The classic SEGA Genesis shmup get reinvented for the Nintendo Switch…
When it comes to talking about retro shmup’s, Steel Empire isn’t one that initially comes to mind. Nestled behind the likes of Ikaruga, Raiden, Darius, and many more, Steel Empire is the often overlooked retro delight. Originally released on the SEGA Genesis back in 1992, the shoot’em up then received ports for both the Gameboy Advanced in 2004 and the Nintendo 3DS ten years later in 2014. In keeping with their tradition of releasing the game every ten years, Nintendo have brought Steel Empire to the Nintendo Switch in the form of, The Legend of Steel Empire.
Developed by Mebius, The Legend of Steel Empire retains this plot that drove that initial release back in 1992. The basic plot revolves around the war between two steampunk-inspired nations in the year “18XX”, one side is the small Republic of Silverhead, the other the vast spanning Motorhead Empire. Due to the lack of natural resources, steam power reigns supreme. The Empire rules with an iron fist, and those who stand in its way are set to suffer as a result. Nestled within the former continent of Antarctica, the Republic of Silverhead has established a vast range of renewable energy sources which puts it in direct conflict with the industrial Motorhead Empire. Now with the Empire knocking on their door, the Republic sends its elite Silverhead Air Force to meet their foe head on. As one of these pilots it’s down to you to save the day!
Much like shooters of the time, the general gameplay is incredibly basic. Each mission has you taking your chosen aircraft into a myriad of different environments to blast away the enemies whilst collecting various power ups along the way. Each of the two available aircraft - fast moving biplane, or slow (but armoured) zeppelin - is also able to utilise a special power in the form of an electric powered tornado.
Playing across a horizontal field, enemies can attack from in front and from behind. This then allows for a lot of frantic movement as you jostle into position to then strike back at your foes. Firepower is then upgraded by collecting three ‘P’ icons which periodically appear from defeated foes. What’s interesting here is that these upgrades stay with you if you happen to be defeated along the way. However come the following mission you’ll start all over again with the basic load out.
Considering The Legend of Steel Empire is a direct port of the SEGA Genesis title, Mebius has done a cracking job. Controls are mapped well, and it’s nice to play the game with a degree of flexibility that’s afforded with the analogue stick rather than the Genesis’ d-pad. Combat remains tight and the 16bit visuals have been given a nice makeover as well. Level design also help sell the quest your own with a nice variety of backdrops and enemies to shoot at. While there isn’t anything in the way of static objects to avoid, having plenty of bullets fired at you is certainly enough. The games soundtrack is also here in all its glory. There’s plenty of military fanfare to keep you hyped as you fly through each sortie.
Unlike other ports, The Legend of Steel Empire forgoes any museum style extra that dives into the games history. While it’s not a necessity for every retro port to have this extra, it would have been nice to see som concept art, or the option to play the two different regional versions of Steel Empire.
Overall, The Legend of Steel Empire is a great journey to a classic shmup that’s often overlooked. Mebius have delivered a superb little port of the HOT B classic that’s not going to break the bank. It’s an entertaining retro shooter that’s packed with tight gameplay and a very memorable soundtrack. While it does lack the polish of modern shooters, its gameplay still holds up to modern standards.
Rating: 8.5/10
A code was kindly provided for this review.
Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow us on X/Facebook @GeekCultureRev, TikTok/YouTube @Geekculturereviews, and BlueSky @geekculturereviews.bsky.social
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