I'll get things started
by saying that I wasn't expecting anything to impress me at all graphically but the
briefing and lounge area have some incredible graphics. You click your icon on a character
to talk with and it switches to a Ninja Gaiden-style
intermission scene and their mouth move when the words pop up at the bottom of the screen.
If you don't know what I mean, watch the intro to Mega Man X3. This game did that
but four years earlier, something not done too often at the time. The flying graphics are
decent but plain. You can see your character's lap and hand and the flight stick moves
when you steer your ship, but the graphics of the approaching ships didn't fare as well
and are ugly and boring by current standards. Music on the other hand is a mixed bag. The game music, although not bad, is pleasant and relaxing but doesn't seem to fit the game well. The sound effects on the other hand are nonexistent. There is sound effects for firing, missile shots, and when you accelerate but they are really bland and don't use the SNES to its strengths.
Gameplay and control were probably better in their time but are weak now. Control is very responsive. However, there is a steep learning curve when you start and will take time to master. Action is really slow now. You are out to destroy Kilrathi ships and they turn up to few and far between. Speed and depth perception is outdated and stars and nebula are the only thing in space. It is boring to look at. I don't think this is a bad game.
There
are games that are a ton more enjoyable today. If you are a fan of flight sims you will
probably enjoy this game. Otherwise, try to find something a little faster paced and
easier to get into.
