Shock Troopers
| Shock Troopers | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Saurus |
| Publisher(s) | SNK |
| Platform(s) | Arcade, Virtual Console, PlayStation Network |
| Release date(s) | 1997 Virtual Console |
| Genre(s) | Run and gun |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, 2-player Co-op |
| Cabinet | Upright |
| Arcade system | Neo-Geo (346 Mbit cartridge) |
| Display | Raster, 304 x 224 pixels (Horizontal), 4096 colors |
Shock Troopers (ショックトルーパーズ) is an arcade game developed by Saurus. Gameplay involves taking command of one or three commandos in an eight-way shooter. The game received a semi-sequel in Shock Troopers: 2nd Squad.
Gameplay
At the beginning of each session, players choose whether to go through the game in one of two modes, "Lonely Wolf" or "Team Battle". In "Lonely Wolf", one character is controlled throughout the game, while "Team Battle" allows selecting a band of three soldiers through their missions, switching between them on-the-fly. Choosing to go it alone gives a higher starting life total, while proceeding as a team will give a wider variety of special weapons as well as a higher starting total (ten for each of the three characters instead of twenty for one).
At the beginning of the game, there is also a choice to travel through the Mountain, Jungle, or Valley route. Halfway through the game, a different route can optionally be chosen otherwise stay on the current path. Characters and paths chosen determine how much life bonus is received at the beginning of each level. Each stage consists of standard "run and gun" tactics interspersed with boss battles (both in the middle and at the end of each stage). Until the very end, battling the commander of the Bloody Scorpions atop an aircraft.
Each character has their own virtues over other selections. Some might start with higher life totals, while others could move faster. Regardless of choice, the soldiers each possess a unique special weapon or "bomb", which varies in distance and range. Controls consist of an 8-way joystick and four buttons. Players move in eight directions with the joystick and fire, do evasive maneuvers, use their special weapon, and switch characters with the A, B, C, and D buttons, respectively.
Players must progress through six stages, fighting against other soldiers, bosses, and finally, the commander of the Bloody Scorpions. The weapons can be fired in all eight directions, but holding down the fire button allows strafing. Attacking within close range of an enemy will yield items, including point bonuses, weapon power-ups, and life. Enemy fire can be avoided with the dodge button. In "Team Battle" mode, the three selected soldiers can be cycled to utilize the traits and special weapons of each.
Plot
The Bloody Scorpions have kidnapped a scientist and his granddaughter Cecilia in order to gain the powerful drug, Alpha-301, which converts normal people into superhuman soldiers. A special team must fight through their ranks in order to get to their leader and save the scientist's granddaughter and the world.
Characters
Jackal - Special Weapon: Grenade
Milky - Special Weapon: Napalm
Loki - Special Weapon: Explosive Shell
Southern Cross - Special Weapon: Exploding Boomerang
Marie Bee - Special Weapon: Rocket Launcher
Rio - Special Weapon: Exploding Arrow
Maru - Special Weapon: Gas Grenade
Big Mama - Special Weapon: Grenade Launcher
Release
Shock Troopers was re-released by SNK in North America through SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1. Some Japanese dialogue was stripped out of these versions. The game is also being incorporated into the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable Neo Geo classics line.[1]
2nd Squad
There was a second game titled Shock Troopers: 2nd Squad. It is considered to be a standalone title since the plot has no connection with the first game. 2nd Squad was re-released for the Wii Virtual Console service in the North American region on December 27, 2012.[2]
The gameplay system has been drastically changed because only 4 characters are selectable and the team mode from the first game is not featured in this. Also, the graphics has a more cartoon-feel to it and the sprites are a combination of 2D and 3D, although the game is completely in 2D since the 3D graphics are pre-rendered. There is also the ability to ride some vehicles, as in the Metal Slug games. The follow-up is more violent than its predecessor because the enemies die in unique ways despite their cartoon-like appearance.
Characters
- Leon - Gun Weapon: Linear bullets and Grenades, Special Weapon: Napalm Grenades, Defensive Weapon: Machete
- Angel - Gun Weapon: Combo bullets, Special Weapon: Petrol Bombs, Defensive Weapon: Napalm Gas
- Lulu - Gun Weapon: 3-way bullets, Special Weapon: Dynamite, Defensive Weapon: Revolver
- Toy - Gun Weapon: Laser beams, Special Weapon: Detonator, Defensive Weapon: Shock Glove
References
- ↑ Fletcher, JC (August 10, 2011). "Don't Be Alarmed: SNK's Shock Troopers is Coming to PS3 and PSP". Joystiq. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ↑ "Shock Troopers 2nd Squad". Nintendo.com. Nintendo of America. Retrieved 23 December 2014.