Star Sabre 128K for the Amstrad CPC Review

[Retro-Zone Dean]

Game Review 20/04/2009
STAR SABRE 128K

AMSTRAD CPC6128 / 6128 Plus (or CPC464 with RAM upgrade)[/b][/u]
Review
 
Game Title
Star Sabre (128K) Version

See this review in the main site by clicking here: http://www.retro-zone.org/game_reviews/amstrad_star_sabre_128k.html
 
Release Date 2009
 
Reviewed System
 Amstrad CPC6128
 
Publisher
Cronosoft


Game Type
 Shoot-em-up
 
Description
 A Side ways scrolling shoot-em-up from the same breed as R-Type. With power-ups, mid and end of level bosses and wave after wave of flying things intent on destroying you.
 
Presentation
 A very nice loading screen and a new improved title screen with a GREAT TUNE! Instructions and scoring details and two play modes to choose from: Score more points but don't earn extra lives - or be a wimp and collect those extra lives (because you're going to need em!)
 8

(Out of 10)
 
Playability
 Controls are very responsive. Ships moves in all the right ways. Collision detection is spot on and things don't slow down when there is a lot of action on screen. A real accomplishment really.
Although those different speed enemy bullets annoy me a bit!
 9

(Out of 10)
 
Graphics
 All the sprites are well drawn and colourful - making full use of the CPC's palette. The MODE 0 graphics do not appear blocky.
The scrolling is super smooth and is almost full screen. One problem with other CPC games is the reduced playing area - nothing like that here.
THE BIGGEST end of level bosses I have ever seen on the system - and they move too!
9

(Out of 10)
 
Sound
 A great title screen tune - you really have to listen to it all the way through.
The in-game music is just as complex and compliments the game play with it's moody vibe.
Although I did miss the laser sound from the 64K version.
If there is another revision of the game - maybe an option to choose music or sound effects?
 8

(Out of 10)
 
Longevity[/u]
The difficulty level is set pretty high. Don't expect to get through this unless you are willing to sit and play for hours. There is no save point or continue codes so once you die or turn off - it's back to the start.
More levels than the 64K version and HARDER than the 64K version too!
 7
(Out of 10)
 
Over All
 A great game and a must have for all CPC owners. Although the difficulty is a little too high for me - others will probably find it OK.
A great effort and a worthy upgrade to the 64K version.
 
 8

(Out of 10)