Einhander - Squaresoft's Underappreciated PS1 Classic

[@SomaKitsune]

This game absolutely deserves a HD remake or sequel.

[@Moperator54]

I agree. A lot.

[@windscar15]

The most we got was a cameo of one of the bosses for the gummi ship segments in Kingdom Hearts 3.

[@felipek.165]

I need it on Switch.

[@AwesomestParks]

Amen

[@Gatorade69]

Even just a remaster would be nice. Clean up the PS1 Warbly textures, add some anti-ailising, increase the resolution, add higher res 2d assets and it's good to go.

[@MotoMoto136]

Einhander blew me away as a kid. Such a great game and barely anyone has even heard of it

[@benjaminkamm6031]

I got one for Christmas. 20 years late, it's amazing.

[@nomuru2d]

The references in KH3 were more because the director and most of the staff who did Einhander were tasked with making the Gummi segments. Really absolutely beautiful when a studio lets its creators be self-indulgent, even if just slightly.

[@Abs0lut3_ZER0]

Bro when i got to that part of the gummi cruise i almost cried that boss fight brought back so many memories and ptsd from playing that game

[@amandamedina2533]

I’ve always said EINHÄNDER is criminally underrated!!! No joke this game is on my top 10 PS1 soundtrack games. The soundtrack was waaaaay ahead of its time it still holds up to this day. I can’t express how lucky and happy I was to get a CIB physical copy of this game for my PS1 collection. It’s so sad how this game died and never to be seen again.

[@MidBoss666]

Fun fact, the rap segment of the "Shudder" track is actually a stock track used by a few more games, most notably Street Fighter 3: Third Strike in it's basketball minigame theme.

[@shogunblade]

That makes me wonder if that is why the game has never made it to any digital retailers or allowed any reboots: No one can get the rights to the original music. Edit: specifically the stock tracks

[@SpreadLoveEverybody]

It's god to see someone appreciate Einhander!

[@rageagainstmyhairline5574]

It's god?! Where?! Tell him I was just practising so I knew what to avoid and didn't masturbate by accident. Many thanks.

[@GusRokk]

22:22 Clearly the pilot did not died, he was MIA. That ending with the footsteps give the hints to a possible sequel as well. (Not happening though)

[@kongfeet81]

criminally underrated

[@frankjager2420]

All these years, I still find this to be one of the best side scroller space shooters ever created. The overall soundtrack really helped make it so much more memorable

[@pandutney171]

This review nails everything about this amazing game! Good work sir, love to see Einhander getting the recognition it deserves.

[@SeanSeanson]

Appreciate the comment! Thanks for watching :)

[@bustedrocketeer]

I cried myself in the store as a kid to have my mom get the einhander when I saw the disc cover because it was really cool. Guess those tantrums was worth it since this was the best shooters i've played

[@zerocal76]

😅😅 worth it to play it + price appreciation now. Most copies in good condition are $100+ and sealed copies are $500-600. I regret not buying a sealed copy like 5 yrs ago!

[@meechp123]

This game is one of my favorites on the PS. Good memories from my HS days, playing this after school and then after work.

[@wrena79]

Freakin' love Einhander. Blew me away on release. Needs the HD treatment - would buy in an instant

[@theonetruespice]

Shoutouts to the reference in one of the dungeons in FF14 where the first boss 'Einhander' is a giant bird carrying a gattling gun in it's claws. Also even by PS1 standards, the OST in einhander is worth the cost alone. *chef kiss*

[@SeanSeanson]

Keeper of the lake squad rise up!

[@espelhodasconstelacoes]

​@@SeanSeanson awesome analysis! Always glad to see this game get some recognition! God bless ya and Jesus loves ya!

[@vaevictis_]

Einhinder was a hidden gem. It was perfect: gameplay, graphics, music, sound effects, presentation, secrets, and FUN!

[@DrDipsh1t]

The one thing that was missed: secret weapons! Those were amazing finds when I stumbled across them.

