dynamite Headdy, and Light Crusader each proved the majestic craftsmanship offered by this development studio. Their latest is a 16 MB action title called Alien Soldier, with gameplay stylings similar to the aforementioned Gunstar. The (largely unimportant) plot synopsis is that aliens have invaded a parallel version of earth controlled by genetically enhanced biomechanoids. You control a powerful being called Epsilon-Eagle who seeks to use massive firepower to save the planet. Pick from a handful of starting weapons including a flamethrower, a homing blaster, and a spread gun, each with a limited ammunition supply. Epsilon then begins in a handy practice arena to perfect various moves.

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Epsilon can unleash a wide assortment of helpful tricks, such as the ever-devious Zero Teleport to skip a screen's worth of baddies. You may find yourself in need of this ability as you take on the single most powerful bosses we have seen in a run-and-gun platformer. Indeed, the stages themselves are merely brief scrolling sequences in anticipation of gigantic and challenging beasts. Alien Soldier contains around 40-50 bosses, all sporting excellent graphics with lasers, explosions, and all sorts of bombastic craziness shooting out from their bodies. Speaking to the visuals, all sprites are nicely detailed and well-animated, including Epsilon himself. Sound effects and voicework (Yes, voicework on a cartridge! -Jet) is likewise done rather splendidly.

Printed in Issue #38, June 1996