A sense of Super Scale
Galaxy Force II has something of a bad reputation with many players, purely because the domestic ports of the game which followed the arcade release way back in 1988 were, by and large, abysmal. Many fans base their opinion of this on-rails space shooter on the Mega Drive / Genesis version, which was downright unplayable. However, few realise that the reason for the poor quality of the home editions is because the hardware of the time simply couldn't hope to replicate the coin-op original faithfully; simply put, Galaxy Force II represented the cutting-edge of video game graphics at the time of its arcade release.
Like After Burner and After Burner II, Galaxy Force and its sequel are in fact the same game, with the second release being an updated version with gameplay tweaks and additional levels. Built around Sega's Super Scaler board, the arcade version was nestled inside an incredible rotating cabinet which moved in practically every direction imaginable, well and truly placing the player "in the game". Those lucky enough to have encountered this machine in its natural habitat will attest that it's the ultimate Sega coin-op experience, with only the R-360 providing a more immersive ride.
Astonishingly, the magicians at M2 have managed to cram this incredible coin-guzzling epic into the humble 3DS, complete with visual modes which do a surprisingly effective job at conveying what it feels like to step into this monster of an arcade machine. In purely technical terms, Galaxy Force II is M2's finest work to date on Nintendo's handheld; the game runs at 60 fps and features all the graphically trickery that was present in the original. If you want an indication of how well flat, 2D sprites can be used to portray a sense of three dimensional space, look no further Galaxy Force II doesn't contain a single polygon, yet the impression of rushing through space, avoiding collisions with asteroids and dodging incoming enemy fire is so intense that it puts many modern 3D titles to shame.
Galaxy Force II is a game that was designed expressly to dazzle and amaze with its aesthetics. Each of its six levels is a visual tour de force, effortlessly surpassing what Sega had achieved in both After Burner and Space Harrier. The screen is often packed with detail and there are numerous stand-out moments which are certain to elicit a gasp of astonishment the first time you witness them. From level one's sweeping space battle-cruiser which drifts ominously into view at the top of the screen to the amazing interior base sections that are showcased in each stage, Galaxy Force II looks as impressive today as it did a quarter of a century ago. The 3DS-exclusive auto-stereoscopic effect only adds to the spectacle, making it easier to spot incoming threats and navigate the game's tight, twisting passageways.
