Radiant Silvergun Review (Xbox LIVE Arcade)

Originally released in 1998 for the Arcade and Sega Saturn home console in the same year. It had remained to all true gamers hands down the very best shooter of all time. Still holding true to its reigning ways Radiant Silvergun does not disappoint one bit.

Developed by Treasure
Published by ESP & Microsoft Studios
Designed by Hiroshi Iuchi
Composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto

Gameplay: 9.33

Controls: 9

The only reason controls did not score a perfect 10 is due to the simple fact that the analog's pressure sensitive stick was not utilized for better control of your ship. The controls still continue to be very precise as remembered and does not disappoint, nonetheless it could have still utilized for the better control directionally. The functionality of all 7 weapons in the game also ported very well with the Xbox 360 controller. If only you could set the buttons NOT to execute a different weapon when you accidentally hit two buttons at once, which can lead to accidental release to the special weapon called the "Hyper Sword." 

Story: 9

Considering how old this story is, it still impresses compared to even modern day shooters. The Japanese are much known for their corny dialog that loses itself in translation and over the top emotions on their characters. But this story is topped with excellent visual animations seen in the game's opening and ending cut scenes, during game play dialog, and even memorable ending credits. Illustrations are clean and colorful and even translate well to the upgraded high definition graphics. 

Fun Factor: 10

Overall the entire game is nonstop action fun! At times so much fun that you forget to blink. And at certain parts of the game if you do blink, you will die. It keeps you very immersed and on your toes 100% of the time in picking out the best weapon to use at the right moments. The levels are nonstop and challenge your hand eye coordination better than any game ever made!

Graphics: 10

Textures: 10

It needs to be considered that this game was created in 1998 and the standards I am keeping in mind are today's expectations and the capabilities of 13 years ago. New high definition upgrades to all textures do not disappoint. Everything from the ship you control to the fast moving backgrounds this game got it right. The original never disappointed in its visual appeal and neither does this new worked version.

Visual Effects: 10

The effects from the original were not changed from its glamorous eye catching beauty. The weapons continue to react exactly the same and physically does the job right every time. The explosions are still the same great 2D glory and the frame rare never drops no matter how much is occupying the screen.

Presentation: 10

Overall presentation is fantastic. It is the very first time I have ever seen 2D and 3D combined to be full and real-time, and blended perfectly just right! And still the best presentation of what was something new in 1998. The menus stay close to its original but with options geared for the new system, but still very clean and to the point. The in-game HUD is all in a good location and all easy to read but if you wanted to change it up a little; you have that option to do so. The original graphics can also be chosen on the fly to see how great of an improvement the new HD graphics are, in which I highly recommend leaving it on by default.  But if your preference is to play in the original format, it is still there as a choice as well.

Other: 10

Sound and music 10

Radiant Silvergun combines great visuals with great music and sound. The sound effects are never recycled and are carefully picked to sound off with the correct things happening on screen. The music is what stands out even more with the memorable horns and orchestrated magic that is the world of Radiant Silvergun. The music is unforgettable and simply beautiful in the way it just works with this game. This makes a great soundtrack to anyone's collection of VGM that any true gamer would appreciate.

Glitches 10

For some reason they still just don't make them like they used to. Even for as old as this game is, it is still programmed to perfection. Not a single glitch or bug to report in the entire game from beginning to end. Music and sound are on cue, menu and options respond justly, and overall the performance should be envied by all programmers today.

Replay value 10

Too much replay if that could be possible. Although Arcade mode is good, Story Mode is where it's at! "Saturn Mode" as it was known before is now "Story Mode" in which it allows you to fully upgrade your weapons only if you replay it and save your progress continuously after each play through. While attempting to upgrade your weapons you will find yourself progressing through the game more and more each time keeping the experience alive as you perfect your chain combos and get excited over how much better the weapons get. To add to the experience you also get to hunt down secret hidden dogs on screen which can only be accessed by using a risky weapon which leaves you exposed for a period of time adding to the excitement and survival of the game. The overall replay is vital to the possible Xbox LIVE achievement system anyways, isn't it? If you're an achievement whore like myself, you will appreciate the difficulty factor this attaining these achievements.

Conclusion:

Thank you Treasure so damn much for making my wish come true. I can't wait for my second wish... Guardian Heroes.

Overall Score: 9.77