New Member here with a question

[Murder after Midnight]

New to the site, What I want to know is Radiant Silvergun the best ever? Because I guy I work with seems to think that it is and it's one of the few shooters I never had a chance to play. I have read reviews of it and they all praise it but what makes it so much better than all the others, I'm a big blazin lasers fan from back in the day and my current favorite shooter is IKaruga, but my co-worker say's RS is quite a bit better than both so I thought I would ask your opinion on this, thanks in advance.

[BulletMagnet]

Some people here love RSG to death and others think it's overrated to heck and back: as with most anything else, it depends on your personal preferences. I own the game myself, and while I personally like it a lot, I definitely contend that it's not for everyone, as doing well in it is highly memorization-based (and darn hard, too), not to mention how lengthy it is (some prefer shorter games) and the plethora of boss battles (some prefer more "stage time"), plus the unusual mix of 2D and 3D graphics, and the classical soundtrack (all matters of preference). Not to mention that it's very expensive...the good thing about that, though, is that if you buy it and don't like it, you should be able to make most of your money back by selling it, since the high price certainly isn't going anywhere.

[~Kid Icarus~]

This has been covered more than a few times on the forum, be prepared for an onslaught of RS is shit/god-like arguments.

IMO Radiant Silvergun is a fantastic game. It's very hard to get into (not immeadietly fun like Ikaruga), you must put the time and effort into learning how to chain enemies and break apart bosses piece by piece. Not to mention working out when to use each of your 7 weapons for maximum effect. The game is VERY unforgiving at first. But I don't think any other developer has attempted to create a vertical shooter as epic, deep or complex as this one and for that it should be appluaded.

But it's for these very reasons that many don't like the game, as lots of people see it as slow paced, overly complicated and even boring. Which to be honest I can fully understand (I just think those guys aren't playing it properly! )

[Frederik]

I had the chance to play it for a short while and was very disappointed with it. I like Ikaruga much more. Look at the list of the most favourite shmups here in the Forum - if you ask the statistiks, DoDonpachi should be the best shmup ever. And of course, this isn`t true either, since other people thing Battle Garegga is the best shmup ever. Or R-Type or Raiden or Darius Gaiden or whatever.

Judge it yourself (if you have the money ) , for me it didn`t live up with the hype I have to admit believed. Some say it grows on you with time but why should I put time into something that I must WANT to start liking?

If you ask me, Treasures best games are 1. Alien Soldier (man, this game is keeping me mega-busy!) 2. Ikaruga and 3. Gunstar Heroes. The Radiant Silvergun soundtrack is something I hear quite often, though.

[Murder after Midnight]

This has been covered more than a few times on the forum, be prepared for an onslaught of RS is shit/god-like arguments.

IMO Radiant Silvergun is a fantastic game. It's very hard to get into (not immeadietly fun like Ikaruga), you must put the time and effort into learning how to chain enemies and break apart bosses piece by piece. Not to mention working out when to use each of your 7 weapons for maximum effect. The game is VERY unforgiving at first. But I don't think any other developer has attempted to create a vertical shooter as epic, deep or complex as this one and for that it should be appluaded.

But it's for these very reasons that many don't like the game, as lots of people see it as slow paced, overly complicated and even boring. Which to be honest I can fully understand (I just think those guys aren't playing it properly! )

I wasn't trying to start anything by asking this, I was just wondering because my co-worker talk's like it's god-like lol.

[BulletMagnet]

Heh, trust us when we say there is no such thing as a "godly" shmup: name a game, there will be SOMEone who doesn't like it, usually for valid reasons. There are no absolutes when it comes to personal preference, just play what you like, avoid what you don't, let someone else play it.

[Frederik]

I had the chance to play it for a short while and was very disappointed with it. I like Ikaruga much more. Look at the list of the most favourite shmups here in the Forum - if you ask the statistiks, DoDonpachi should be the best shmup ever. And of course, this isn`t true either, since other people thing Battle Garegga is the best shmup ever. Or R-Type or Raiden or Darius Gaiden or whatever.