[@noxanneballadynasowacka6125]

I think I am the only person in Poland who was lucky enough to have had a copy of Einhander as well as Chocobo's Dungeon 2 in the 90's. I have no clue how I got my hands on either of these (apparently my dad had a friend who had an enormous weeaboo son) but they were my introduction to the world of Japanese media. Permanently embedding an idea in my mind that Squaresoft was _the_ company that made outstanding games with incredible visuals, music and atmosphere. I would've never been the person I am without these titles, they've influenced so many of my sensibilities as an artist. I am so happy to finally hear to someone talk about these games in great length, since I care for them a lot more than I do about FINAL FANTASY or other things that Squaresoft is predominantly known for. So thank you!

[@noxanneballadynasowacka6125]

A couple of fun regional differences between the Japanese version and the western version (I've only extensively played the Japanese version, don't ask): - the narrative black and white scrolling text from the attract mode and between cinematics is slightly different; - Japanese version has a fourth difficulty, referred to as 'Free', with unlimited continues, but also no scoring system; - the Earth's capital in the Japanese version is called Sodom, as opposed to Gesetz.

[@captainsquarters1030]

Only had the demo version, but I replayed it a ton as a kid.

[@tatonghudas]

man this is one of the most memorable game I've ever played on PS1. I remember there are alternate routes you can access on the stages. I love this game to the point that this is my very first Rick Roll experience checking out if Einhander II rumors were true back in the day.

[@audreyazwell]

this game is so criminally underrated, great video

[@iviaverick52]

Einhander is basically Contra with spaceships. It's amazing!

[@jrmizzgaminglounge]

Just picked this up. Forgot the name for so long. Recently I saw it at a game store for 100 bucks so I traded in a bunch of call of duty stuff and got it super cheap. I love it! It’s so underrated.

[@zerocal76]

U came uppp brotha. Einhanders only going up in value 🤑

[@ProjectPhoenix21]

I was feeling nostalgic tonight so I decided to boot up the game on my emulator and then came to KZbin and found this video. I feel exactly the same way about this game as you do and it absolutely deserves a spot in the PS1 Classics section of the PS Plus subscription. I would have no problem paying for the expensive tier just for this game if it got trophy support. Also, good job on your gameplay capture being in hard mode to truly show how freaking chaotic and brutal the gameplay can be. I have probably finished this game hundreds of times as I’ve been playing it since I was 11 back in 99.

[@TheRealDustinNunn]

I remember playing this old game on a PS1 sampler disc.

[@Neo......]

me to from a pizza hut promotion

[@IFinishedAVideoGame]

My dude I feel your pain on all those PS1 Square games we missed out in the PAL region. It's just brutal haha

[@hybralisk]

This is easily one of my favorite console games of all time. I lucked out and had a demo disc with this lovely title on it. It only featured the first level, but I was instantly hooked. I managed to save up my rupees to pick up a used full copy a couple years later. I used to have a college radio station show and I'd play at least 1 or 2 tracks from the OST every Friday night, for years. I let a friend borrow that copy I had, but lost touch with them. I found out years later that they sold all of their ps1 games to a gamestop or something. Likely for mere pennies. So sad! I did get another copy and one with a jewel case and manual this time. Sadly again, I let another friend borrow that one and... haven't seen it since. I should go hang with them again and get it back. XD

[@KingNull_]

Me too! The demo disc i had it on was from freaking Pizza Hut! I also remember Ape Escape being on there! The 90s were wild!

[@Moperator54]

I had a Toys R Us demo disc. Never actually got the game, but I decided to just get an emulator. The game is now really expensive to get.

[@vienlacrose]

I no shit had this happen to my dad, and he held a copy of this as collateral. I practically inherited it and it's why i like mecha.

[@zachlaabs5257]

One of my favorite underrated games with a killer soundtrack

[@ShadOzward]

WHERE ARE ALL OF YOUR SUBS!?!? This video is some of the best quality content I've found on the entire platform in a long time, definite sub from me. Glory with the moon, mercy on the earth!

[@cycogod]

Great game. My fav ps1 game

[@kizashikaze9066]

As a huge Einhänder fan and one who made a fanfiction based on it back in 99, I greatly appreciate this! I’ve played this damn game consistently until 2005 then every other year still to now. I have YET to beat it on the hardest level with no deaths. However, that’s a challenge I’m still going to take m.

[@PRsGrabBag]

I remember playing the demo of this game for HOURS back in the day. I completely forgot about it until now. Thanks for bringing this back from my subconscious

[@SeanSeanson]

Happy to help 😁 Appreciate the comment, thanks for checking out the video!

