Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Definitive Edition (REVIEW)

It's the 31st century AD, and humanity has just recovered from the aftermath of a great war against an invading alien species. In the midst of trying to rebuild, and deal with the destruction on planet Earth they find themselves facing a new threat. That of the D'AARG. Looking to capitalize on the catastrophe, and reap from the opportunity at hand the D'AARG begin their invasion of Earth. Earth's only defense is a new line of Soldner-X spacecraft that utilize formerly obtained alien technology. Combining said tech with advanced human engineering they create a new hybrid of spacecraft. The Soldner-X2 final prototype. Something the D'AARG eventually steals to build their own army of sentient creations. As part of the EDF you must pilot your Soldner-X prototype as you face the new enemy, and the looming threat of extermination. Using a trio of shot types, a shockwave blast, and a new limit attack you pack enough heat to bring down an entire alien armada. Whether or not you are successful in your endeavor is up to how well you can pilot your new Soldner-X spacecraft though ...

Revamped, and revitalized with superior HD graphics, an updated soundtrack, and upgraded boss design this complete package that includes the "Last Chapter DLC" comes to you in it's definitive edition. For the price asked you get a fully fledged cinematic and narrative driven campaign mode with a total of 10 stages. Some of which must be unlocked by collecting 5 secret keys within each stage. Along with that you get a challenge mode with mission objectives that will award you trophies as well as in-game features that tie into your available ship assortment, lives stock, and other mechanics. The challenges will have you doing everything from completing stages in a certain way, collecting things, or reaching a certain score before a stage's end. Beyond that is a gallery filled with concept art, merchandise designs, and artwork used within the games story panel inclusive campaign mode. You'll even find a live server based leaderboard where you can upload your highscores using your own PSN ID. It's a hefty package deal redone as to be better than the original.

The Mechanics ...

Initially you will have access to two different ship types including the THOR and MEXXUS II variations. The differences between each include the shape and speed of the ship, and their primary weapons. Unlockable through gameplay achievements is a third ship that is the most different of the trio. In-game each ship has three different shot types that can be switched between on the fly by pressing R1/L1, and cycling through each. Each weapon gets more powerful through "P" power-ups, and can be shot by holding down 'X' on the controller. With said shot types comes a single use Shock Wave that acts as this shmup's screen clearing bomb. Something that can only be refilled on death or through power-ups. Additionally there is a similar yet more powerful 'Limit' attack that can be unlocked by collecting three of the 'Weapon Extra' power-ups. These power-ups can be used to fill up each weapon's 3 slots, and in turn make the 'Limit' attack available for use. Beyond that your ship is governed by a health bar, a certain stock of ships or lives, and continue credits. That, and a chain link meter and chain clock which is this game's main scoring feature. By killing enemy ships, and collecting the rings left behind you will fill up the chain meter. If you fill it up before the chain clock depletes fully the target extra/power-up will drop. Chain extras which are a reset of the chaining process happens once the chain clock times out, and a new target extra is showcased within the center of the chain clock. Target extras include everything from chain freezes to bonus points, score multipliers, and chasers which are the games equivalent of assisting satellites. Basically all power-up types. Something else worth noting is your ship's 'Berserker Mode'. This kicks in when you are low on health, and makes damage dealt to your ship less than it would be otherwise.

The Gameplay ...

Each stage you playthrough is a dynamically flowing experience that changes direction as you progress. Adding a surprise element to the original shmup side-scrolling orientation. At heart though Soldner-X 2 is still your standard Gradius style shoot 'em up, but with it's own twist. As previously mentioned. Visually it is a new-gen depiction of an older generation game that was originally released on the PS3, and PS Vita consoles. It has a new HD upgrade with revamped boss designs breathing into it a new life for newcomers to the series. It'll even suit the fancy of Soldner-X faithfuls who have played, and followed the series throughout the years.

The Verdict ...

Visually, and audibly impressive this definitive edition of a classic delivers on all crucial points. While it does adhere strictly to the original design outside of the visual, and audio changes it feels fresh, and new. Something fitting of the PS4, and possibly even the PS5 later on. I was admittedly a little disappointed though that this wasn't a collection of Soldner-X games, but for what it is it is good enough. You'll get a proper challenge in two modes, and multiple endings based on completion of things like challenges. How, and when the story ends is up to you. As far as replay value goes this is a game that can be played over and over again for leaderboard sake. It has a ranking system based on overall performance, and will grade you alphabetically therein based on certain factors like chains, health, ship stock, and enemies killed. Something that can be perfected for the most part outside some of the cheaper moments where enemies move quicker than you can. Looking back at the experience in it's entirety I enjoyed the game despite it's cheaper moments, and can easily recommend it to any shmup fan looking to revisit this classic title in it's revived glory!