Judge it yourself (if you have the money ) , for me it didn`t live up with the hype I have to admit believed. Some say it grows on you with time but why should I put time into something that I must WANT to start liking? (Stupid argument, I know, but at the moment I don`t have time or energy for that)

I think that basically RS is a vertical shmup with horizontal gameplay - epic , with lots of obstacles and environment to crash into (I loved that in Ikaruga by the way) - as much as Progear is a hori shmup, but plays like a vertical shmup at heart (I hope there are not appearing over your head!).

If you ask me, Treasures best games are 1. Alien Soldier (man, this game is keeping me mega-busy!) 2. Ikaruga and 3. Gunstar Heroes. The Radiant Silvergun soundtrack is something I hear quite often, though.

Maybe it`s a bit like something you can`t have easily seems especially great to you. At the moment I think Ketsui is the greatest shmup ever, because I have seen many superplays (as with Silvergun), but maybe I won`t like it if I actually PLAY it. Or if you fall in love with a supermodel but when you meet her she smells bad out of her mouth.

[D_Davis]

I recently got the game for the Saturn, and after almost 8 years of anticipation and hype, I can safely say it lives up to every word. Honestly, when I go back and play more traditional shmups now, they seem so trite and basic - RS has so much strategy, it is epic, and the bosses are just amazing. I think it is more fun than Ikaruga, and I think it is easier and just more entertaining. Is it really the best ever? I don't know, but it totally rocks my world.

My top few shmups so you can see where I come from:

R-TYPE DELTA - this may be the most strategic shmup I have played
DODONPACHI
GUWANGA
RS
BANGAOIH
GRADIUS V
PROGEAR
RAYSTORM

[llabnip]

Radiant Silvergun? The others are correct - some love it, some like it and some don't. I think every position is covered - though the game is more polarizing than some (that is, it seems most either fall into the 'amazing-shooter' camp or the 'horribly-overrated' camp).

In my humble opinion, it's not just the best shooter ever, it's the best game I've played. Great combination of music, visuals, atmosphere, gameplay in a slow-manic-thinking-man's shooter. It's not for everyone, and its fine to not enjoy the game - to each their own. Anyway, this game throws more multiple "oh-shit" scenarios at you than any other and always makes you feel like you could have done something better to avoid death - it never feels cheap despite the epic length and awesome bosses. At the core of the game is the colored chaining which is crucial to success (and, most likely, enjoyment) of the game - and not everyone digs this puzzle-like aspect to their shooters. In the end, Radiant Silvergun doesn't do any one thing better than any other game in the genere... instead it does so many different things to such a high level of competency and gives you the feeling that everything is a really well crafted from start to finish. The game was produced with lots of care - expertly implemented and it shows in every aspect. I highly recommend it.

[gavin19]

Do u own a Saturn btw? If you do there's a multitude of quality shmups available if RSG isn't to ur liking. Personally I prefer Soukyugurentai. RSG is a lot like Ikaruga too in that it tends to divide opinion amongst shmuppers.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

For Murder after Midnight,

Did you know that you can buy Radiant Silvergun in two different formats?

One can get RSG as a Japanese Sega Saturn CD-Rom for use with the Sega Saturn console or as a Sega ST-V Titan game cartridge for the arcade Jamma ST-V motherboard. Of course, the ST-V mobo has twice the RAM of the SS console and no loading times whatsoever since it's on cartridge format.

Naturally, one wants to get an original Japanese Bios ST-V mobo to be able to play RSG ST-V cart with the proper "3-button" scheme. (Or one can get a USA Bios ST-V mobo with Unibios chip to switch from USA to Japan for different country region game settings.)

