This game is another under the radar gem, yeah this game is another "Mega Man" clone, but I don't mind whether a game is a clone of another game or not, same can be said about most movies and TV shows; the only thing that matters to me is whether it's fun or not.
The plotline isn't anything special, where some terrorist group is taking over the city with robots and cyborgs and you're a cyborg agent that has to stop them. That's it in a nutshell, it's a basic cliché plotline, but really like with most of these games we're all in it really for the action and this game has some good action.
The graphical presentation is good, characters and levels are designs adequately nothing too special but good enough to create a futuristic sci-fi world. I really like that the game makes references to both sci-fi films "Robocop" and "The Terminator" which is where the game obviously drew inspiration from. From the look of your main protagonist whom obviously looks like Arnold/The Terminator, the power suit from the game which makes you look a lot like "Robocop", as well as some of the enemies, in a level of the game one enemy looks like ED 209 from "Robocop".
I really like the format of the game; I like the designs of each of the levels which are futuristic themed. Though it's true, the designs do take its cues from "Mega Man" but also a little from "Castlevania" as you may spot a part or two of the game that looks and feels awfully familiar.
However, there is a slight difference in the game, the game is linar but there it's also slightly nonlinear as there are the usual twists and turns to get from point A to B. However in the levels, there is a pathway or two that will lead you to certain surprises like the power suit or any other power ups, though sometimes this surprise could be a trap so exercise caution when venturing.
Also, in each of the levels there is a slight catch where you must find the contact in each of them give you a pass card to access the door to the boss. This is sort of a checkpoint device just to let you know your halfway though the level, I just thought that was kind of cool as that hasn't been done in video games at the time.
The difficulty is on the medium side, it's not too hard nor too easy in my book anyway, probably because I've played games like this for so long, I'm use to it. The boss battles are I'll admit a cakewalk, you can say the real challenge are the levels itself, there are the typical big bosses you fight and see but I like how in a couple of them their more sticky situations, like in one sector you destroy this robotic beehive. I like that because it keeps things fresh and interesting and feel less routine.
The action is solid the control is responsive, who'd of thought a boomerang could actually be a cool primary weapon. A boomerang that can cut though anything is cool in itself, though one thing I always wonder how can they catch the blade without it cutting their hand; but of course the protagonists are cyborgs whom probably have tough hands that can withstand anything so I'll roll with that.
I really like how the game utilizes the physics of the power blade it a weapon that is both defense and offense. Your able to throw in different directions of the game not just horizontal but vertical and diagonal. You also have the ability to power up your power blade, where you can not just throw more than one but also further than it's normal range, which I think is really cool as your completely powered up you almost unstoppable.
I also like the power suit that you find where you able to produce big blast that can just about destroy anything to everything. Unfortunately, the suit isn't invincible, if you take a mere amount of hits you lose it completely. Though depending on how powered up your character is and ability it doesn't make too big a difference, at least for me. You also have a grenade in the game, where if you press the select button it clears the whole screen of enimies, but this is your emergency only weapon as there aren't always in stock to resupply, so don't waste them.
But one aspect of the game I really like is the music, this game has a very good music track a few of them I actually find memorable and are on my favorites list. The four I like are the songs from Sector 3, 4, 5, and 6 the tunes just sing futuristic action.
Overall if you're into under the radar vintage action games for the NES, this game is worth a toss. Power Blade makes the cut.
Rating: 3 stars
