The Sega Ages lineup on Switch has been interesting for sure. We have seen some great ports like Outrun and Virtua Racing, but also many games that have had an abundance of re releases already. Sega has now brought us the original arcade Space Harrier to the Switch via the Sega Ages lineup, but is it worth checking out?
Space Harrier is the arcade classic we all know and love, and it runs fantastically on Switch. The framerate is steady (unlike the many ports of Space Harrier II which can never seem to rise above 20 fps) and all visual and audio performance is well translated. Controlling is the one issue in this conversion, as the game takes a little while to get used to. It is not that the controls are bad or unfamiliar, but there is a degree of sensitivity that needs to be taken into account when playing. When you do that however, you will be playing an arcade perfect port of one of Sega’s finest arcade games.
The Sega Ages releases all have something new added and in Space Harrier’s case it is the Komainu Barrier Attack. What this is, is essentially an easier mode where the Komainu will shield you with a barrier so you can go right through obstacles. This is a great mode for new players and those who need a bit of adjustment with the controls as it will ensure you plow right through all the obstacles the game has. It is not an invincibility mode though, as it only applies to obstacles and not enemy attacks. If you get hit by an enemy, you will lose the Komainu’s protection and will be vulnerable to the obstacles. Considering you will get hit by the enemies, this can be best described as a welcome training mode rather than an easy mode.
Sega Ages Space Harrier is a great port of the arcade game, but it feels like Sega can do so much more with the Sega Ages series. We want stuff like Saturn games, Arcade games that haven’t been re-released, and more titles that haven’t had their chance to shine. I made a list of some such titles here and I urge you all to take a look. I do not mean to take away from Sega Ages Space Harrier and it is an amazing port, with M2 having done great work here. Whether or not its worth it, depends on if you want to play it on the go. If you have never played it before, I would indeed reccommend it.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided