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Aleste was a landmark event. In terms
of home video gaming it was a technical tour
de force, a masterpiece that started one of the
greatest shooting game series of all time.
The gameplay is just too goddamn
fast for wise and considered reflection. Wave
after wave of enemy craft rain down the screen
at all times, and there are very few safe spots except for a constant trickle of small
power-up pills and sub-weapons that when collected grant a split-second of invincibility.
The trick
is to weave your way through
the carnage by strategically using these pick-ups
to escape corner traps.
It's not as easy as it sounds, but after a few
tries it starts making sense and becomes
surprisingly addictive. The game even goes as
far as increasing the difficulty when you
are doing well. This is the next level for the Star
Soldier (1986) formula: keep up with the pace, and get into the flow.
The Sega
Mark III version (Feb 1988) appeared first, followed by a slightly enhanced MSX2 version (July 1988) featuring an illustrated 'Prologue' introduction and 2 extra
stages (bringing the level count up to 8).
Aleste is undeniably an A-class title. It could be criticised for being slightly overlong
and a little repetitive, but it's all part of the experience: endurance and good reactions are key since the hike in difficulty
is achieved through the A.I.'s ever-increasing speed, not pre-set enemy patterns.
The Mark III and MSX2 are
perfectly suited to this kind of action, and Compile
are the best in the business.
Rating:  |
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Mark III / Master System |
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MSX2 |
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Aleste
アレスタ
SEGA MARK III |
DETAILS
| Format |
Sega
Mark III |
| Released |
29
Feb 1988 |
| Publisher |
Sega |
| Product
ID |
G-1352 |
| Size
(cm) |
14
x 10 x 2.5 |
| Weight
(kg) |
0.12 |
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Masterful
shooting game from Compile
and Sega, hands down one of the
best of its era.
A Mark III / Master System classic!
Standard 'Gold Cartridge'
packaging, 1Mbit cartridge,
monochrome booklet. |
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DETAILS
| Format |
MSX |
| Released |
July
1988 |
| Publisher |
Compile |
| Product
ID |
? |
| Size
(cm) |
? |
| Weight
(kg) |
? |
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Compile's
release of Aleste
for MSX2.
Brilliant, legendary, and
super-hard to find in good
condition!
Cardboard
PC-Style packaging, 2Mbit
cartridge, monochrome manual. |
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'Aleste'
and 'Compile' are registered trademarks of Compile Co., Ltd.
'Sega Mark III', 'Master System' and 'Sega' are registered trademarks
of Sega Corporation
Aleste TM & ©
1988 Compile All Rights Reserved
Page content, design & layout © 2012 Arcade Gear |
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