Support NeoGAF

[VGEsoterica]

granted I am very biased as I still think the original Night Striker is one of the best arcade games ever made from the visuals to the music and gameplay...but M2 had very big shoes to fill when it came to making a sequel to such a legendarily good Taito classic and they 100% nailed the assignment

The same amazing visuals for a modern era that capture the colorways and vibe of the original, intense pseudo sprite scaling graphics, some seriously challenging difficulty and a straight up amazing soundtrack

all for $18. I happily would have paid $40

 

[Porcile]

Eh, I got this game a few months back with my first edition copy of Operation Night Strikers. I was excited for it of course, but it's feels like a novelty game. It's way too short, way too easy and the Gear mechanic feels a bit pointless. This game and Salamander 3 were disappointing unfortunately.

Why overhype this game so much? Arcade games need to have longevity and this game won't have it. $18 is about right for it.

 

[Punished Miku]

$18 is about right for it.

Little overpriced still.

 

[VGEsoterica]

Eh, I got this game a few months back with my first edition copy of Operation Night Strikers. I was excited for it of course, but it's feels like a novelty game. It's way too short, way too easy and the Gear mechanic feels a bit pointless. This game and Salamander 3 were disappointing unfortunately.

Why overhype this game so much? Arcade games need to have longevity and this game won't have it. $18 is about right for it.

It just came out today. You are talking about the original arcade game I think

 

[Porcile]

It just came out today. You are talking about the original arcade game I think

Nope. First run physical edition of Operation Night Strikers in Japan on Switch got an early DLC code for Gear included. I have had the game since August.

 

[VGEsoterica]

Nope. First run physical edition of Operation Night Strikers in Japan on Switch got an early DLC code for Gear included. I have had the game since August.

Then you've just had extra time to find out good it is! Go play it some more haha

 

[Porcile]

Then you've just had extra time to find out good it is! Go play it some more haha

I did. I think I finished the normal difficulty on the third of fourth attempt. The game is fun. There are not enough levels and it's too easy. It's not better than Night Striker. It's a fun novelty game a bit like Devil Blade Reboot. It looks like Devil Blade too. Unfortunately no one plays Devil Blade Reboot anymore because it was an arcade game without any legs.

It's no problem if you like the game, just don't get all used car salesman about it saying it's worth $40 when it really isn't anywhere that.

Uncomfortable truth is that M2 are a great porting studio but outside of of the Deathtiny arrange in Ketsui and maybe Senjin Aleste (have only played it couple times in the arcade) their original content is pretty lackluster. GG Aleste 3 was also okay but not exactly a heavy hitter.

 

[Arsic]

How's the switch version?

 

[Porcile]

How's the switch version?

Its good. The problems are inherent to the game itself. No major performance issues.

 

[John Bilbo]

I did. I think I finished the normal difficulty on the third of fourth attempt. The game is fun. There are not enough levels and it's too easy. It's not better than Night Striker. It's a fun novelty game a bit like Devil Blade Reboot. It looks like Devil Blade too. Unfortunately no one plays Devil Blade Reboot anymore because it was an arcade game without any legs.

It's no problem if you like the game, just don't get all used car salesman about it saying it's worth $40 when it really isn't anywhere that.

Uncomfortable truth is that M2 are a great porting studio but outside of of the Deathtiny arrange in Ketsui and maybe Senjin Aleste (have only played it couple times in the arcade) their original content is pretty lackluster. GG Aleste 3 was also okay but not exactly a heavy hitter.

I was hoping this game was a Harrier styled game with great scoring system. Would you happen to have any recommendations for such a game on Steam or PC?

 

[Gitaroo]

does PC version support 4K? I know its 2D but good pixel scaling also matter especially when you play it on a 4K mon, sol cresta looks like complete ass on PC with all the shimmering

 

[Sintoid]

For what I know Night Striker included into Operation Night Striker is the old arcade game plus the Mega Cd version

Night Striker Gear is a new game with very good graphic overhaul.

 

[Porcile]

I was hoping this game was a Harrier styled game with great scoring system. Would you happen to have any recommendations for such a game on Steam or PC?

I haven't played them yet so I have no idea about their quality but Asura The Striker and Mirage Feathers are two on-rail games that I know of. Both have demos so you can try before buying at least.

You've also got the OG 1989 Night Striker as part of Operation Night Strikers. A very arcade faithful port by M2 but no cool gameplay extras or additional content really.

 

[John Bilbo]

I see a lot of Japanese people posting about this game on X and loving it. I think I'll give it a shot!

 

[NeoIkaruGAF]

This looks awesome. I'm not expecting a masterpiece, of course, but it looks worth its price.

 

[John Bilbo]

Article:

If you're anything like me, you downloaded Night Striker Gear the moment it went live and have been enjoying its unique brand of 'Super Scaler' madness for the past day or so. However, one thing I wasn't aware of when I purchased the game was that it's directed by former Treasure legend Hiroshi Iuchi – something that would have made me reach for my wallet even faster had I known. Iuchi's responsibilities on the game are many, in fact; he was also in charge of planning, map and level design, visuals and modelling. It's also worth noting that the core team working with Iuchi is made up of M2 ShotTriggers staff. It also works with the Micomsoft Cyber Stick. Iuchi has been working at M2 for over a decade now, but he produced some of his most famous work at Treasure, the company he and several other former Konami staffers formed in 1992. In addition to Radiant Silvergun and Ikaruga, his credits include Gunstar Heroes, Shinrei Jusatsushi Taroumaru, Sin and Punishment, Gradius V and Kokuga.

Source: https://www.timeextension.com/news/2025/10/night-striker-gear-is-directed-by-the-genius-behind-radiant-silvergun-and-ikaruga-hiroshi-iuchi

Impressive resume!

 

[SupaComputa]

It's been in my wishlist for a while, the only thing I wonder about is that it looks like things are hard to see coming towards you or even what you are shooting at. Is it a problem?

 

[S0ULZB0URNE]

Want this physical.

 

[poodaddy]

Want this physical.

Great reason to bump a months old thread, not stupid at all.

 

[S0ULZB0URNE]

Great reason to bump a months old thread, not stupid at all.

Glad you liked it.

 

[John Bilbo]

For those interested check out the OT:

|OT|  Thread 'Night Striker Gear |OT|'

Nov 4, 2025

Night Striker Gear NeoGAF OT​

---

■
Release Date: 22nd of October, 2025
Developed & Published by: M2
Platforms: Steam, Switch 1 & 2
■​

---

About the game

Night Striker Gear is a pseudo-3D chase view shooting game. It is a sequel to the 1989 Japanese arcade game Night Striker developed by Taito.

Night Striker Gear was originally released as a digital download code for pre-ordering the limited edition version of Operation Night Strikers, a collection including the...

• John Bilbo
• Replies: 39
• Forum: Gaming Discussion

• 
• 
• 
• 
•