The poor 32X only had a few games ever made for it, and even fewer quality titles. Luckily, Space Harrier is one of those quality titles released for the system. With a high frame rate, smooth controls, and well represented graphics, this is one of the premier ports if this game. The only version that rivals this one is the Saturn port, but I actually prefer the 32X release. If you have a 32X there is no reason to not own this game.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Many have wondered why Sega needed a 32 bit system to emulate a 16 bit arcade classic, but put that question aside, this is a great port of Space Harrier! Space Harrier follows the adventure of a futuristic soldier who runs and flies along a rapidly scrolling background blowing up enemy space ships and futuristic creatures (like long segmented dragons). Most objects can be destroyed in a few shots, but some are invincible and must be dodged instead. While I personally prefer Space Harrier II (a Genesis exclusive), I admit that the original was technically superior in terms of graphics, with a larger color palette, and true zoom abilities (no "pop up" like in SHII). In the original Space Harrier, the game is also longer (something like 18 stages plus bonus stages, instead of a mere 13 plus bonus stages). The Bonus stage is also unique, in that you ride on the back of a friendly dragon and have to swoop in on targets to destroy them (vs. in the sequel where you are simply on a rocket sled that makes you invincible while you blast away at targets like normal for extra points). There is good digitized speech (very well done for the time), and fast action. The sequel gives you a larger field of view and greater sense of "speed" as you fly through the pseudo-3D environment, but Space Harrier itself set the standard. There is a lot to enjoy in this behind-the-back futuristic shooter. The controls are simple... move Harrier around the screen and press the fire button (the faster you mash the button, the faster you shoot, and you can fire a lot faster in this one than in the sequel), getting out of the way of objects before you crash into them. If you run into objects on the lowest plane, you simply "trip" over them, instead of dying, which is funny. You get extra lives based on points, and have limited continues. There are a few options on the options screen, but nothing special, and this is of course a one player game. The only downside to this game is that you need both a Sega Genesis AND the ill-fated 32X adapter. However as the latter is fairly cheap, it shouldn't stop you from getting this, the best port of Space Harrier to be released on a home console (barring the arcade version which is an Easter Egg on Shenmue 1 for the Dreamcast).Read full review
This game was one of the first games developed by Yu Suzuki, the sega video game creating genious. This game and Afterburner Complete on the 32x are must haves created by Suzuki. Space Harrier is an on rails shoot em up where you are a character with a jetpack and a unlimited super quick blaster. This game is a classic and a must have for any Sega 32x collection, especially for those retro gamers who still play the system.
Happy with my purchase.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Perfect game. Thanks
Verified purchase: No
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