Star Soldier : Vanishing Earth - Nintendo 64 Review - HD

[@jediknightgeo]

This is honestly the 1st time I've ever heard of this game. Looks OK, would definitely like to play it. Man I miss Hudson Soft 😢

[@pal-of-pals]

I honestly think that the Star Soldier series was at its peak on the PC Engine/Turbo Grafx 16 console.

[@TheCodedtestament]

This game is amazing. The music makes you look forward to every fight, and the pace doesn't let you blink. And yet you feel the artwork and the location you're at.

[@71dembonesTV]

I liked this game! N64 desperately needed more games like it. My copy of Dezaemon is on the way :)

[@jamdizzydizzy3954]

Great review glenn i really agree with your take, and it's a shame that pretty much all n64 developers were so obsessed with making 3D only games at that time or we could have had some shoot em up gems on the n64 if they had taken the template from star soldier vanishing earth and expanded upon it...thanks for the shout out!

[@DeadOmega]

Holy crap. An N64 game I've never heard of.

[@K0RETA-QUEBEC]

Man this game is soo freaking rad with the arcade shark, i was playing it minute ago the soundtrack is soo much epic too

[@n64glennplant]

Glad you’re enjoying it still to this day!

[@TekMoliGy]

The graphics look cool. I didn't know there were any shmups on the n64 so this might be worth getting just to add more variety to my game library for the console.

[@ianholmes4723]

This is one of my favorite N64 games ever. I see why others can find it just ok, but personally I love this game. Anyway great review!

[@Jduhbs]

I love this game and have had a copy of it since forever and never thought I would ever see on youtube considering how underrated and obscure it is

[@W3r3gam3r]

I got this game around 2004 when I was eight. It was cheap and I didn't have much money. It was already beaten when I got home so I decided to check what it had. The final boss compared to all the others is just incredibly overpowered, and, like most final bosses, you have to kill him multiple times before he is actually dead. And when you beat the game, the only thing you get is a new title screen. Nothing special. I did, however, love the music, was very pleased with how detailed and different levels and enemies were, and how each ship handled itself differently. Although the powerups can make the game too easy at times. I would probably give this game a 6/10.

[@n64glennplant]

I think I'd agree with 6/10....the final boss was utterly underwhelming :-( I'm a sucker for a bad ass final boss

[@TheRepoMan360]

Wow this game looks like fun. I'll have to settle for just the cart, but I must play this game. Another great review GP.

[@JackDaScarecrow]

I like Hudson's soundtrack for this game. It reminds me so much of Bomberman 64(which Hudson obviously made as well)

[@lebowskiunderachiever3591]

The same guy did the soundtrack I think 🤔

[@tadpole1313]

I know you said you had about 120 boxed games or so if I can recall. I am closer to around 200 right now and it is really starting to get harder to find the games I need. Are you just going for the complete pal collection or are you mixing it up with American and Pal? I seen some people do that and it actually makes it alot cheaper if you do it that way. I personally am just going for the complete NTSC collection.

[@Yuuretsu]

This game is actually a direct sequel to Soldier Blade on the Turbografx/PC Engine. Duos is the recurring boss robot and final boss in both games. Soldier Blade was a real graphical showcase for the PC Engine and this game pales in comparisson, but it's a fun playthrough once in a while.

[@PlantedWave5190]

I think Konami should re-release this game on Nintendo Switch Online. This can also be an opportunity for PAL users.

[@loganmonson1036]

oh and glenn do you know if there are any mario games besides mario 64 on the n64

[@jimsyhammond]

What are the alternative shooters on the n64 didn't even know about this one!

[@puppetmaster1011]

The first time I’ve played this game was back in 2002 when I was at a friend’s house. I really liked it back then. I still do today, but in retrospect, it could’ve been much more.

[@mckaywadswroth4582]

This game looks pretty fun to me. kind of reminds me of Star Fox 64. Do you think Star Fox was better than this game, or was Star Soldier pretty equal?

[@tartuffethesprywonderdog5883]

lol, seriously? Star Fox is one of the best on the console.

[@Jack_80]

@@tartuffethesprywonderdog5883 star fox is pretty short and easy too. i just played it and beat it in maybe an hour without using a continue. and i took the middle route instead of the easiest. the cool thing about star fox though is there are multiple routes so it'll take a few playthroughs to see every stage, which gives it good replayability even if it is too short.

[@tartuffethesprywonderdog5883]

@@Jack_80 I remember having a lot of trouble with an underwater level. Not sure what route that was. But yeah, the easy route is quite painless.

[@Capsuledragon]

Any chance of doing a Stunt Racer 64 review Glenn?

[@JackDaScarecrow]

Still have this game today. I always liked it take on the future as well as the music...

