Alien Syndrome
System: SMS
Release Date: March 1988
Developer: Sanritsu
Publisher: Sega
Genre: Shoot ‘em Up
We’ve got another home port of a classic Sega arcade game, this time with Alien Syndrome. This is a top down shoot ‘em up that I kind of enjoyed. You take control of Ricky or Mary and it’s up to you to rescue hostages on different space ships and then destroy the big alien boss.
The gameplay is simple, really. You walk around the level shooting aliens with Button 1. They appear in patterns on each screen, blinking into existence. You have those short seconds to prepare where you can’t hurt them and they can’t hurt you. If you run in headstrong, you’re liable to get hit and die.
There are a couple different weapons hidden in the wall. I preferred to play through the levels with the L “laser”. This would shoot through enemies and go across the screen, as opposed to only a small distance with the default weapon. Then, once I rescue enough hostages to open the door to the boss, I would switch to the FB “fireball” gun. The manual suggested I use it for boss fights, so I did.
Bosses need to be hit in specific locations in order to damage them. This is difficult with the default gun, but is made much easier with the fireball. Enjoy a montage of bosses as I make myself a drink.
Graphics: 1.5
I like the graphics enough. They aren’t good, in comparison to other SMS games, though.
Sound: 1.5
The music is pleasing when you can hear it. Unfortunately, the sound levels are incredibly low.
Gameplay: 3.0
The gameplay is simple, but I think it works very well. Collect a weapon upgrade and start mowing your enemies down.
Difficulty: 2.5
I like that it’s not too difficult or too easy.
Fun Factor: 3.0
I had fun with this version of Alien Syndrome, though I haven’t played any of the others.
Overall Grade: 2.3
Alien Syndrome earns a C+. I give this one a recommend, if you haven’t played it, you could do worse.