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Radiant Silvergun Review - Nintendo Switch
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ธ.ค. 2022
- Belated review of Treasure's classic Radiant Silvergun, ported to the Switch by LIveWire.
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![Radiant Silvergun (レイディアント シルバーガン). [Saturn]. 1CC. Very Hard. 60Fps.](/img/n.gif)
As someone who has been gaming since the early 90's, but has only really gotten into shmups in the last few years, this is one of the first ones that really grabbed me. There is just so much going on and so much to sink your teeth into here... but I definitely know what you mean when you say it's not something you can just fire up and chill out to. It's absolutely a game that has you lean forward in your gamer chair after guzzling 4 gallons of Advanced GG. You have to get serious, get focused. It's extremely systems driven, precise, and mechanical, but I am quite certain it's that very aspect that gives the game the reputation it has. It appeals very specifically to the part of us that enjoys mastering a complex challenge, and I feel like it requires you to think and pay close attention to details more than probably any other shmup I have played.
It doesn't hurt that it has a crispy presentation and a sweet soundtrack. The music that's playing when you're given control for the first time would absolutely be right at home in Final Fantasy Tactics, and it helps the game stand out even more than it already does.
It's hard not to admire the sheer craftsmanship of it all, and jt's easily one of my favorite shmups, even though it's not necessarily the first one I reach for when I want to game.
This is the best, most reasoned, review of Radiant Silvergun I've ever read. Thank you as always, SOS - I hope you come back soon!
There's a weird stutter at 3:22. Editing glitch? Great review so far!
EDIT: Noticed it a few times, guessing it's an editing glitch since it happens whenever footage is switched. Still an excellent review!
Two things to note that I don’t believe were mentioned in the review is that you can chain red to (one) blue to yellow for a special bonus. You can then keep the chain going as long as you stick to the yellows. It gives you a little more flexibility than one might initially realize. Other bonuses can be earned if you use certain weapons on certain bosses. In arcade mode , scoring and survival all come together quite beautifully but yes, it takes time. I think RS is the GOAT but I’ve been playing since 2002 when my attention span was much better. Nowadays I can’t even make it through a modern AAA game so I can relate to those than are turned off by RS’ complexity. Good review!
Your reviews are always great but this was just superb. Appreciate the perspective of someone who has immersed themselves in the game so deeply.
The graphics still look better than most modern shmups today. Considering this was a Saturn / S-TV game, it’s a sad indication of how visual standards have dropped.
Great review, I'm really not sure where I land on this one myself. Been playing quite a bit since the release on switch (like you, I stuck with it longer than I might usually do because of it's reputation!) and the whole chaining mechanic is completely beyond me - I don't find it enjoyable at all. In sections where I've learned the 'red' chain it is doable but not fun and removes any experimentation from the process (which means I actively dislike the early stages that I've played to death using exactly the same route). The actual level design, graphics and gameplay though is awesome, so I'm a bit torn! I think you are right in your criticism of story mode which essentially makes the early stages a complete pushover after a while. Obviously no-one is ever going to make this now, but I would love to see a version of the game where enemy HP is scaled to match weapon power throughout the game (more like a traditional shmup), to make chaining a score-only mechanic. Without this, I would probably acknowledge that the game is excellent but perhaps not really well suited to me as a player.
I had trouble understanding the chain system too, especially after Ikaruga. And even though they offer the option of an Ikaruga scoring system, I wanted to really get into the heads of the developers and try to understand what they were going for here. For me, I found a bit of a good groove by playing the game in training mode, at 1/8 speed (or some variant of slow-mo). I could keep an eye on my weapon levels, bullet positions and timing, chain status, and certain places where your chain is forced to end (ie: if you start a secret chain right at the beginning, you'll have 1/3 of a yellow chain by the time you get to AKA-O. After beating it, you might notice that that yellow pip in the chain gauge is gone, the game has forcefully ended your chain there and you'll have to start beating reds again.
If you haven't tried slowing down the game's pace, I would recommend it to see if it gets you in the zone.
I appreciate its level design and weapon mechanics. Graphics and music suit the game perfectly. For me it ticks every box and yet I still don't ttruly enjoy it. I owned it twice on Saturn and have the 360 version. I feel I need to like it more than I do due to its legacy and shmups being my favourite genre.
