Saturn Shooter review: Salamander 2

My review of Salamander 2, which as I recall is very popular with shooter fans. Shame I don't much like it really! Let down in my opinion by poor weapons, ship speed, difficulty, too many enemies on screen and odd pacing. However it's a very respectable shooter for other reasons; it switches between both hori and vert modes, has superb background graphics and plenty of challenging 'strategy style' shooter sections. Just too many exceptionally difficult sections for my liking.

Category:

Gaming

Tags:

• Sega
• Saturn
• Salamander
• review
• Deluxe
• Pack
• shmup
• shooter
• shoot
• em
• up
• futurematt5

[emperorIng360]

you more or less summed up why I dislike Konami shooters- Gradius III makes me pull out my hair in frustration!

Taito shooters are often very difficult themselves, but I find that they are much more enjoyable, especially where the Saturn is concerned.

A nice informative review, to boot. Watching one of your reviews showed me a hidden gem in In the Hunt, so thanks for that.

[futurematt5]

@emperorIng360 Thanks for the comments, yeah In the Hunt is a great little gem.

[gamesDAMNED]

I'm loving all of your Sega Saturn reviews, and I really appreciate your criticisms of Konami's Gradius/Salamander/Lifeforce series.  Funny, too. Keep up the good work, and thanks!

[futurematt5]

@gamesDAMNED thanks again bro!

[oldskoolrc]

Good review Matt!! Personally I love the Gradius/Salamander series. Gradius was the first proper space side-scrolling Shoot 'Em Up I played as a kid so it has a special fondness. I'm hoping that Konami re-release Salamander as part of their 'rebirth' series on the Wii :).

I suppose for some peeps, Salamander is like Marmite. You either love it or hate it.

[futurematt5]

@oldskoolrc ah yeah, gradius rebirth is pretty awesome actually, note sure if it classes as old skool or new skool but looks damn nice either way, and very playable.

[bacardipr05]

Thanks for the review but this guy is a freaky weirdo...i think he needs to go outside more...

[bakudandanLL]

gradius 1 2 and 5 were all rock solid but 3 and 4 are turds

[HarriHaffi]

Nice to see that I'm not the only one having a hard time understanding the greatness of konami shooter! Then again...its been a while since I've play any...maybe it's time to give konami a second chance!

2:15 Here's an idee! Make a top 10 list of best mothership levels!! I would make one my self...but having only played super r-type and last resort...well that makes it a ratter small list! nr 2 super r-type and nr 1 last resort

MVHH

[vorpalspaz]

it looks absolutely spunktastic!

[Plasmon19]

The music fucking owns! I really like the gradius series, but I'm just a shooter geek.

[wip3outguy7]

Looks almost like bullet hell at some points. I haven't had the pleasure (or displeasure) of playing this one. The Gradius collection for Saturn was pretty fun, but you definitely wouldn't care for it if you aren't a fan. I'm on the fence with Konami shmups. The demand more dedication than I'm willing to give.