Does Anybody Else Suck at Space Harrier?

[delafro]

Seriously, I'm terrible at this game. Mind you like most folks on here, I've played games for many many years, but this one still just perplexes me. I think I may have made it to the bonus stage... once or twice. I know there's a whole lot to go after that too. Most of the times I knock out by level 3. Which is too bad, because I think the graphics, design, playabilty, and music of this game are all fantastic, and I'd like to be able to see more of it.

So, even though it is an arcade game w/accompanying difficulty, it seems like I'm doing a whole lot worse than I should. Anyone else ever have this problem in Space Harrier? I've read enemies only shoot at where you've been, so if you don't retrace your steps, you'll be ok. Sounds great in theory, but I've never had any luck with that in practice.

So if you've got any great tips, or stories, or anything about being terrible at Space Harrier to share, please do so. I'm all ears.

(BTW I'm referring to the Saturn Sega Ages version...Thanks)

[starsoldier1]

Don't stay still for one thing but to be fair Space Harrier games are always hard.

[Gapporin]

Yeah, always keep moving, especially during the bosses.

I do find Space Harrier challenging, but I am usually able to get to at least the 6th or 7th level. Although, I think that Space Harrier II (Gen) is actually easier than the first one.

[MrRoboto19XX]

My personal strategy, at least with bosses is the wait..move method. Stand in a spot for about a second, maybe half of a second, shoot, and then move (while shooting) lather, rinse repeat.

Usually works for me.

[aaronpetrosky]

On the Master System version (which is much much slower) I got to Stage 14 and on Shenmue I got to stage 7. Yu Suzuki made that a tough one.

[staxx]

For the bosses, just move in a circular motion around the whole screen, you can dodge all the bullets that way. For the actual stages, try and destroy the enemy before they start to shoot at you (if the enemy has been on the screen for 2 sec about it will shoot at you, just avoid the enemy and bullet by moving around). You can pretty much memorize some of the enemies attack pattern (the robots, jets, moar heads etc).

[poloplayr]

Space Harrier (only have experience from the SMS version and arcade) always seemed to be a game of luck and little skill compared to a lot of other shmups...as someone mentioned just move about and you'll make it just as far as if you use skills....

[Push Upstairs]

So if you've got any great tips, or stories, or anything about being terrible at Space Harrier to share, please do so. I'm all ears.

(BTW I'm referring to the Saturn Sega Ages version...Thanks)


1. Buy a Mission Stick and use it.
2. Move around alot.

I'm not the best person ever at this game and i've made it to at least the first bonus level before biting it.

[ShinobiMan]

I am a Space Harrier fan boy. Was the first video game I EVER played and still one of my favorites. I can usually make it to the 6th level without losing a life. As others have said, it's all about moving constantly. Never stay in one place. This means running on the ground at times. ALWAYS shoot too. Shooting is good. And kick ass at the bonus round so you can chalk up those extra lives.

[segagamer]

Yes, I would also say keep moving and never go back to the spot you had just left, especially when the enemy fires at you. But the most important thing to remember is the game patterns. Games like Space Harrier and After Burner have patterns of where and when certain enemies will come out, so if you memorize the patterns and anticipate their movement, then you should be able to stay alive much longer and get further into the game.

[exit]

Just thinking of Space Harrier makes me cringe, not that it's a bad game, it just always reminds me of frustration.

[fishsandwich]

I do. I remember seeing this one in arcades when it first came out... it was sitting in the special section right up front, cost 50 cents, and totally blew me away with the scaling "3D"graphics. I played it many times and sucked at it.

I played the Master System version and sucked at it.

I played the Master System 3-D version and sucked at it.

I played the Game Gear version and sucked at it.

I played the 32x version and sucked at it.

I played the Saturn version and sucked at it.

I haven't played the Genesis sequel but I'm sure i'd suck at it too.

That is all.

[mailman187666]

yeah I pretty much constantly die in that game myself. I've also probably made it to the 3rd or so level and just couldn't do it. I love the game, don't get me wrong, but I think I'm even better at Ikaruga for gamecube than i am space harrier, and Ikaruga is known for its challenge. I can seriously admit to everyone that space harrier is not a game i would bet money on. I have however taken money from my friends playing Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance. ;)

[o2william]

Yep, I have struggled mightily with the arcade version, although I made it pretty far in the SMS port IIRC. I agree that it's a frustrating title.

I once downloaded a MAME movie of someone who was a brilliant Space Harrier player. I enjoyed watching it a whole lot more than actually playing it myself. :)

[miaandjohnrule]

I've played several versions and can agree that I enjoy the game and suck at it at the same time. Frustration level is high. I think I picked up another copy the other day(my other is in storage with most of my collection) I'm going to pop it in over the weekend , it's been awhile. :D