Assault Suits Valken is a classic-format 2D platformer and a hidden gem in the Super Nintendo's already impressive library. It excels mechanically, with smooth, fluid movements, responsive controls, and an array of interesting weapons, enemies, and stages to experience. Taken as a game, it's serviceable and fun, and has managed to age surprisingly well, even in its heavily censored form as Cybernator. The quality of the game's programming is comparable to that of the first Mega Man X game released in the same time frame as far as ease of use, intuitiveness, and degree of control. The game's sprite designs are big, colorful, and detailed, the music is catchy, and the look is refined and internally consistent; everything looks like it belongs in the setting.
The story of the game itself, like the Gundam franchise proper, manages to combine blazing action with at least an understanding nod to the human drama of conflict in the form of encountering both honorable enemies and ruthless politicians, contrasting acts of self-sacrificial human decency against selfish cruelties. The game's message against war and focusing specifically on the nature of responsibility in the infamous removed cutscene helps drive home the sheer horror of unrestrained warfare. Taken on its surface, it isn't too hard to slot this game's concept right into more grounded portions of the Gundam franchise such as the 08th MS Team OVA—squint hard enough and suddenly you're piloting a mass-produced Mobile Suit against Zeon forces, a talented if physically unremarkable everyman soldier who follows orders while facing off against a noble but unforgiving ace pilot in a red suit. It doesn't break very much in the way of new ground, but it is able to handle its setting and narrative with respectable competence and engaging gameplay.
For fans of side scrolling platform shooters, mecha-based games, or science fiction war drama, it's certainly worth a look and a play. Physical copies of the cartridge or its PS2 remake are hard to come by, but thanks to how well it's aged since its release, Assault Suits Valken was released on the Virtual Console for ease of access.
Gundamesque in all the best ways
Assault Suits Valken is a classic-format 2D platformer and a hidden gem in the Super Nintendo's already impressive library. It excels mechanically, with smooth, fluid movements, responsive controls, and an array of interesting weapons, enemies, and stages to experience. Taken as a game, it's serviceable and fun, and has managed to age surprisingly well, even in its heavily censored form as Cybernator. The quality of the game's programming is comparable to that of the first Mega Man X game released in the same time frame as far as ease of use, intuitiveness, and degree of control. The game's sprite designs are big, colorful, and detailed, the music is catchy, and the look is refined and internally consistent; everything looks like it belongs in the setting.
The story of the game itself, like the Gundam franchise proper, manages to combine blazing action with at least an understanding nod to the human drama of conflict in the form of encountering both honorable enemies and ruthless politicians, contrasting acts of self-sacrificial human decency against selfish cruelties. The game's message against war and focusing specifically on the nature of responsibility in the infamous removed cutscene helps drive home the sheer horror of unrestrained warfare. Taken on its surface, it isn't too hard to slot this game's concept right into more grounded portions of the Gundam franchise such as the 08th MS Team OVA—squint hard enough and suddenly you're piloting a mass-produced Mobile Suit against Zeon forces, a talented if physically unremarkable everyman soldier who follows orders while facing off against a noble but unforgiving ace pilot in a red suit. It doesn't break very much in the way of new ground, but it is able to handle its setting and narrative with respectable competence and engaging gameplay.
For fans of side scrolling platform shooters, mecha-based games, or science fiction war drama, it's certainly worth a look and a play. Physical copies of the cartridge or its PS2 remake are hard to come by, but thanks to how well it's aged since its release, Assault Suits Valken was released on the Virtual Console for ease of access.