Phelios (1988)

Phelios is an odd SHMUP. I was expected a generic shooting game with a thematic twist, but it turns out that the mechanics in this title are unusual, and unique.

The fact that you deal massive more damage holding down the first to charge up your shot and fire when releasing combined with very particular enemy positions (which are extremely predictable) creates something of a finesse type game where you are almost 'sniping' at enemies from max distance between you and them, picking them off as soon as they emerge. IT sounds fairly easy and it is, until they get too close, or when they shoot back.

powerups are very limited in this game (which is a huge flaw IMO) the gradius-styled trailing option (and pick it up again to add a second) is quite nice. Much of the enemy mob spawns are such that positioning a trailing option in contact with the enemy then releasing cannon is the ONLY way to kill some stuff without getting hit. a great example is the Griffon chase where charging enemies surge from behind you in a narrow tunnel.

Perhaps the most odd thing about Phelios isn't these slightly quirky (but not half bad) sniping/precision shooting mechanics but the fact this is probably the most text heavy SHMUP ever. Usually this is a genre where you get a whole 10 words in English and half of it usually consists of: 'Congradurations Hi-Scorer Please Enter Your Name!" But that would not satisfy the developers of Phelios! It would seem that the inspiration was to recreate an epic poem. You not only have lots of level intros and boss descriptions, but hints. you even have an in game 'manual' of sorts that describes a recount of your adventures through each level and boss, SHMUP-Lore told throughout the ages to appeal to the imagination, in rather wonky engrish.

In addition to this the game features quite a bit of rather nice digitized voice and PG-13 type manga scenes. I have to say the way the scenes progress is probably the highlight of the game.
It's at times a bit amusing and quite silly. Though some of them are quite nice looking

In the end I'm unsure of recommending this even though I did enjoy it quite a bit. Between the three difficulty modes and novelty of something different it was worth my while. It's also a very nice looking and sounding genesis title. Smacking down a boss-titan is usually something that requires executing technique and strategy and satisfying as well. BUT its also just strange enough that if you are looking to sit down and play a SHMUP you probably are expecting something more... particular?

I should mention that I managed to complete the novice campaign (first 5 levels) without any cheats. As far as Shoot 'em ups go, there's probably less titles on one hand I can actually say that is true of. After level 5 though, (the 'advanced' campaign on your second loop) the game gets insanely hard, particularly every boss fight will require emulation tricks or cheats.

I'll go back someday and play the arcade.. the arcade features quite a few other features such as melee attacks (you can hit them with your sword!) and bombs

So i notice a considerable amount of 1985-1995 era arcade machines don't have releases. I have been manually adding ones that have ports so i can keep tabs on releases that go on wishlist list vs played lists. I tend to use https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=9003 for info on dates. (often it's just year with these machines, maybe due to the way they would market and sell them) i hope thats OK!

This game looks interesting in both its arcade and genny counterparts. (looks like it has a good retroachievement set as well so i'll check it out tonight.)

Run and Gun and Shooting game genres that i've played on genesis are often sometimes pretty cool.