[@MrVengeance83]

Yet another excellent review! I never knew this came out in the West - thought it was Japan only. Looks fun. I think you should give the series a shot on the PC Engine if you like shooters. The Saturn is renowned for the genre, so if you don't own one of those, why not treat yourself some time? The likes of Soukyugurentai, Battle Garegga, Shienryu and the mighty Radiant Silvergun are all excellent blasters in my view.

[@MichaelBtheGameGenie]

I had never heard of this...I am now on the lookout for it even if it isn't perfect

[@riftshredder5438]

I remember playing this game at a friend's house once and then never seeing it again, I didn't even know what the game was called, until now that is lol

[@jimsyhammond]

Cool thanks will have a look

[@xyktqwxz]

hey mate , its kasey[using gf account] just letting you know i still watch your videos just aint had time to comment :] enjoying yiur vids lately.

[@OldsXCool]

Well I didn't want to be completely unfair and mention Einhander. Einhander is my favorite shooter of all time :D

[@tadpole1313]

This game is a hard one to get complete. I have been trying to get a decent boxed copy since February and I just not got the box by it's self on order. I still need to get the game and manual but since it does not show up complete often I ended up grabbing the box in a box lot just to get it out of the way.

[@RetroGameThrowdown1]

Whattt?!?! I want this game but I guess it is damn expansive in north america. Excellent review by the way

[@Isuzu96Hombre]

My favorite genre of games! I've already placed a bid on a copy on ebay. Great review! I'm now subscribed!

[@PeteSkerritt]

Vanishing Earth is by no means a *great* game, but it's still very good and serves as a throwback of sorts to the previous era while trying to launch the genre forward into a new generation of graphics. I still play the Time Attack modes on occasion, as they're a fun way to get quick bursts of fun with the game and test my skills at the same time. I actually bought this at launch back in late 1998 here in the US and enjoyed it back then as I do now. Flawed games can, indeed, still be fun.

[@ravensquote7206]

Star Soldier: Vanishing Earth happens to be my favorite game, bar none, of all time. I've played Metal Gear Solid on the PS1, Ocarina of Time on the N64 and DS, Majora's Mask on the DS, a couple Assassin's Creed titles, and a fair enough library of others in my life, and this is the only game I've ever played where my ONLY issue with it was "Damn I wish this was longer.". I was blown away by the music, the sounds, the graphics, the bosses, and in general I can't really name any real way to improve anything about it other than its unfortunate length. If I were ever to make a video game of my own, THIS is the model I would aspire to recreate.

[@ravensquote7206]

Edit: On reflection, I WILL go ahead and say that three-shotting a boss with Ex-arms is a bit OP... but I still like the game anyways. :)

[@W3r3gam3r]

Although I do still have the game. Must have left me with something if I was willing to keep it. Another I got that same day was XG-2. Maybe you can do a review on that.

[@n64glennplant]

you know I'm surprised i haven't reviewed either extreme g games yet! just so many games to choose from thats the problem !

[@loganmonson1036]

it looks cool still deciding if i should buy it though

[@HagenFlachmann]

Thats a CAVE shooter isn't it. Did that ever get a home release?

[@GameplayandTalk]

I really liked this game as well, haha. The visuals and sound really aren't that great, but I found the gameplay addictive, especially when I started playing with keeping the longest combo string in mind (instead of holding down fire constantly, intentionally tapping it at the right times to keep the chain bar up; works best for the red ship). Likewise I've begun to appreciate it more in recent years simply due to the absurdity that is its scoring system. You get points for literally EVERYTHING, even for using your shield. Let that sink in for a minute--you *get points* for using something that *makes you invincible*. (Normally in shmups you are punished for things like that.) If you ever give this game a go again, purposely use your shield over and over as fast as you can and you will see what I mean. It's kind of ridiculous yet kind of awesome at the same time.

[@neajora730]

I rented this game several times from Blockbuster solely because it was one of the first games I ever beat on my own. As a dumb kid in the 90s, there were not many games I could make great progress in so any game that I could I would relish feeling like a god blasting through regardless of quality. Did not remember its name, but the internet did not let me down here.

[@PointlessCarp]

Too bad this didnt get an European release, would have loved to add this to my collection. I loved the original Star Soldier on the NES, nice and simple space shooting action.

[@fishorbit1]

I personally loved this one. Certainly it doesnt reinvent the wheel, but the action is fast and fun, and I love the blocky space-age look of it. It is too short though.

[@dubernauta]

was published in Pal?

[@n64glennplant]

Sadly not

[@braydenb1581]

I always saw starfox as the natural evolution of space shooters entering 3d. Do you not? I'm curious why that is.

[@TheSurvivalReview]

great review, i completely agree with just about everything you said. its an ok game, but i would much rather play most of the shooters on genesis and turbografx

[@KVGerudo]

This game looks decent. Never have seen it before. I wanna play it.