Makes sense. It's not necessarily the most 'fun' game around. I'd also say shmups being your favourite genre may almost make you less likely to love RS as a lot of what it does and requires from the player is quite different from a standard arcade shmup.
Really enjoy your reviews. I'll being picking it up from the e-shop at some point just to see what all the fuss is about with this game.
When you realize it's a 3 button shmup (with combinations) and not a 6 button game I think it truly clicks. Arcade stick button 1 homing, 2 vulcan 3 wide shot is the best imo. (in the arcade it was vulcan homing spread). I am 95% sure they never designed it with people playing 6 buttons in mind (maybe there's an interview).
Thanks for making such a well thought out review. I did not like this game at all when I first tried it on Saturn many years back. I hesitantly bought the Switch version - like you, due to it's reputation - and again, I just could not get into it. Glad I read up a bit and watched your review to better understand the mechanics. I had no idea about chaining or the save system retaining weapon upgrades. I now feel like I am ready to give it a more proper chance.
Interesting that everyone blasts Battle Garegga for being so complex, and it is on harder difficulties, but it is so much more pick and play than RS.
Really appreciate the work you pour into the review
A great review! I was always intrigued by RS as I was a PSX owner back in the 90s and enjoyed Einhander, R-Type Delta and G-Darius. RS remained nearly forever out of reach for me (legally - I didn't really use the X360 enough) until this release so I felt I was obliged to play it and jumped on it day one of release.
I can't lie, it has been a struggle for all the reasons you've cited in the video. I appreciate everything that Treasure are doing, and I see how it feeds into Ikaruga (an old favourite from the Gamecube), but if I'm playing with the wrong mindset, it lacks immediacy. It is still a fantastic game, but one that I will take longer to grow on me.
This and Ikaruga are unique shmups that need to be approached in very specific ways. And that's why I'd rather play UN Squadron on the SNES
I think it’s arguably the greatest game ever made. I think it’s a true work of art, I am in absolute awe of its gameplay design.
Great review as always 🎉
There is no "chilling and mucking about " in this game. It's proper f##### hardcore okay, Be attitude for gains!
Had it on Saturn and wasn't interested in it after playing a few times so I sold it. Bought it for XBOX 360. Play it for a few times and still don't love it. Ordered the physical copy for switch. Hopefully I will finally love it. Probably not.
Haha. Yeah, it's definitely not for everyone. Hope you get at least some enjoyment from it though!
I haven't played it yet but agree! It looks like an acquired taste and something you need certain mood to fully enjoy. I think I'll love it, but I'm waiting for that mood to come :D
Gotta play this 7 hours straight to unlock unlimited credits cause i sure as hell can't beat it without it lol
No kidding.
@@Rackatiakkayeah this game is relentless
So happy to see this on Switch! Still hoping for Square Enix’s Einhander
I so want to get into this now on Switch. I've bought the Bluetooth Saturn pad (just for this game) purchased the digital version and I've even ordered the Limited Run physical release too (see you 2025). Just don't have the time to play it now! 😶. Enjoyed your review though.
I'm so glad I could finally own this game. It's mean, but I really love it so far.
I'm new to shmups - having found my way into really loving them through Danmaku Unlimited 3, and quickly moving through as many as I could to savour all of the varieties on offer. Then I hit Radiant Silvergun, and I just couldn't understand the accolades, at least not from a fun perspective. Sure, there are a lot of innovative elements when looked at individually, but as a whole, they don't elevate the fun of the game at all - at least not for me. I played it, I moved on to other shmups. The physical was announced from Limited Run and so I came back, same feelings, same lack of impact for me.
I understand that it's revered, but it really isn't a shmup for me.
That's fair enough. Although from the outside shmups can already seem pretty niche, they're actually a very varied genre with many further variations and sub-genres within them. Glad you're enjoying so many others though!
@@ShmupsOnSwitch Your channel has been an immense help in finding new shmups (for me). I should have also mentioned that first instead of coming in hot on Radiant, but I was having a lame week :P Great reviews that I always look forward to!
what about ikaruga / chain mode? does that fix the issue of having to leave enemies alive?
listened to the qwhole review on the side, did not recall anuy mention of input lkag. I am nervous with these Saturn ports. Do you know if it is a port, or is a Saturn emulator,ma nd if so any idea how the input lag is? I got burneds with one of those Cottom releases with 11 frames of lag before.
