MUSHA Aleste / MUSHA (Mega Drive) (1990)
Developer: Compile

Review by Faididi and Co.

Having more guns wouldn't hurt

Story: Average

In this fantasy future where battlecraft draw heavily from feudal Japanese themes, Ellinor is the pilot of a samurai-inspired mech called the MUSHA Aleste. When all of her squadmates get slaughtered at the start of their mission (thanks, guys!), she needs to single-handedly save the world from the forces of evil.

Gameplay: Average

Compile's MUSHA Aleste: Full Metal Fighter Ellinor (MUSHA: Metallic Uniframe Super Hybrid Armor) may feature a heroine in a flying mech, but it's still a space shooter in the vein of the original Aleste (Power Strike). Like the hero in the earlier game, Ellinor must take down waves of bad guys across several vertically scrolling areas, and she can fire a main blaster and a special weapon at the same time.

What really sets apart MUSHA Aleste is its flexible drone system. Ellinor can deploy up to two drones at once, and she can change their behavior pattern whenever she desires, making them do things like revolving around her (similar to the Aleste's shield-like orbs) or chasing after enemies. Although the drones can be destroyed if they suck up too many hits, Ellinor can store several of them in reserve, immediately replacing any that are lost.

Beyond the drones, unfortunately, this game contains merely 3 special weapons (compared to the eight in either Zanac or the original Aleste), and there aren't any megabombs like in Gunhed (Blazing Lazers). This large reduction in the variety of firepower doesn't make going through the areas more interesting. The enemy design may show off quirky-looking bad guys whose appearances are inspired by feudal warriors, mythical demons, and even castles, but the level design feels overly drawn out.

Controls: Excellent

The MUSHA Aleste handles as responsively as the original starfighter. Moving, attacking, and commanding the drones are all easy to do, and the mech's speed (relative to the screen) can be adjusted, too.

Graphics: Excellent

The colorful visuals are as intense as the gameplay. The characters are brightly drawn, and explosions and projectiles can litter the screen with almost no slowdown. The intro and ending movies are also animated well.

Audio: Above Average

While the MUSHA Aleste's gunfire is a little on the quiet side, the explosions and the rest of the sound effects are loud and plentiful. The rock-like tunes may have little to do with the game's visual style, but it certainly matches the action.

Overall: Average

Beneath its unusual looks, MUSHA Aleste is a solid space shooter. Even if its small amount of special weapons is disappointing, it should please fans of the genre with its cool drone system and its awesome graphics.