I've played the ST-V version of RSG & it is a jaw-dropping shmup experience to be able to play it on a Supergun or arcade cabinet setup. Going that particular route will set you back a few hundred dollars easily. ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[~Kid Icarus~]

I just want to say that after reading PC engine fan's post, RSG is unbeleivably good in a cab with the 3 button set up. Hitting the correct button combinations for different weapons adds a satisfaction to the playing expericence that weirdly, I've only ever felt playing guitar. (I guess it adds a slight almost bemani element to the game!)

My fingers ached to f*ck after playing it for about an hour but to anyone thats played and loved RS on the Saturn, seriously, you need to play it on a 3 button cab.

EDIT: I also just want to say I've been drinking tonight.

[Rob]

New to the site, What I want to know is Radiant Silvergun the best ever?

If you're a gaming journalist, sure. It's the game to mention owning in PS2 magazine with no relevance to anything.

Restating the obvious: some like it, some don't. I think there are fans who have played plenty of shooters and still like it the best of all, but its status as holy grail depends heavily on ignoring the bulk of shooters and not bothering to figure them out. It is the most "epic" modern arcade shooter. I think that's a little harder to dispute.

[professor ganson]

It is the most "epic" modern arcade shooter. I think that's a little harder to dispute.

Yeah, Treasure is your source for epic modern arcade shooters. RS and Gradius V may never be topped in this regard (though someday they won't be so modern).

[EOJ]

RSG. Hmm. I got a saturn copy a few months back, I've played it a bit, but honestly it's sorta 'blah'. The chaining/weapon upgrade system is so inflexible you feel like you're just memorizing a routine, with no room for improv or style. The ship moves clunkily and the whole feel of the game isn't very tight. The levels are way too short, like 30 seconds long sometimes, which I don't like. I had way, way more fun with ikaruga as it isn't so restrictive, it's more fun to score-attack, it has actual level design, and it's more simplistic. Sure silvergun is 'epic', but if I want epic I'll just play an RPG or watch a movie really. If I want a good shmup, I'll play others (ikaruga is just as 'epic' btw). Anyway, Battle Garegga is a better game, if you're looking for a really fun Saturn shmup.

[Rob]

I agree about "epic" shooters. Aside from Gradius V I don't use it as a positive description. Basically, next to all of the fat-free 15-25 minute shooters it seems epic (also due to the soundtrack, which I've said before sounds like FF Tactics leftovers). I think RSG has a lot of unusual, sometimes pretty stupid bosses. The jogging karate polygon man boss being one of the worst I've ever seen. It's the kind of thing that looks like it was included to make people think "cool!" in 1998. It really is heavily retro (long, tons of weapons) amongst all of the other completely to the point modern shooters.

Its scoring system seems like a joke to me, especially compared to everything that has been released since. Enemy chaining when the focus of the game is on bosses? And what was it, three or four colors on top of that?

[Neon]

Good game, not my thing. Great graphics and pretty well done dramatic soundtrack. If you're looking for a more 'cinematic' game this is it, lots of cutscenes and all that. I liked it at first but interest waned as I played it more, and tried other shooters. [edit - rob said it better]

As an introduction to the genre you'd do better to buy a lot of cheap games/emulate and find what you like best, I think. You can just borrow RS from your friend rather than shelling out the $200

[Frederik]

As an introduction to the genre you'd do better to buy a lot of cheap games/emulate and find what you like best, I think. You can just borrow RS from your friend rather than shelling out the $200

Playing DoDonpachi is the first thing you should do. The way of what you think what shmups are before and after playing it is equal to a katharsis. I don`t say this is the only good one, but the experience is just unmatched.

And as a introduction to RS, you CAN emulate it now, although the sound is crappy and it eats up a hell lot of processing power (I am talking about the arcade version here - and the newest MAME). What I find very curious is the SATURN-mode on the, well, Saturn - were you simply save your level up weapons and get those levels immidiately the next time you start. So basically, you`re cheating. I used the max power cheat on it, and the first boss just flew apart with few hits. Now don`t get me wrong, I don`t have a mixed opinion of the game because of THIS, but, IF you want to play this game seriously, do it right.

