Nemesis '90 Kai
REVIEW BY HAFKOS
"Oh Konami, why must your best games never leave Japan?"
When Konami came out with Gradius in 1985, it turned out to be one of the most revolutionary shoot'em ups. Konami released a number of games in the mid 80's for a computer called the MSX. Konami had alot of it's famous series start from that computer: Metal Gear, Castlevania, and Gradius. In 1987, they released Gradius 2(Not Gradius II). It was unique in it's power up system, because you could gain more powers as time went by. But, the major flaw of the game was, well, the system it was on. Gradius 2 had jerky controls, jerky scrolling, and hard to listen to music, all thanks to the MSX.
When the Sharp X86k came around, SRS started remaking Konami games, and the were almost arcade perfect, such as Gradius, Salamander and Twinbee. SRS and Konami decided to create better version of the rare MSX title. They called it Nemesis 90' Kai, and it was, in my opinion, a fantastic decision.
Nemesis 90 combines the unique Gradius 2 experience, and combines it with the fluidness of the Arcade Gradius games, leaving with one hell of an experience that you have to play to believe.
The graphics are very detailed and absolutely blow away Gradius 2's ugly bit look, and it offers rich, vibrant colors and more detailed environments, and level 2 looks fantastic.
As for the music, you couldn't really hear the melody well in the MSX version, but the X68k's Synth takes the music to town! I love Demo3, which is the fantastic music that plays during one of the cut-scenes and a new Nemesis 90' exclusive level. It is so beautiful at certain parts, and it is a pleasure to hear it. The music makes you feel like you are in the game, with perfect tones and melodies,
As for gameplay, all I can say is perfect! The Gradius power system consists of a certain amount of items on a bar gets powered up by collecting power capsules. Nemesis takes this further with the addition of going into the bosses and getting new items. Unlike Gradius 2, Nemesis has lost the Level 2 Missiles and Lasers, but it does gain 2 more options which result in having 4 options, which is much better anyway. Also, the missile upgrade later in the game is now Napalm, which is much better than a boring photon torpedo. Nemesis also features temporary power-ups like Rotating options, Vector(Ripple) laser, and Slow Motion Enemies. Even all of the powerups still don't change the fact that this game can be very hard. Have fun with the last boss, it is not your usual final boss for a Gradius game.
This game is the definition of perfection. If you are a computer collector and just happen to have an X68k, then buy this game, otherwise, it isn't worth it to buy a Japanese computer from the early 90's. Emulation is your best bet for playing this game.
Graphics 10/10
Gameplay 10/10
Sound 10/10
Perfection!