Tyrian 2000

Would have been great but just crashed me to this screen so, not great.

Check out my video review here: http://blip.tv/gamingbeast/the-gaming-beast-episode-2-tyrian-2000-5170557

I already downloaded it from the copyright owner's website a bit ago, and have played through the first full sequence. The game is generous in letting you configure the type of ship you want, and from round to round your weapon choices change, so you can stumble across a blast that will cover holes in your defenses or take up less power, allowing your shields to recharge quicker. At times I'm disappointed by not getting more of a choice as to which planets I assault, and I don't have the patience to skim through the datacube text (show don't tell, please) but every level has little surprises you can find through diligent killing and quick thinking, and the ship configuration and secrets mean that playing through the game again will be likely be rewarding.

This is basically Raptor with some added features - the enemies are very identical in behaviour. Worth what I paid for it - which is nothing.

Classic Vertical scroller shooter. Not the best mechanics in the world but compared to Raiden it has a decent story behind it and cozy atmosphere. Not a fan of fixed upgradeable guns off battle and no powerups.