Download
Download for PC Engine isn't crazy obscure, and there is a bit of internet documentation out there. At the same time, there are three reasons I want to talk about it. First, it tends to get overlooked for its CD sequel by default, even though I think this game is way different and better due to its aggressive pace. Secondly, trying to Google "Download PC Engine" gets you a billion pages of ROM and emulation results instead of anything about this game. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, most documentation of this shooter that exists focuses entirely on its wanton abuse of the English language.
So, let me get it out of the way. Yes, Download is filled with Engrish that shames even Zero Wing and SNK's masterful mangling of romantic language. Its game over screens, which are specific to the area in which you die, are filled with poor grammar, inadequate spelling, and rampant vulgarity. Quotes such as "Shit. Is this not a great beginning." run on each screen, and are very funny. I won't quote them all, as they are borderline a reward for sticking with the game to beat it.
That said, Download is a truly outstanding horizontal shooter with a lot of unique touches. Some conventions of the time are present, such as choosing between vulcan and laser, selecting sub-weapons, and a lengthly intro. However, its mechanics are implemented more uniquely. You have a life bar. Your weapons downgrade when you're hit by a level. You don't change weapons from powerups. There are only four kinds of powerups total: weapon upgrade, health refill, sub-weapon recharge, and temporary invincibility. Each sub-weapon has limited uses, such as shields, missiles, and chasers, and refills reload your stock. Many powerups if left on screen will cycle through each type, so managing them to fit your needs is a key part of victory in Download.
Another difference is that the game is filled with cutscenes in between levels, and they are extremely well done, especially for a HuCard. There are CD games with less and lower quality. The game has loads of great parallax scrolling and conveys an excellent sense of speed. Enemies take a balanced amount of shots and are very aggressive, but powerups are just liberal enough to avoid Gradius syndrome. Also, as you are in your space bike of sorts, you don't die by touching walls, which is a nice change of pace, and also different for a game of the time is that the level progression makes sense and is in aid of the story instead of being seemingly random tropes.
The graphics are sharp, the music is energized, and the bosses are big. Download hits on all cylinders, yet tends to be overlooked for its more passive successor. Download is every bit as good as Gradius and Salamander. Maybe better in many ways. It deserves to be played, and is a whole lot more than "that game with all the cussing on the death screens." If you play PC Engine and you haven't tried it, you've missed out.
Reply With Quote