This Saturn mode takes away all the chaining, but at the same times, it obscures the whole experience. I guess as hard as leveling up your weapons to simply survive long enough against bosses is, that`s the whole sense of urgency and achievement this game offers.

And yeah, this game has a 3 buttons and not 6 or 7 - having them on 3 buttons makes you react faster I think. I like it when games have many functions on few buttons. I mean, Mars Matrix has a standard shot, a charge shot, this bullet-eating thing AND a bomb on ONE button. How many games use only ONE button, let alone game that are as evolved as MM? And Alien soldier has more moves that I can count on three, one of the reasons this game is so overwhelming at first but so much fun after you get used to it.

[jpolz]

Radaint Silvergun plays pretty damn good using the latest release of SSF, not graphical glitches and 60fps......


.....of course I have a P4 3.2Ghz Prescott, so it's still pretty damn slow unless you have a fast processor.

[ave]

RSG is a really good shooter, but it is also much more complicated than Ikaruga. You have to watch all the secret chains and what way is the best to score (shoot all red, blue or yellow enemies) and unlike Ikaruga you can't switch between different colored enemies when ýou decided for one color.

I love Ikaruga's simpliness, graphics, sounds and of course the style. And I like Radiant Silverguns style and graphics

[llabnip]

This Saturn mode takes away all the chaining, but at the same times, it obscures the whole experience.

Don't confuse Saturn Mode with the ability to use a saved state for your weapons. Saturn Mode gives you the option of using saved weapon levels but it's not the usual way you play it. Saturn Mode offers extra levels and extra bosses and wonderful cutscenes from the Arcade version - it's the best way to experience the game. I've played hundreds of hours on Saturn Mode and don't use the save weapon state when I make a high-score run through the game - it's an option and not even the default choice on the start menu. Chaining is as important as it is in the Arcade mode. The option to save up your weapon power is meant to be used when you want to practice an advanced level (you unlock practice and other goodies with many hours of playtime). You can also play at various speeds and see your hitbox to help really master levels. You get none of these extra goodies on the PCB.

The Saturn port offers you both traditional Arcade mode and the expanded Saturn mode so you can play either as you like.

I can assure folks that the 7 button setup is really nice on the Saturn pad. I learned it that way and find it more intuitive than the 3 button setup. The Saturn mode also forces you through stage 2 and 4 - you can't skip one as you do in the Arcade rev (you start at stage 3... and go backwards in time to stage 2, forwad to 4, 5 and 6 and finally time warp way back into the prehistoric past to stage 1).

[WarpZone]

Its scoring system seems like a joke to me, especially compared to everything that has been released since. Enemy chaining when the focus of the game is on bosses? And what was it, three or four colors on top of that?

Yeah, it's not the sort of game I'd like to play for score... it just isn't focused and balanced enough, and many of the chaining segments feel more like early blueprints for Ikaruga. Since they're so short and constantly unique, there isn't enough opportunity for proper development of ideas (and a more logical learning curve). And it's hard to look past this problem, because chaining performance is linked to boss battles because of weapon strength. I think the weapon experience concept could have worked better if weapons leveled up based on use alone, rather than making chains. It could also allow more improv in how to approach sections.

I'd actually say the Saturn mode's experience carry-over is a worthwhile way to play the game. It might be "cheating" by normal standards, but it smoothens the difficulty and puts the focus more squarely on the bosses. A person might also say this more 'cyclic' way of playing where you gradually get better weapons is a more fitthing match for the game's theme of learning from mistakes.

While I still think RSG is worth playing overall, it might be best to think of it as a 'concept' game or a melting pot of ideas that were extracted and better honed elsewhere, especially in Ikaruga and Gradius V. RSG is a dazzlingly inventive and ambitious game, is less mechanically dry than most shooters (using the sword, etc), and has a strong presentation - and for some people, this is enough. Its balance and quality of design don't quite reach the same pedigree, however.