Should I get Alpha Mission 2?

PolluxTroy · Aug 14, 2003

I want a new shooter. This is the best one right?

Magnaflux · Aug 14, 2003

This shooter is pimp. I love it. Despite the graphics haven't aged well, it's still solid and challenging. Just be sure to play it in english, as it took me a good long while to figure out how everything works in japanese. Lots of powerups and various skills to use with them. Truly a classic shooter. I miss my copy.

daback-daboot · Aug 14, 2003

PolluxTroy:
I want a new shooter. This is the best one right?

Well, <a href="http://www.neogeoforlife.com/reviews/alpha_mission_2.shtml" target="_blank">heres</a> the review, and I trust Kazuya-UK, so if your looking for the BEST, maybe this isn't the game for you. Just read the review, and look at the shooter polls at the bottom of neo-geo.com, though I don't think the poll is acurate due to some limited playability. Good luck! wink

[ August 14, 2003, 10:26 AM: Message edited by: jov luke ]

Neo Bomber Man · Aug 14, 2003

PolluxTroy:
I want a new shooter. This is the best one right?

Tis debatable. Magna summarized it fairly well in fact, except for failing to mention how its got one of the best soundtracks on the system. I find the game full of ambiance too. But there is seriously quite a lot of enjoyment to be had out of this game. Blow up ships, collect money, power up your speed, shot and bombs (for ground-based enemies which your shots will not destroy) and purchase all sorts of funky space age ship armour like Bubble and Nuclear shielding, some of which work better and worse on different missions. The game also moves at a bit of a slower pace in general, drawing even more life out the lengthy stages.

I highly recommend Alpha Mission II. And perhaps a memory card to accompany it.

toy_brain · Aug 14, 2003

Well its cheap. I suppose thats one good thing.
Trouble is, there isnt much to set it apart from the myriad of shooters you can buy for the Megadrive, or PC-Engine or SNES.
The graphics are pretty bland and the animation isn't up to much. The music is servicable, rather than great.
I guess its not a bad purchase, my copy gets occasional play, but its way behind the likes of Blazing Star or Strikers 1945+.
Then again, most of us cant afford those games, at least not on AES.......

Freelancer · Aug 14, 2003

Like others have already mentioned, it's a unique type of shooter with its own feel. This is more of a slower-paced strategic shooter than something like Strikers 1945. The power ups and special weapons play a big part in this game and you have to contend with both ground and air targets, so you'll be plenty busy.

In my opinion, it's worth buying. I own a copy on MVS and play it often.

Kid Aphex · Aug 14, 2003

yes, it's great!
And I've got a US AES DOGTAG COPY FOR SALE, MINT!

It's SO good you should purchase it from me asap.

J_Hendrix · Aug 14, 2003

ASO2 is a great shooter. Still, got my aso "JPN" on my palNES make_fac

Jedite · Aug 14, 2003

If you want a cheap shooter, then go for it. But, if you want a really good game, but, it's expensive, go for Blazing Star or Aero Fighters 2.

Electroman · Aug 14, 2003

Teh good:
One of the best soundtracks/ambiances on the system.
Big bosses.
I like how you can shoot forward and also bomb stuff below.

Teh bad:
Its slow.
Its hard b/c its slow.
Its unrewarding b/c its slow.
Powerup system disallows you to really get a good charge up to kick ass, b/c its slow.

Teh summary:
I like fast shooters. Ghost Pilots, while it is also a bit boring is actually much better than Alpha Mission 2, IMHO. ALESTE series, Raiden... they are lightyears ahead of both these NeoGeo shooters.

I would say however buy it to try it. If you don't like it, it has already depreciated.... you should easily get what you paid for it.

Bar81 · Aug 14, 2003

Please. If you're a shmupper then you know AMII is the bar none best shooter on the Neo. Pulstar, Blazing star are overhyped crap that look nice but play like shit. The Aero Fighters games are weak also. Last Resort and Viewpoint on the other hand are above average.

Jedite · Aug 14, 2003

Bar81:
Please. If you're a shmupper then you know AMII is the bar none best shooter on the Neo. Pulstar, Blazing star are overhyped crap that look nice but play like shit. The Aero Fighters games are weak also. Last Resort and Viewpoint on the other hand are above average.

