Soldner-X2: Final Prototype review

This game is a sequel to Soldner-X: Himmelsturmer, which was released in 2008 on PS3 and earlier on PC. This game takes place 20 years after the Virus Wars have ended (aka at the end of the first game). You must stop the D'aarg from taking over planets and spreading their evil. Simple story.

This shmup plays like Himmelsturmer; you can choose between 2 ships (and a secret one that can be unlocked by completing a challenge.) The biggest gameplay difference between SX1 and SX2 is the play rank system. Depending on how you play during the level, your rank can go up from G to S. The higher the rank, the more enemies show up and the more chances to defeat rare enemies. Secret keys return. There are a total of 35 across 7 stages, 5 of the 7 are unlocked at the beginning of the game. The keys are harder to find; that's good because it provides a little additional challenge. I like the play rank system as it allows anyone to get into the game and do somewhat decent in a playthrough.

There are voiceovers again. The pilot and ground control are done nicely. I only wish you could turn them off at times because they can get annoying if you have completed a section of the game numerous times. The bosses have voices too (and names). Those are done nicely as well.

If you are a shmup veteran, I'm sure you will have no trouble beating the first 5 stages of SX2 easily. The challenge is finding those keys or completing the challenges presented to you from the menu screen. All of the challenges require some time, patience and skill but are doable. The price tag for the game is reasonable: $12.99. Not too high or not too low. The music is enjoyable once again. Great soundtrack for the game.

I recommend this game to anyone who is a shmup fan. To me, this plays more like Gradius V. The chasers you acquire act more like the options in the Gradius series. The chasers don't stay with you forever and go away after a while. The hitbox is in the center of the ship as well. Go out and pick this up. You won't be disappointed.