Most of what people know about Ginga Fukei Densetsu Sapphire is its extreme rarity and high price. Ironically, the gameplay is actually one of the most accessible of its genre and is enhanced with some awesome sights and sounds.
Right from the very beginning, Sapphire pushes the limits of PC Engine CD-ROM² with amazingly crisp sprites and stimulating power metal music. Although the time-travel setting doesn’t affect the basic plot too much, it creates great settings and enemies from the combination of spaceships with elements from medieval Europe, classical Japan, and ancient Egypt. No matter how many obstacles and projectiles the game throws at you across the levels, it’s surprisingly manageable. This is mostly a result of how you respawn almost immediately and even get a free power-up after getting hit. In addition, the bomb sub weapon is exceptionally powerful against bosses, has its supply replenished upon death, and offers a few seconds of invincibility when used. Despite all these factors helping you out, it’s still very satisfying to make it through all the levels, even on ‘Easy’ difficulty.
As someone who enjoys flashy shoot ‘em ups but usually isn’t looking for the most extreme challenge, Ginga Fukei Densetsu Sapphire is one of those games that I can play any day. If you manage to get ahold of a copy, it’s absolutely worth experiencing for yourself.
Right from the very beginning, Sapphire pushes the limits of PC Engine CD-ROM² with amazingly crisp sprites and stimulating power metal music. Although the time-travel setting doesn’t affect the basic plot too much, it creates great settings and enemies from the combination of spaceships with elements from medieval Europe, classical Japan, and ancient Egypt. No matter how many obstacles and projectiles the game throws at you across the levels, it’s surprisingly manageable. This is mostly a result of how you respawn almost immediately and even get a free power-up after getting hit. In addition, the bomb sub weapon is exceptionally powerful against bosses, has its supply replenished upon death, and offers a few seconds of invincibility when used. Despite all these factors helping you out, it’s still very satisfying to make it through all the levels, even on ‘Easy’ difficulty.
As someone who enjoys flashy shoot ‘em ups but usually isn’t looking for the most extreme challenge, Ginga Fukei Densetsu Sapphire is one of those games that I can play any day. If you manage to get ahold of a copy, it’s absolutely worth experiencing for yourself.