[@coreym162]

How did you forget this gold? Especially with that epic intro to the first level with the operatic music and glimpse of the city. Nothing like it.

[@wavefile1674]

This is one of the games that I religiously play and finish at least once a year. Some games on my list are Castlevania SOTN, Dewprism, Gitaroo man (PS2), Ghostbusters (Genesis)

[@Fattydeposit]

The game was directed by an ex-Konami dude who'd worked on Gradius II and Xexex, a man who knew what exactly what he was doing.

[@Floubert]

Sean Seanson, let me tell you. Einhander is my favorite PS1 game, might be my favorite game of all time. Used to play a lot as a kid, the soundtrack is embeded in my brain, my favorites are Badlands, Dawn and Impatience. I can recall from memory every level and every segment. I even dream about this game from time to time, thats the mark it left on me. Thank you so much for this awesome video. Wish square would do something with this IP other than cameos

[@noobcola]

This was one of my favorite obscure video games that I played when I was a kid!

[@arthurserino2254]

Excellent explanation of the game and the story

[@kiDchemical]

I pretty much only play shmups nowadays, they are just what I enjoy for whatever reason. "It feels impossible until it's not" is a perfect description of most of them (at least the good ones). This is a great video, I've been watching your videos the last couple of days, they are all top notch.

[@SeanSeanson]

Appreciate the kind words, thanks for watching! :)

[@jaybmt3821]

I remember this game being so hard, it was my dad who finished this game. Man.. thise were the days. One of the best ps games we ever had back then. Thanks very much for the video. I never knew there were so much in this game up until now. Thebalternate endings, unlockables, heck, even the lore itself is pretty interesting.

[@ctomfaith]

Einhander is goat. OST is goat. I have spoken. Keep up the awesome work Mr.Sean.

[@CoyotePark]

Played this as a kid for YEARS. Loved it even though I could barely get past the spider tunnel thing. I think water level was the next one.

[@SeanSeanson]

Correct, that's when the game really begins to spike in difficulty... The water level is the worst! Appreciate the comment and thanks for checking out the video :)

[@darwinroy1131]

I guess I'm quite randomly asking but does anyone know of a good site to watch newly released series online?

[@samuellucca2322]

@Darwin Roy I use FlixZone. Just search on google for it =)

[@terrellisaias4279]

@Samuel Lucca yea, have been watching on Flixzone for since april myself :D

[@darwinroy1131]

@Samuel Lucca thanks, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there =) I really appreciate it!!

[@lukemacinnes5124]

I'd like to see a video on racing lagoon honestly, it's got a translation and is surprisingly fun and the story is better than i was expecting

[@liampalmer7527]

Nice work, man. Excellent review!

[@admiralstiffplank]

Beating hard without using any continues will give you an awesome version of the Mk. I that will give you 9999 ammo every time you get a gunpod. Using a flash on each pod will make you unstoppable.

[@Wolfpounder]

Flash and Juno honestly. Both of those were so overpowered.

[@veryblurry]

Wow what a great review man! So happy I found your channel, I’ve been searching for a great video game essayist that talks about more obscure games for a while now. I learned a lot from this video, good job!

[@SeanSeanson]

Really appreciate the comment, glad you enjoyed it :)

[@startyde]

Amazing review, thank you so much for taking the time!

[@andersdenkend]

Pretty nice game, yes. As a German I especially enjoyed the german voice bits through out. Unfortunately I discovered Einhänder AFTER R-Type Delta and thus wasn't that much into it at the time.

[@chibikykiske]

i remember getting einhander and my PSX for my birthday in '98 when i was in 5th grade. I remember my friends and i were straight up obsessed with it and have been ever since. I make it a point to play through it once annually, and it still is amazing, the pacing, the gameplay, the music, my goodness the music! I'm glad squenix is still referencing it here and there like in KH3 or in FFXIV and World of Final Fantasy, but I would like to see a re-release or something at some point lol

[@SephirothArcaina8902]

I want a remaster so bad... I had the demo on Ps1 and sunk thousands of hours in the demo when I was younger.

