A great 'shmup that really takes all advantage of the original PlayStation's hardware - I think even this game's supporters don't give it enough credit imo, it's absolutely a worthy opponent to Star Fox 64. Of course the game just looks tremendous for the time (pre-rendered backrounds always aged so much better than traditional 3D from this era, though both are displayed wonderfully here); but what I think really drives this one home is its atmosphere - transitioning with a natural ease from frantic on-rails shooter sections with constant action to chill Resident Evil-inspired walkaround third-person sections in the hub ship (I just wish there was a little more to do there). The story feels like a case of having a grand vision that needed to be cut back due to technical limitations, and it's a shame because there are some intriguingly dark themes that shine through in many moments - but it's just way too short to fully explore them. Double the length and put this thing on two or more discs and you've really got yourself a champion here. It goes without saying that it isn't worth the ridiculously inflated, market-manipulated price this goes for these days - but it's pretty awesome, and absolutely earned its reputation as a hidden gem on the system.