Axelay
Game by Konami
Reviewed by Robby Cox
koi@magicnet.net
Save: None
Released: 1992
Works with: N/A
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Opening Snide Remarks: According to EGM, Axelay is one of the top 50 games of
all time.  They also say that it is probably the greatest shooter  of all 
time.  Well after hearing how good it supposedly is, and seeing some still
pictures which looked awesome, I had to buy this game.

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Gameplay Descripion: Axelay is a shooter in the vein of Raiden, R-Type, or 
Gradius.  It's a little more strategic than those.  When you start the game, 
you have 3 weapons that you can use, not choose from, use.  You will need to
switch weapons in order to kill certain enemies.  There's a flame weapon, 
a spread weapon, and a laser.  As you progress in the game, you will have 
more weapon choices and you can only equip your ship with 3 weapons.  It 
plays differently from most shooters.  It's really tough, though.   
Liked: Strategic elements.
Hated: This game's too hard.(Yes I am a crybaby)

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Graphics Description: The graphics in Axelay are awesome.  The graphics have
a pseudo-3D feel to them.  Your ship is on one plane and your enemies are 
kind of flat and look like they're on a different plane.  It's very unique.
The ships and enemies look great.  They're nicely detailed and there are some
very large ships.  I'm not even talking about the bosses.  The graphics rock.
Liked: Pseudo-3D effect.
Hated: Nothing.

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Sound/Music Description: The music of Axelay is pretty good.  It 's not very
memorable.  The sound fx are pretty good, but are along the lines of the 
standard shooter fare.
Liked: Pretty good music.
Hated: Nothing.

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Play Control/Game Design: The controls of Axelay are excellent.  When you die
it's your fault not the game's.  The game design is good, but this game's too
hard.  I've only beat the first level twice ever.    
Liked: Great controls.
Hated: This game's too hard.(Wah, wah, waaaaaah!!!)

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Improve: Make an easier difficulty setting, Polygon graphics. 

RIYL: The Raiden Project, R-Type, Super R-Type, Gradius

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Final Words: If you love shooters, then you owe it to yourself to get this 
game.  If you like games that you can play for a while at a time without 
having to restart, then you should look elsewhere because this game is super
hard.  It's great but hard.      

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Score
Gameplay: ****
Graphics: ****
Sound/Music: ****
Play Control/Game Design: ****
Personal Opinion: ****
Total: 20 out of 25
Final Score: 80 %

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Currently Known Codes: None.

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