[@robostomp19]

Great review, man. I saw this game for the first time just the last week because a mate who's doing extremely well at speedrunning Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain streamed it on his twitch. And what has got my attention first - is the badass OST, OMG! Now it's in my playlist every day. Gotta give a try the game itself too... thought I play Syphon Filter series almost alone, lol. :D

[@SeanSeanson]

Thanks for watching! I'd love to cover the Syphon Filter games at some point on the channel. Only played them briefly years ago, I'm more familiar with the PSP releases compared the the PS1 games and Omega Strain, but they look like they hold up pretty well nowadays.

[@robostomp19]

@@SeanSeanson Reviewing Syphon Filter would be super awesome! The series deserves the love for sure. If you'll come up with some questions about the story and its nuances when making the video about the games, please, feel free to ask at these dedicated servers: Syphon Filter Online: discord.gg/S4ytudz4d9 Syphon Filter Central: discord.gg/QDUvJdV We'll be glad to help ya! In any case, join these just for fun anyway.

[@SeanSeanson]

Thanks you, that will definately be a useful resource. It's a really interesting series. I remember reading about its early development and its still mind blowing that it is was worked on by a good chunk of the same team that developed Busby 3D. What a turnaround in quality from game to game!

[@digitalpollution]

Still one of the best shooters on the PS1. That and R Type Delta

[@VicViperT301Pilot]

It was the only rare ps1 game I owned, I managed to buy it for $30 around 2010. I personally didn’t care for the game’s attempt at a plot, but I did appreciate it for being a lot of fun to play.

[@jewymcjewjew9939]

I found your channel through this video a couple weeks ago. Like your stuff a lot and have been recommending it.

[@SeanSeanson]

Appreciate it friend! Glad you enjoy the videos :)

[@Wolfpounder]

Einhander is one of my most favorite games of all time. I still pick it up to play often on emulators between my phone and PC.

[@GnightOwl]

I was thinking about the music and found this video in appreciation

[@PatKerleyVA]

This is definitely an interesting one! It has a surprising amount of depth for a side scroller shooter that you just wouldn't expect! Kinda sickening it didn't get a PAL release, be a nice one to get! Brilliant review man!

[@SeanSeanson]

Yeah it's a heartbreaker, but those who know really love it, so it's all about getting its name out there for more people to check it out! Appreciate the comment, thanks as always for watching 😁

[@AspiringD3v]

I want Einhander: Reborn

[@ITSAHARDNUGLIFE]

Might have seen this game once back in the 90s, but as for its soundtrack, that I discovered 3 years ago. What a wild ride it's been. Its atmosphere is similar to Starcraft and the cloud levels in Frogger 1 for the PS1 and PC. I love games that kind of carried that torch for me like Gradius V, Tekken 4, Gran Turismo 3, Mario Galaxy 1 & 2.

[@esdrimshameimaru1286]

Einhander era el Metal Gear Rising de PS1, and it was also the Dark Souls of shoot 'em ups

[@overFINEthousand]

I just turned 37 and I remember playing this game at my friend's house on his PlayStation 1. This game is awesome I was instantly hooked by the whole design of the ships we piloted, the graphics, story and soundtrack. It reminds me of another game I was playing around that time, Project: Horned Owl. A gun shooter by Konami🙌 that felt other worldly and gritty. The whole machine and moving parts feel... Ahhh, sweet nostalgia induced dopamine rush .... 👦🏽🎮 📺🎮🧑🏻

[@saimysilvia]

I was amazed that your weapons was extra armor.

[@EVG_KatsujinKen]

Great video! Ah the nostalgia of this classic awesome hidden gem of a shooter! This game blew my mind when I first saw and played this game, oh so many years ago! I loved the soundtrack too! Square should definitely consider a remake / follow up!

[@Cerbskies]

I like rewatching this every now and then. Its just such a good game. As a kid, I never got the story but its neat comin back to it years later, realizing what went down.

[@stevencuellarart9495]

I remember playing the demo as a teenager. I spent hours on it, but never bought the actual game, did not have the money. And now that I see your video I want to play it but it’s hard to find a copy and it’s really expensive too.

[@TabbyNickel]

Just got recommended your channel, great video and keep up the content!