[@NeoGeoNinja81]

Ill be honest: I'd love to know what all these Vertical "Super Nintendo Shooters" are that outclass this game though? I can only really think of Super Aleste as definitively 'outclassing' this, and maybe SWIV too? SNES isn't exactly a Shmup heavyweight... eh?

[@Mar-O899]

I picked this game up a couple weeks ago. Not bad for 5 bucks but won't be playing it much when I have much better shmups. Shmups was one reason I was glad I also had a PS1.

[@bobthefrogable]

I'm pretty sure that game would cause bad seizures! Jesus. I watched this in the dark and my eyes are going mad! not going to sleep tonight... Thanks Glenn ;)

[@Jduhbs]

Absolutely great soundtrack

[@n64glennplant]

I think its cool

[@yandman26]

I disagree i think this is a great game. I am a huge Star Soldier fan and have every version apart from the PSP compilation. You need to reference other similar polygon shooters like Raystorm when judging this game as they all had a certain feel to them that was unlike the traditional shooters that proceeded them. The graphics are great , smooth and fluid and the gameplay is fun and frantic, the continual onslaught and the coinciding explosions that go with that is a trait that exists in every star soldier game and feels good here also. I suggest you check out Dezaemon its a 3d shooter containing two games and a full game editor it would be great for your Japanese section.

[@n64glennplant]

Yancade hand built games machines dezaemon is on my list too do, been wanting to do it for ages just haven't found a copy at a reasonable price yet :)

[@16BitBrothers]

Great review Glenn. Never played t so can't judge but it looks great but it needs more than that I guess ! :-)

[@hondamanvtec2894]

Never played this before 😮 gonna play it tonight 😀

[@n64glennplant]

how did you like it>

[@DanieluYoshikoto]

Gradius (4) was made in 3D, but sadly only was released in arcades and on the Playstation 2 (as Gradius 3&4). But then again... I don't think many people would have wanted to try and ressurect this genre, as games like Lylatwars... erm sorry... Starfox 64 had taken over.

[@Gunnerholic]

Sin and Punishment?

[@SPac316]

I have bought this game not to long ago. I think it's good game overall, even if it's just above average.

[@AirZonkWorldChamp]

I personally liked the game but the weak visuals and weapon variety could have help the game shine a bit better.

[@RetroGameThrowdown1]

Oh I looked it up and guess what. I found a copy at my local pawn shop for 10 bucks. Turns out it is pretty cheap here.

[@andrewlawrence5934]

I subbed to Nintendo power back in the day, and I don't even remember hearing of this game back then. they really didn't promote it. I only heard of it yesterday.

[@XpRnz]

The most Playstation-esque title on the N64.

[@chrisbg99]

Looks decent enough if not a bit muddy looking.

[@gamerover1744]

I brang one of those from my trip to japan last year (considering I am also a fan of shoot'em up, I had to own the only one released on th en64) sadly, I haven't played this much to the game, and the few minutes I spent with it weren't particulary memorable... I guess the n64 was no match to the sega saturn for shooters and the controller really doesn't help... Too bad, the star soldier serie deserved better.

[@yandman26]

It isnt the only one there is also Dezaemon and it allows you to also create your own games.

[@tadpole1313]

Yea I can see getting that being a pain in the ass. Hopefully I can get that game knocked out of the way soon.

[@LegendoftheAce1]

This 1 seems like it could be made coop. Why aren't there more coops on the n64. There are 4 ports by default come on. I am talking about coop. where you can play together as a team. Not against each other like mk trilogy or goldeye multi-player

[@JackDaScarecrow]

I'm picturing you in a top hat wearing a monocle and drinking tea with....biscuits....

[@eddy-fw7hv]

I have this game :)

[@n64glennplant]

Cool what do you make of it

[@jameshollingshead6492]

Totally awesome game!

[@iluvgrapedrank]

I never even heard of this game :-P

[@GATOxNORTE]

Hidden Gem so many secrets i was red plane all bullets homie

[@OldsXCool]

My brother has this game. It's complete pants compared to Super Star Soldier and Final Soldier on the Turbo/PC Engine. Many think it's underrated simply because it's the N64s only true shmup. Again the Playstation got blessed with all the good shmups like Raystorm which kinda looks like this game except it's awesome.

[@fazares]

an ok shooter 6/10

[@isleofwightdave2286]

Shame it`s disappointing overall, but it looks fantastic!

[@ChibbyTonx]

It seems like a nice game, but it's the first time I see it =/

[@HagenFlachmann]

I really wanna love this game but i really cant ... it is just so mediocre. The WiiWare sequel was disappointing as well cause it only had the 2min and 5min modes. Meh i would rather play some axelay(best shmup ever!) on the snes.