Dreamcast

Under Defeat

Under Defeat is tough, but you're provided three continues and high scores are saved automatically. If the game has a fault, it's probably the emphasis on huge bosses with their long life meters. Still, this is an absolutely stunning shooter that's truly a "must have" for collectors.

We have, yet again, a brand new game for this generation's elder statesman. Under Defeat is the most recent helicopter shooter, following in the sizeable footsteps of Zero Gunner 2. While Zero Gunner impressed me to no end, the controls in Under Defeat give the former a slight advantage; but the graphics are nothing short of amazing.

Overall, this is a fantastic game that any shmup fan with a Dreamcast should buy as soon as possible. It's been said that this will be the very last offical release for the system, and if that's true, it'll definitely be going out in style.

As a result Under Defeat's underground Internet love-in is undeniably overstated at grass roots. Inarguably, what Under Defeat does, it does very well. The execution is perfectly pitched and it clearly ticks each and every box the developers drew up on the ideas table. But it's hard to shake the feeling that this is '80s gaming dressed in '00s visuals running on '90s hardware. The gameplay is sweet and eloquent but, underneath it also tired and relentlessly derivative. Whether that annoys you or not depends on whether you were looking simply some well-made twitch fun or a glorious resurrection.

If this were available in America 5 years ago for a decent price, say between $20-$30, I could see this game being much more popular despite the general malaise with regards to side-scrolling shooters here. It has a great combination of impressive graphics and its learning curve is much friendlier than most other side-scrolling shooters. Unfortunately, for a total price of around $65, Under Defeat is good but not $65 good. If you're a side scrolling shooter fanatic, I can see a splurge for this game, especially if you still cling to your Dreamcast. Besides, it isn't likely that you'll see this game ported to any non-Japanese console or arcade cabinet.