THE RED STAR
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Wow. Where do I begin? This is the biggest review I ever wrote. This is such an unknown and uncovered game, that a review and analysis are needed. This game came out in 2007 if I'm not mistaken. Originally it was on the PS2, but then transferred over to the PSP after some time. When I downloaded it, it was as part of the reparations package for those of us who got our accounts hacked in the big PSN scam. I really didn't expect that much, but upon seeing the premise of the game, I was somewhat attracted to it. The graphics are good-looking and the game has a nice mixture of RPG, Shooter, Beat-em-up elements. It's like Killzone meets Samurai warriors. Usually, games that combine such an array of characteristics tend to damper them down and be underwhelming, but the combo system, as well as the upgrade system and shooting mechanics are great.
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Originally, I was going to fill this review with a profanity laced rant to start off, but I've calmed down now. You see, this game's lasting quality is that I can honestly say, it is the hardest game of all time. Somewhere, I swear, a little vessel of evil shattered when I conquered the last boss. This game's difficulty is so historic, it makes the plot feel important. The game is about some Neo-Soviet Government in the future. you are part of a militia set to take down the evil Troika who is a cyborg, and his robot army. The enemies are very varied, and require the full use of your arsenal. You have a blade and 3 guns- a machine gun, flame thrower, and rocket launcher. They can all be upgraded with points you receive at the end of each mission based on your performance. You get a pop us icon that gives you a strategy page, if you choose, that explains how to tackle key enemies you approach in a stage. You will need it. They even give it to you if it’s been a while since you faced the enemy, and it is much needed. The action on the stages is melee combat with top down shooting which is like a hectic space shooter in it’s mechanics. The shooter portions rival Gunbird 2 on max difficulty after a while. There are even a couple of space shooter stages when you are inside of a ship taking out a tank. That was actually a reasonable stage. Old school gamers appreciate legendary boss battles, and will not be disappointed with this game. The bosses are huge and tough. Some have extra forms.
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That’s all I’ll get into as far as the setup. The major thing is the difficulty. Most games are designed to challenged your reflexes and endurance. However, this game adds the twist of making you change the way your brain is wired. In even the most difficult shmups, you have to learn patterns and strategize accordingly. In this game, the bosses and enemies are so frantic and insane, you learn methodologies not patterns. You have a shield that overloads after 1 or 2 hits. Your guns overheat if fired for too long. Enemies alter their patterns and strategies, so there is no safe zone, or pattern to memorize. You will find yourself in boss fights where you have to see the entire route you must maneuver in split seconds. It’s not reasonable in the slightest. I didn’t see the difficulty taking a real turn until around level’s 12 to 14. That’s when I began to look online and see that there were no codes or guides. The only video is of some autistic kid ripping through the stages like a maniac untouched. You can’t call that a strategy for a human to follow. I saw some legends whispered quietly on message boards about how the game is unbeatable. The only 1 or 2 people who did beat it used 2 players on PS2 and no one has used the male character. The girl in the game has a dash, excellent guns, and quick speed and combos made for the game. The guy has none of that.
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I felt like I was screwed and I just played a broken game. I was close to giving up, but decided to grit down and continue. The game has 19 levels. I got to level 18, and hit another wall. That level is another legend on the boards. Many called it the Waterloo and they were teamed up. Here I am on the PSP which has no 2 player and I’m using the useless male character. I kid you not, this game gave me an ulcer. I had cramps, strained blood vessels, and sleepless nights. It’s a game that physically affects you with its difficulty, and blights you life. I knew I’d be in a foul mood quitting near the end, so I pressed on. When I got to the last level, I thought I was home free. However, the last boss is a freaking summation of the entire game if there is one. He has 3 stages and like many enemies gets more frantic, the better you do. I was at a friend’s house and literally broke down in near tears. My friend’s son is a child prodigy. He’s one of those kids who yawns through Megaman 1-10. I figured I’d train him to help me. Even he was overwhelmed by this game. I eventually broke down and told him I’m retiring from gaming and give him the crown. I sat in silence bitter tears. I cursed the fact that I decided to start playing the game. He actually gave me a talking to that I couldn’t quit things in life just like that. I decided to try alittle more, and just when I was throwing my hands up, I got a slight break in the fight that allowed me to take out the boss with my last sliver of life. I was speechless. The production quality needs improvement, but I don’t think they expected people to beat their little game. No music on the credits, no ending sequence. However, it’s hard to be mad. You are part of an elite club if you beat The Red Star and deserve the extra arena mode it unlocks. It's good and very rare for a game to be eternally remembered, even if just for difficulty. I recommend this game not for being great, but for the fact that I know it will shake you to your foundation, and I’d love to see everyone suffer as I have. Enjoy- 7.5/10
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