WiiWare Launch: Star Soldier R jumps on the Caravan
One of the very first games announced for WiiWare was Hudson’s Star Solider R, an offshoot entry to their popular Star Solider/Blazing Lazers series. How is this Star Solider different than its brethren? Well, this version doesn’t really have a traditional single player mode. Star Solider R is basically the extra “Caravan” mode found in many of the original games, where you’re given a limited amount of time to rack up as high a score as possible. To that end, R features only two levels and a whopping three different gameplay modes: two minute mode, five minute mode, and “fast shot” mode. You can check out the five minute mode in the embedded video below.
While the game is certainly designed to be a downscaled experience, many are complaining that 800 points may be a little too high for a game so short on content. John Tanaka at IGN didn’t really care for the game at all, postulating that the “R” in Star Solider R stands for “rip-off” and that everything just seems “hastily put together.” While echoing the value complaint, Chris Kohler over at Game|Life was a bit easier on the game, complimenting its graphics, soundtrack, and short, but solid action. However, even with liking all those aspects, he found it hard to recommend to anyone other than the hardcore shmup nut.
Star Solider R has yet to be officially confirmed for a U.S. release. When asked, Hudson responded with the cagey “it’s being evaluated for the U.S. market.” However, with a recent ESRB filing giving the game an “E” rating, we can probably expect the game at WiiWare’s North American launch in May.
Game|Life hands-on impressions
Wii.IGN hands-on impressions
- Rob O’Reilly