I disagree, Blazing Star and the Aero Fighters games have very good control, but, if you want to try Alpha Mission 2 to see if you like the game, before you buy it, you can download the rom and play it on a emulator like Nebula or Kawaks.

[ August 14, 2003, 08:18 PM: Message edited by: Jedite ]

Electroman · Aug 14, 2003

Schmups are my favorite genre of videogame. Has been for a good 10 years actually, and it all started with Genesis's great shooters (and a few on NES as well)

I thrive on speed. Driving fast, speed metal, fast shooters, speed mode on LB1 using Zanetsu and Lee Reeka... speed and efficiency. I humbly feel that AMII is just really slow, despite its fantastic soundtrack and cool bosses.

I have yet to ever play Sonic Wings 2 & 3, Strikers 1945.

I will still maintain that of all the V-scroll shooters out there, I have had the most fun with MUSHA. Its fast, nice FM synthesized heavy/speed metal throughout with some demonic overtones. The Raiden series and the shooters from Siebu Kiahatsu(SP) and Toaplan are also godlike.

Blur · Aug 15, 2003

It's a blast (no pun intended) Buy it !!!!!

I have EVERY Shooter, and AMII is one of my favs !

[ August 15, 2003, 03:21 PM: Message edited by: Blur ]

Magnaflux · Aug 15, 2003

Bar81:
Please. If you're a shmupper then you know AMII is the bar none best shooter on the Neo. Pulstar, Blazing star are overhyped crap that look nice but play like shit. The Aero Fighters games are weak also. Last Resort and Viewpoint on the other hand are above average.

I agree ASO2 owns blazing star hands down. You really should pick this game up.

chimpmeister · Aug 15, 2003

Neo Bomber Man:

PolluxTroy:
I want a new shooter. This is the best one right?

Click to expand...

Tis debatable. Magna summarized it fairly well in fact, except for failing to mention how its got one of the best soundtracks on the system. I find the game full of ambiance too. But there is seriously quite a lot of enjoyment to be had out of this game. Blow up ships, collect money, power up your speed, shot and bombs (for ground-based enemies which your shots will not destroy) and purchase all sorts of funky space age ship armour like Bubble and Nuclear shielding, some of which work better and worse on different missions. The game also moves at a bit of a slower pace in general, drawing even more life out the lengthy stages.

I highly recommend Alpha Mission II. And perhaps a memory card to accompany it.

Perfectly stated, just how I feel. Alpha Mission II is a very fun shooter with a fantastic 80s trance soundtrack, which by the way I got (the soundtrack) from Neobomberman at a great price! Although the graphics aren't stunning, the game is overall fun to play and to me very much worth picking up.

droid · Aug 15, 2003

I'm lukewarm towards AMII just wasnt that fun. Kind of bland shooter from what I remember of it. I bought the homecart back when it was released and was dissapointed. Thats not to say it isnt a nice pickup at around $40-$60. I think there is a nice homecart on Ebay as we speak.

For the best Neo Shooter, I'm suprised Viewpoint doesnt get more props. I just got this game again and its still an impressive fun title. Especially on hard mode. Graphics are outstanding as is the soundtrack and gameplay. Don't let the crappy ports of viewpoint cloud your judgement...add the original Neo cartridge version to your list of must play neo geo games.

droid

[ August 15, 2003, 09:31 PM: Message edited by: droid ]

bulletnyourass · Aug 15, 2003

IMHO,

Your collection will be missing one hell-of-a title. Not to mention, you can't beat the price. You will not be sorry if you make this purchase.

Phillip

Should I get Alpha Mission 2?

PolluxTroy

Famous & Dangerous.,

Magnaflux

Onigami Isle Castaway

daback-daboot

Guest

Neo Bomber Man

Miracle Seller, , ,

toy_brain

Amano's Drinking Buddy

Freelancer

Banned

Kid Aphex

samus' love slave,

J_Hendrix

Mr. Big's Thug

Jedite

Bunker Buster

Electroman

, ,

Bar81

Note to self, Place interesting, Custom rank here.

Jedite

Bunker Buster

Electroman

, ,

Blur

New Challenger

Magnaflux

Onigami Isle Castaway

chimpmeister

Former Moderator

droid

Me Luv U Long Time,

bulletnyourass

noble trader