Released by ININ and Mobius, the Over Horizon X Steel Empire compilation is a quality collection of shooters released with an appealing price point. The timing is a little odd, considering that Steel Empire was recently re-released as a standalone download on Switch, making this newly bundled version a better value with the inclusion of Over Horizon.
What is exactly included in this compilation?
The first game, Over Horizon, was originally developed by HOT-B and released on the NES in PAL regions. Seen as the spiritual successor to Steel Empire, the fluid gameplay mixed with impressive visuals and a fun weapon system easily makes this one of the best shooters on the system… and most probably never played it. It holds up well and offers a stiff challenge. However, the newly included cheats, such as invincibility, are welcomed additions. Just keep in mind, that Trophies are disable when using the cheats.
Steel Empire is another quality shooter that has been re-released a few times over the last several years. Originally released on the Mega Drive, this shooter also has a forward and backward shooting mechanic similar to Over Horizon. Over a decade after the original release, Steel Empire was ported to the GBA, then eventually to the 3DS eShop, to the PC, and most recently on Switch as the Legend of Steel Empire.
Following the same interface as many other retro re-releases by Ratalaika Games, there are many visual options available including scan line filters and save states. Unfortunately, there is no extra bonus content such as box art and instruction manual scans, dev documents, or even a sound test. Like I mentioned in my Legend of Steel Empire Switch article, I am a fan of Steel Empire. So much so that I want more of it. Not having any extra bonuses from this 1992 release that still holds up is a little disappointing. However, there are four versions of the game included: the original Mega Drive PAL and JP versions, and both English and JP versions of the GBA port. Although the MD and GBA versions contain differences, like slight visual changes and overall screen layout, they are essentially the same game.
For $15, these are two quality shooters bundled together. One of the things I like best about these shooters is that they are beatable. Yes, there are moments of high challenge, but these are not bullethells, these are shooters. Shooters that can be finished with some skill and practice, but nothing extraordinary. Meaning, the approachable design, mixed with the weapon changing system and front/back shooting mechanics, and steampunk visual theme generates a pleasant, classic shooter experience.
SCORE: 8/10
Also Play: the IREM Collection Vol. 1
Don’t Forget About: Ray’Z Arcade Chronology
Play It Too: Feeble Light
By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com
Twitter: @ZackGaz
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