This port is based on the Xbox 360 version developed by Treasure themselves. So, it should be fine.
4 frames on Switch same as Xbone. It's very playable.
No issues with the lag for me, feels responsive enough
Lag is fine - I think I saw somewhere it's 1 more than on XBox? Anyway, it's nowehere near the sort of issues that plagued the Cotton Guardian Force release. This port's done by LiveWire, by the way, who have been very dependable.
@@ShmupsOnSwitch thansk for great reply, sounds god then! I did listen and sort of watch whole review, not sure if I misse dit, but very helpful in future reviews you do of old game ports to make sure to mention the input lag situation mnoving forward. if u did and I missed it, my apologies. Cotton burned me and never again! mine is stil sealed if anyone wants to buy it, switch version ^^
Nothing like it before or since he says -- Nanostray on Nintendo DS
is there a unlimited live or continues cheat for this game??. i have it on saturn and there there was a cheat. i finished it on saturn ''be it unfair''. can i do the same in the switch version XD.
Is it laggy? Because according to Electric Underground he doesn't recommend the port. He claims it's the Xbox one port?!
Nothing like it since? Ikaruga. Very very much inspired by RSG.
One major problem as I see it, and easily ficxed, is it wil be not good with standard xbox pads. It will NEED a proper 6 face buttons gamepad, or arcade stick with 6 dace, to play properly.
This version was literally designed to play with a 360 pad. This is the XB360 port re-released on switch BUT it was OG a 3 button game in arcades, you hold button combinations for different weapons and hit all 3 for sword. But you can map it how you please and play with 3-7 buttons.
Yeah, one thing I forgot to mention was the fact you can use combinations for the weapons. I didn't use that much though, to be honest, since I found using the shoulder buttons worked fine for me.
most of your criticisms i think apply even more to ikaruga...... the story mode weapon/lives progression alleviates the inaccessibility/rigidity here for me
but arcade mode is indeed a real tough nut to crack in more than one way
True, but one difference with Ikaruga is I'd say the first two stages can still just be fun for blasting your way through without paying much attention to the chaining etc.
I dont feel that one should have to "try" to enjoy a game. And that has nothing to do with difficulty, it more about game "structure" or feel. There's no need to force yourself to like a game, there's plenty of other games out there to play.
It's not a particularly fun game for a lot of people, but RS is so revered and strongly considered as a classic that he can't outright say it or the mob will get angry. I was never able to get into this game personally.
Radiant silvergun is really a game that requires a bit of study to understand and frankly even enjoy the game. Not for everyone but i ended up loving it a lot more than Ikaruga.
“There is no trying, only doing.”
I agree you should never feel like you *have to* try to enjoy a game. But if, on the one hand, something's not quite clicking for you with a game, while on the other, there's something that is keeping you coming back over time, that's a different story - and, in my experience, often those sorts of experiences (and it could be a game, a book, a record) turn out to be among your all time favourites.
I think I do pretty much outright say it probably won't be fun for some people. Besides, I don't think there would be a mob for this particular game since I think a lot of the people who do love it are perfectly well aware it's not for everyone.
Also, a 'mob' wouldn't affect what I said anyway (check out my R-Type Final 2 review...😂)
Anyone else not understand why is the soundtrack so highly praised??
Otherwise an amazing one of a kind game.
It's definitely different from your usual shmup fare. A bit like the whole game, it's not one I loved at first, and it's not something I'd ever listen to outside the game, but I did end up finding it very atmospheric and, in many ways, I wouldn't want a more catchy soundtrack as I don't think it would fit.
Because it's fantastic? What's your opinion of a game with a great soundtrack?
@@wayofthekodiak3118 its grown on me a bit the past 10 months. I still think it's a very odd choice. Soundtracks? Witcher OST is better than the games.
Donkey Kong Country is pretty high up there, but I think the number one spot is Tetris.
Thanks for the video. Game looks like a free cell phone game from 2010 though
Thats actually impressive since its really an arcade and Saturn game from 1998!
You know, if you're going to review a game...don't cheat. @1:29
Is dying cheating? (Like almost all shmups, you get a brief period of invulnerability when coming back from a death.)
@@ShmupsOnSwitch No, but bullets don't just vanish when they touch your hitbox (without you dying.)
Meh game looks so old and boring lol
great but not a fun game
It's funny, people love this game. I dont get it. I'd take Einhander or R Type Delta any day.