Einhander

No I haven't gone soft. I'm still as hard on games as I ever was, and I still nitpick. But Einhander is another very, very good game. Its a side-scrolling shooter. I'm not sure about the story, but Einhander tests your skills and coordination like any good shooter. There is at least 7 levels, but I haven't beaten this yet.

The graphics are definately acceptible, especially for it's time, but keep in mind this is a PS 1 game. This game is from the side- perspective, but every so often the camera moves to a different perspective for variety. Don't worry, it doesn't hinder control.

Einhander is a little different, as it allows you to pick up weapons off of destroyed enemies. For instance, you might encounter a walker enemy that shoots at you with a cannon. If your aim is good, you can "disable" the walker, then swoop in low to grab the cannon for yourself. There are many secret weapons, and they are hard to find. If you have a saved game, then you can assemble a large list of secret arms, as once you find them they are always avaliable in your weapons load-out screen.

You have 3 ships to choose from, each showcasing a diffent playing style. One allows you to carry up to 3 "gunpods" (as your weapons packages are known), another just carries one at a time, and the last uses 2 gunpods at the same time. There is one that will fit your playing style.

The campaign is good, if VERY hard. And yes, it's possible to get burned out, especially if you get far only to get a game over. There is some element of a story to it, and there is an interesting plot twist at the end. Not sure how it ends though, I haven't beaten it. Einhander has a "checkpoint" system, in which when you die (and you WILL die) you begin at the beginning of your current "section". It becomes a all or nothing affair, as you soon realize that almost counts only in horseshoes, handgrenades, and nuclear warfare. If you don't blow through a section or a boss fight flawlessly, then you die and must do it again. Annoying, but it forces you to really hone your skills.

There is no 2 player, which is a bummer, but I can forgive it.

In the end, Einhander is one hell of a play. If you can, try to find and buy this gem. I truely love this one. For your shooter needs, look no further.

5 star(s) out of 5

Discuss More PSX Games More Shooter Games