Retro Shooters

The bullet-ridden progeny of Space Invaders as well as “Run and gun” games.





1. Bionic Commando Rearmed
X360/PS3/PC
Capcom/Capcom
August 13
It’s interesting to see fan reaction to Capcom’s proper Bionic Commando sequel versus this classic-styled remake. People are almost more excited about the remake, which says an immense deal about how well people remember this long-dormant franchise. Though it might say more about the steady hand that is guiding the 2.5D redesign; the game looks attractive, but the 80s corniness remains intact, and key additions like a multiplayer versus mode are likewise being universally welcomed. This is definitely going to be a downloadable hit, which means tens of thousands in sales usually. Hopefully this will be enough to encourage the same treatment for Strider.




2. Bangai-O Spirits
NDS
D3 Publisher/Treasure
August 12
This sequel to a Dreamcast cult classic has already received much love in import reviews, garnering universal praise for the way it reinvents the classic shooter…over and over again, anew in each level. Descriptions make it out to be a clinic, the sort of thing any student in game design should experience and take copious notes on. This of course means that Bangai-O is again destined for cult classic status, and it seems to embrace that role with gusto. After all, this is the game where players share user-created maps by converting them into audio, playing the data directly into other people’s DS microphones. The entire thing is a weird, inventive throwback, the sort of thing that won’t be a blockbuster but should nevertheless be encouraged.




3. Galaga Legions
X360
Namco Bandai/Namco Bandai
August 20
Another true arcade classic gets the neon lights remake here, though there’s hardly reason to complain if Galaga Legions gets within sniffing distance of Pac-Man CE’s quality. It certainly sounds like the business. The key gameplay upgrade was chosen perfectly in the way allies are recaptured. Instead of capturing back single ships, now players will earn legions, which can be strategically manipulated to deal with the increased enemy pattern complexity. These arcade updates have historically been the real breadwinners on XBLA, so Galaga Legions could push itself into six digit sales depending on quality.




4. Metal Slug 7
NDS
SNK Playmore/SNK Playmore
Holiday 2008
The DS has done a fine job of keeping alive classic game formats that have proven untenable in the modern console environment. Metal Slug 7 is a great example of this: the series is about as arcade-centric as it gets, yet here is a handheld-exclusive numbered iteration in the franchise. It seems like a barebones, toe-in-the-water kind of effort, though. While there are a sizable number of challenge missions, a lack of Wi-Fi or any sort of multiplayer whatsoever severely shortens the game’s lifespan, and might cause the hardcore audience that is this game’s core demographic to shun it.