[@dyl_pickle16-mta48]

I was introduced to this game in the way that most people were, and that was through playing the sampler discs for the PS1. It really is an underrated classic. I still have my copy of the sampler disc and PS1, and I enjoy playing the first level over and over again. I’d really like to play the full game, but it’s highly unlikely that I’ll ever get my hands on a copy. At least I can play the game through an online emulator.

[@JosephAlanMeador]

Dude, this is an amazing retro review! I actually never owned the game back in the day, but i did get to play Einhander on a Playstation demo disc. And I played it a lot! I know that first boss battle music very well haha =) Great work!

[@SeanSeanson]

Apprecaite the comment! Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching :)

[@jabril4real637]

Me also. ✊🔥💯

[@Sinn0100]

Wow! I just found your channel today and watched the 3 hour Namco video. I thought surely that's got to be it right? How many videos can someone produce that are incredibly long and feature high quality content? Then I clicked your name to see what other videos you have and...I'm speechless. The answer to the question- How many feature length high quality videos can Sean Seanson create? Yes, all of them. Up-voted and subbed. ;) Addendum- Einhinder was such a rare game in the US (when it was new) that my best friend and I drove all across the state of Florida trying to find it. We skipped school for a solid week with the goal of tracking down a copy of Einhinder and Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together. I found Tactics Ogre but we never found Einhinder. Finally, we had enough and wanted to play it so badly that we modded our PSX's with the Stealth Chip and burned copies of the game just to play it. The game is absolutely incredible and should be played by all. There are only three shmup's that I like better...Thunder Force IV (Genesis), Radiant Silvergun (Saturn), and Last Resort (Neo Geo).

[@SeanSeanson]

Can't even fault your top three, all classics!

[@Sinn0100]

@@SeanSeanson Thank you my good sir!

[@deviancepurplehaze6045]

I still play it from time to time 24 years later. Sadly, the CD died long ago. Also to clarify the story at the end a bit. --- Spoiler --- - You recieved command from Hyperion the combat station which is the last boss. - You are not alone. You came in squad and each time you died you just swap control to other ships that just follow up to your location (according to the manual in Japanese). - The Moon expexted you to die in the process and all the follow up missions after the first one are improvised from your command. - The rocket that the Earth launched contain a very powerful combat sattellite that rival the fire power of the Hyperion and it was launched as a desperate counter attack because of you destroying a large chunk of Earth forces. - After you destroy Earth's combat sattelite, the Moon sent the EOS squad (unmanned fighter) to gift you one last glory: DEAD, so that all of your combat data will be use for the next batch of the EOS unmanned fighter program. - YOU FUCKING SURVIVED your betrayal! - 3 months later someone on the Earth surface repair and reequipped your ship and you flew back to the Moon to sent a FUCKING MESSAGE. - The Hyperion (your commander) demanded that you throw down your weapons and surrender so you FUKCED HER UP (mind you, this is the strongest battle station the Moon has.. no, had). - You proceed to fuck the entire Moon forces like you had done with the Earth forces (sadly, in cutscene). - Both side had enough of your very passionate messages and end the war. - You and your squadmates end the world war! (Bonus point if you never die) - After the end credit: YOU STILL SURVIVE!!!

[@beyondpain101]

One of my favorite games ever. I don't know where my copy went but I still have my save 😂

[@Nathan-rb3qp]

Imagine if Germany got this game back then. They wouldn't even have to find a translation online to understand the dialogue.

[@Ladylubber]

Awesome review!

[@300ZXCRAZE]

I just found this channel trying to see if Small Soldiers for the PS1 was a good or bad game. I'm so glad I did!

[@orangejjay]

I. Love. This. Game. Back in the PlayStation days I just couldn't get in to games like I used to. I played FF7 and MGS and loved those, PE was cool, and Brave Fencer Musashi too ... but that was it. I couldn't find anything else to hold my interest but then I ended up with a Pizza Hut demo CD and on it was an Einhander demo. I played and replyed that demo so many times. Never played the full game and now I think I should. ❤❤

[@shardoftears]

I remember beating the Japanese import version at 7 years old and I must say, finally someone also appreciates it. Also, the colossal machine in the tunnel scared me >:(

[@KennethGore-v1j]

Incredible outro. 🎉

[@dragonjegg82]

