Game review: Assault Suit Leynos 2 Saturn Tribute (Nintendo Switch)
The mid-'90s was an interesting time in gaming because it ushered in the first game consoles that had fully 3D graphics. It was a revolutionary time in gaming because 3D was the future of gaming.
Even though the PSOne console came out on top with its 3D graphics and CD audio sound, people seem to forget that the Sega Saturn was also released at the same time. While the Sega Saturn wasn't as popular as Sony's console, one thing it did better was running 2D video games.
I cannot remember what magazine I was reading at the time, but it said the Sega Saturn was a better console to play 2D games. This may have been the reason why more 2D games were ported to the Saturn than the PSOne.
One game that the Saturn received was Assault Suit Leynos 2. This 2D shooter was exclusive to the Japanese market for over 30 years, but now the game is available worldwide. This is all thanks to the release of Assault Suit Leynos 2 Saturn Tribute being released this year for the Nintendo Switch.
The game is a classic 2D side-scrolling shooter where players take on the role of a mech set in the futuristic year of 2123 AD. Unlike other 2D shooters like Metal Slug, Assault Suit Leynos 2 forces players to fight against other mechs, so the action is fast and chaotic.
One of the coolest aspects of this game is the fact that you can customise the loadout, so you can choose the type of weapons for each level. Since you are piloting a futuristic mech, players have access to a ton of different weapons that can deal a lot of damage to the enemies and bosses that fester in this game.
Some of the weapons in your arsenal include machine guns, flamethrowers, missiles, lasers, and more. The game features auto-aiming so you can lock onto enemies with ease, although manual aiming is also available if you are more of an expert at these types of games.
In your loadout, you have to make sure to use the right type of weapons for the mission you are going to. You don't want to choose a weapon that can run out of ammo easily because you'll have no way to defeat a boss. Not to mention the game has over 50 weapons you can eventually unlock, so choosing the best one is a wise decision.
Aside from shooting, the mech that you pilot in this game is pretty agile. You can execute a jump button in order to avoid enemy fire. If you hold the jump button long enough, the mech can jump as high as the clouds in the sky!
Another useful tactic that the mech can do is dash really fast. Dashing side-to-side can also be useful if you want to avoid enemy fire and just want to reach the end of the level to conserve precious ammo.
In terms of defensive skills, the mech also has a shield that you can bring out to block gunfire from enemies. As for the level design, the game is pretty basic because all you need to do is mostly travel from side to side and kill as many enemies as possible. Assault Suit Leynos 2 isn't a Metroidvania style of game where you need to backtrack and solve puzzles because it's more linear.
The only level that isn't so linear is when you can fly up in space! This level is quite chaotic though because all of the enemies are shooting everywhere in the sky as well. It looks cool, but it can be an overwhelming level to play through in my opinion.
One thing that might intimidate newer gamers is the fact that Assault Suit Leynos 2 is a pretty tough game. You need to have good knowledge of the weapons you wield and have great reflexes in order to beat the enemies in this game.
In order to make the game easier for newbies, this re-release includes a quick save option so you can continue the game at any time. There is even a rewind option too if you die often and want to try again instantly.
The developer has even added extra options such as boost energy, increased shield defense, and increased body defense to make the game even easier. Sure enough, all of these aids are optional because hardcore gamers may want to play the game in its original form.
Overall, Assault Leynos 2 Saturn Tribute is a really fun game from the '90s, and it has been replicated well on the Nintendo Switch. The gameplay is chaotic and fun thanks to the number of weapon types that are available. If you find the game too hard, the new options thankfully make the experience less frustrating.
Verdict: 8.5/10
