Soldier Blade Special / Star Parodier

Hudson's Soldier line was a household name for PC Engine shmup fans, and Soldier Blade Special together with Star Parodier represent two idiosyncratic offshoots of that tradition. Both share the Star Soldier lineage, but each goes its own way - one down the path of polished hardcore action, the other down the path of playful parody.

Soldier Blade Special builds on one of the console's best vertical shmups. It is marked by brisk, smooth action, a distinctive weapon system and an emphasis on scoring - all with the refined presentation the series was renowned for. The special version aimed above all at players focused on the competitive caravan modes, that is, short timed challenges for the highest score, which were hugely popular in Japan around the Soldier games and built an entire competitive culture around them.

Star Parodier, by contrast, is a playful, self-mocking detour - a parody of the genre and of its own series. Instead of serious space fighters you pilot adorable characters, including the flying PC Engine itself, and the whole game is cast in cheerful, colorful and witty tones. Beneath the comedic shell, however, hides an honest, well-playing shooter, so even those who take the genre seriously will find plenty to enjoy.

Together this pair beautifully illustrates the breadth that shmups offered on the PC Engine - from adrenaline-fueled score chasing to good-natured parody unafraid to poke fun at itself. For a platform that was a veritable promised land among shooter fans, these are characteristic and cherished pieces.

Genre fans will appreciate both sides: the hardcore challenge and the light-hearted fun. It is a twofold look at why the PC Engine built such an exceptional standing among shmup lovers.

Why play it: Two offshoots of the famous Soldier series - a polished score chase and a playful parody - showcase the full spectrum of shmups on the PC Engine.