I used to spend the night at my best friend's house when we were kids and after playing til 2 am we'd crash with the music playing loud af. Used to burn into the tv lmao

[@BlackZeroEX]

I had always remembered this game from the demo disk until I actually played it fully It’s bgm was amazing and it was always in my head until KH3 had Schwarzgeist as a secret boss and I literally remembered it completely (using the Endymion gumi ship to fight it plays Thermosphere as the bgm)

[@MOHA_BLACK_EPOQUE]

nice video,We appreciate your efforts, thnks bro ;)

[@AneudiD78]

The year was 1999 and my friend bought the game and didn't like it, so he offered it to me for $20. Hands down, the best game I've played on the PS1 and I still have it in my collection.

[@ThePerro]

I still have my original copy of the game and that soundtrack bops! I love Yoko’s stage theme the most

[@redcrimson1028]

Einhander is a classic! I use the music as my intro sometimes. It boggs the mind how they never ported the game to switch or release a remaster or a follow up? Best game which is worth a lot of money now physically

[@rageagainstmyhairline5574]

It's also a greatsword in Final Fantasy XI, just for a further bit of trivia :D Good video, man.

[@TheTruth232323]

I never played the full game but I remember playing the hell out of the demo over and over

[@GoogsMindbent]

@5:57 the Riot is not the railgun of the game, that spot is reserved for the Flash. the Riot is an electrical shock attack weapon sir! how you got E-magnetic RAILGUN from LIGHTING BOLTS is beyond me 😅🤣 Still good to see this game getting the attention it deserves so thanks for making this sir!

[@QueenLiliTheRed]

As a 90s kid I agree

[@FearBoo]

great review, played it on my PSP more than 10 years ago

[@stephenkillzstuff5654]

Loved filling my ps classic with some of these obscure non EU released titles. I'm not big into shmups but Einhander is such a cool game

[@shizuwolf]

I remember playing a section of this on a demo disc. Pretty fun from what I remember

[@wewyllenium]

Nice. I really hope Square revisits this.

[@WMHeeney81]

I still have my original copy I got when it first came out, right when I got my first job. I remember being surprised at the idea of a Squaresoft shooter, but I still to this day play the hell out of that game. Always has been and always will be one of my favorites. 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@spacecat8748]

Great video. Thanks for the spoiler alert, stopped watching right there! I still haven't finished the game even once, even though it's one of my fav childhood games and have played it for years (the difficulty is that high), but enjoy each and every playthrough :)

[@S2k_GRsti]

This game is iconic!

[@2l84me8]

Great game. Love getting the secret red fighter with the Wasp and Flash combo at 9999 shots. It was crazy hard but worth it.

[@breakdanceexpress]

One of the best games. Maybe the best game.

[@Kinda_ANastyDude]

I remember having a demo disc with this on it, and i played that demo more than another demo as a kid. I should attempt to play the full game.

[@rosstee]

I heard about this game back in the nineties as I love the PS1, but being a PAL owner I never played it. Have a Japanese machine now though, so I think I’ll right that wrong. The soundtrack sounds incredible, like Wipeout 2097 quality. Hard to decide whether I love the Amiga or PlayStation more for game soundtracks, both have amazing examples.

[@Umbrellarocks]

I wish they'd digitally re-release this game, physical copies are going for $300-$600.

[@PiroKUSS]

Buy a japanese copy, mate. Cheaper and has a prettier cover.

[@FeelingShred]

Graphics and overall presentation reminds me of Alien Soldier (Sega Mega Drive)

[@SeanSeanson]

Oh, good shout! Alien Soldier is a lot of fun too.

[@Mike-nf6nf]

Square-Enix Music republished the Einhander soundtrack a while ago. I bought the CD and have it hanging on my wall in a shadowbox. Listen to it on nice headphones with a quality CD player! I recommend the Sennheiser HD600 and a Sony Discman D-25 if you can find one.

[@Cuchulainn90]

As a massive G police fan as a kid I remember looking at Einhander from afar in gaming magazines thinking how cool it looked....but then future cop came out and life was ok again.

[@SeanSeanson]

Future Cop coming in with the 2 player co-op and sorting life out indefinitely.

[@pandutney171]

I have to play G police again its been forever, love Future Cop LAPD as well, would be awesome to play COOP again.