90
MONSTER
Radiant Silvergun
Unlike in most other shoot 'em ups, there are no power-ups. All weapons are available from the start. Weapons can 'level up', however, becoming more powerful as the player uses them to score points. There are a selection of 7 weapons that can be used at any given time: The game is designed so that there is almost always a 'right' weapon for any situation. The bosses in the game are designed so that they have multiple 'sections' which, if all destroyed before the 'core' of the boss, will award the players with point bonuses. Being able to apply the right weapons on any different boss is key to obtaining these bonuses. For example, a boss may have two sections located on either side of the screen. You could immediately go up to one and begin shooting it with a vulcan, or you could hover in the centre and hit both at the same time with the side bombs. This would increase your chance of obtaining the bonus before the time limit runs out and the boss self-destructs. The game rewards players for "chaining" enemies of just one of three colors, red, blue, or yellow. Whenever the player kills three enemies that are of the same color, who can obtain a points bonus. This also facilitates faster upgrading of weapons.
Game analysis
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Reviews
11 reviews found100
NintendoBoy
Sep 28, 2022
Summary and quote unavailable.
92
33bits
Dec 6, 2024
Summary and quote unavailable.
90
Hardcore Gamer
Dec 4, 2023
Treasure’s library is filled with classics, from Gunstar Heroes to Bangai-O to Sin and Punishment, but Radiant Silvergun is an incredible achievement even for one of gaming history’s greatest pure-action developers.
90
TouchArcade
Sep 27, 2022
If you’re looking for a different sort of shooter, or perhaps one that has some similarities to Ikaruga, Radiant Silvergun has a lot to offer. It’s rare to see it rereleased, and the SEGA Saturn game infamously goes for a ridiculous sum, so having the experience available on Switch for such a reasonable price is great. The game plays well, but a few issues with the music and graphics could do with some ironing out. It’s perhaps a little too complicated for its own good at times, but give it your time and consideration and you’ll find it rewards you greatly. SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5 The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero ($39.99) What I will first say about Trails from Zero is that it is the first Legend of Heroes game on the Switch that actually works as a good jumping-on point for this lengthy and complicated series.
90
NookGaming
Sep 26, 2022
Summary and quote unavailable.
90
The Games Machine
Jan 8, 2024
Summary and quote unavailable.
90
Gamers Heroes
Nov 11, 2023
Radiant Silvergun is one of the best shmups of all time, and Live Wire’s release manages to capture Treasure’s treasure in the best light. For those who have yet to dive into its intricate world, this is a must play.
90
Hey Poor Player
Jan 22, 2024
Maybe that’s enough, though. Making one of the greatest SHMUPs ever released available to more players isn’t exactly nothing, and Radiant Silvergun still deserves that distinction even after all these years. Those just getting into the genre may want to cut their teeth on a few more forgiving titles before diving into this one, but SHMUP veterans should be ready for one of the most exciting games in the genre.
90
Nintendo Life
Sep 19, 2022
Clarifying Radiant Silvergun’s place in the genre is trivial in light of its achievement. It remains, despite its uncompromising nature, deservedly celebrated. The game wears its hardcore credentials on its sleeve, and its depth in both technical and artistic terms is astonishing. As stimulating and rewarding as it is exhausting, it’s a labour that has transcended not only the genre but the medium to some degree. Regardless of its difficulty — and in that difficulty, its lack of immediate connection — those who learn to fell the game proper can say they truly lived Radiant Silvergun. That’s an experience worth fighting for.
83
Video Chums
Nov 8, 2022
Radiant Silvergun remains one of my favourite shoot 'em ups of all time with its mind-blowing array of weaponry, steep challenge, and clever mechanics. It's been a long time since it released, though, so I was hoping there would be some new content included here.
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