If it doesn’t die, try flying into it because it’s probably a weapon upgrade. In fact, if you see something moving on screen, the chances are it’s meant to be killed. Tanks, stationary guns, flying drones, aircraft, mechs and boats – shoot them. There is little to set Shienryu apart from other shooters, but the super silky gameplay (despite the impressive degree of onscreen carnage) and colourful effects from the varied enemies and backdrops make for a pleasing burst of oriental challenge. The classic formula is intact with the flurry of standard aerial and terrain-based enemies giving you a five minute pain in your ass before a ridiculously large boss emerges, challenging you to a duel. Much like the legendary Radiant Silvergun and, most recently, the iOS release of Rayforce, Shienryu is a vertically scrolling 2D shooter with lots of explosions, bosses and 2-player support to boot. Remember our Gaiaseed review? Well, that was the first of many, as next up is Shienryu, a 1997 Japanese arcade classic that came out much too late in the PlayStation’s American lifespan, and never saw the light of day in Europe. You see, while a lot of great 2D shooters slipped under the radar in North America and Europe, a lot of the best titles never made it out of Japan at all. XBLA has provided a medium for such games for years, but now were getting a similar service from the PlayStation Network in the form of Japanese PSone imports. Slowly but surely, it appears the little known 2D shooters of an age long forgotten are finally receiving the exposure they deserve.

Shienryu ps1