While most games based on movies are terrible, occasionally one comes along that is far better than it has any right to be. These can be from any genre, such as the N64 first person shooter adaptation of Goldeneye, the excellent Beat em up adaptation of Batman Returns on the SNES and an excellent shoot em up based on the Japanese film Gunhed. Gunhed’s adaptation was released in the west as Blazing Lazers, with most references to the film removed during localization, an action that has allowed Konami to re release the game numerous times without having to worry about the licensing issues. This is unlike many other classic licensed games that still have rights issues preventing any form of re release..
Blazing Lazers is perhaps one of the best shoot em ups ever made, perhaps because it is so simple and basic, especially when compared to heavy hitters like Radiant Silvergun. The game is not barebones, but rather relies on a traditional style and does its gameplay well. The action is fast paced, with varied powerups and great enemies, as well as mention excellent bosses. The game was a launch title for the Turbo GrafX 16 in America, which was a brilliant choice given that it was a fun game that held gamer’s attention. It was difficult but kept you coming back again and again, simply because it had that intangible “it factor” that is so desired in games and not always found.
The game is still enjoyable today due to its simple but efficient style and has aged better than many of its contemporaries. In addition, the music was excellent and far ahead of other consoles at the time, and everything about the game just felt new. While there was no direct sequel (understandable given that the game was originally a licensed game), there was however, a spiritual sequel to the game for the Super NES. This game was called Space Megaforce, and reused many concepts, power-ups and even sounds from Blazing Lazers, It may be a bit obscure nowadays but Space Megaforce is the sequel many fans had truly wanted,
If you love shoot em ups, then you must give this one a try. It is available on many modern systems and there are many ways to play it. You will see why it holds up so well!
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