Developer: Sales Curve Ltd. Publisher: Sunsoft Released: 1992 Genre: Shooter
The Amiga has always been an interesting platform. I never owned one, nor did I know anyone that did. Its library is a blind spot in my gaming knowledge. Yet the little that I did get to play by way of 16-bit ports did not always paint a pretty picture. Sword of Sodan is one of the worst games I have ever played and should be avoided at all costs. I know it has its fans but I was never a fan of Shadow of the Beast. Ironically Firepower 2000, along with Gods and Soldiers of Fortune, changed my opinion. I say ironically because Firepower 2000 was not an Amiga title originally. Instead this is a console exclusive sequel to the SWIV series, and a damn fine one at that. Although it has flown under the radar Firepower 2000 is every bit as good as the best SNES shooters.
Firepower 2000 bears the look of an Amiga game but it is not. Although it was created for the SNES the developers have stayed true to the Amiga aesthetic. That means the game is filled with an overly brown palette full of metallic shades. While it isn’t an eye catching title what is impressive is its performance. Firepower 2000 throws around a lot of sprites mixed in with beautiful explosions and almost never slows down. It is not until the late stages of the game where the action goes to 11 that it chugs slightly. It is an incredible feat that it rarely gets credit for.
As the third in the SWIV series Firepower 2000 remains true to its roots. You have a choice between a jeep or helicopter with both having strengths and weaknesses. The helicopter bypasses all ground based obstacles and is more maneuverable. However it can only fire in one direction. The jeep is fast but more importantly can fire in eight directions which is indispensable. Technically it can get caught in the environment but it doesn’t result in death. Instead you pop out of it, although this can and will usually result in taking a stray bullet. For my money the jeep is better but the true best setup is in two-player coop.
The list of weapons is pretty extensive as you’ll need every single one. There are five primary weapons that you can switch at any time. Bullets, plasma, flame, laser and ionic and all come with some form of drawback like short range or rate of fire. Weapons power up by collecting chips released from yellow boxes. The game is extremely generous with these; a single box releases a group of power-ups at once. In addition to the five weapons there are three kinds of missiles, homing, scorching, and straight. The game allows you to carry a large stock of these, to the point I lost track. Even the shield doubles as a screen clearing bomb if destroyed. It really is insane just how much they have packed into the game but once it starts you’ll see why.
In terms of its action Firepower 2000 moves at its own pace. But its levels are dense with enemies. Waves appear consistently and in large numbers to the point you rarely get a breather. The playing field is wider than the viewing area and scrolling to the side will usually reveal an array of turrets waiting to pelt you into oblivion. Your experience with the game varies considerably depending on the vehicle. The helicopter is more mobile because it has to be. Since your bullets only fire forward you must enter line of sight and take risks. The game seems heavily stacked in the jeep’s favor in that regard. Not only is its 8-way fire considerably better it is also immune to collisions with flying enemies! It is a bit unfair but nothing skilled players can’t overcome.
Firepower 2000 is only six stages long but you will work to reach the end. This is an incredibly difficult game, the type that makes you fight for every scrap of progress. The action is far more intense than in most SNES shooters and rarely lets up. It is frustrating to die due to off-screen bullets due to the wide playing field but it isn’t a common occurrence. Unlike most games that offer a high challenge it works here because you have the tools to survive. Weapon drops are generous and even after death they only drop one level. The game somehow strikes a balance: you are armed to the teeth yet it still poses a nice challenge. It is a balance I wish more shooters, or games, could strike in general.
In Closing
Compared to most shooters on the market Firepower 2000 has a different feel but is no less great. This is one of the better shooters for the SNES, which is surprising as it was an early release. Avoid crap like D-Force and pick up this hidden gem.
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