Blast Wind

Description

Blast Wind, released in 1997 on the Sega Saturn, represents one of the last acts of the golden age of shmup (shoot 'em up) games. This title from developer Technosoft, known for its Thunder Force series, bears all the hallmarks of its genre, yet attempts to offer something extra.

One of the most striking aspects is the graphical aspect of the game. Blast Wind features a colorful and detailed visual style that takes advantage of the Saturn's hardware capabilities. Although the graphics may seem a bit dated in today's optics, they have their own charm and bring just the right amount of nostalgia. The animations of enemies and projectiles are smooth and fluid, which adds to the overall positive impression. The levels are varied and full of visual details that manage to draw the player into a world of constant combat and adrenaline.

The audio aspect of the game is another strong point. The soundtrack is energetic and perfectly complements the hectic pace of the game. Distinctive electronic melodies and sound effects of explosions and gunfire enhance the feeling of intense combat. Technosoft has a lot of experience with music and in Blast Wind this is very evident.

As for the gameplay itself, Blast Wind is a classic shmup with all that goes with it. The player moves horizontally through various levels filled with enemy ships and obstacles. However, the game also offers a few innovative features. An example is the ability to choose different paths during levels, which adds to the variability and replayability. The control scheme is intuitive and responsive, which is critical for keeping the player alert.

However, the game does have its flaws. The difficulty of the game can be frustrating for some newcomers, as enemies are relentless and sometimes bullets seem to come from all directions. For veterans of the genre, however, this challenge may be just what they are looking for. Another weak point is the relative brevity of the game, which more experienced players may find to be too fast-paced; the main storyline can be completed in a couple of hours.

The story that appears in the game is not particularly deep or innovative, but it lives up to its role in the world of shmup games. The story is meant to motivate the player and provide context, which it does, but it doesn't reach epic proportions.

The final verdict is that Blast Wind is exactly the kind of throwback to the shmup game era that fans shouldn't miss. The game excels in graphics, sound, and innovative gameplay mechanics, even if it has its minor flaws. For gamers who want to go back to the 90s and experience real games from the golden age of the SEGA Saturn, Blast Wind is a great choice.