Steel Empire x Over Horizon reviewed

Steel Empire x Over Horizon reviewed

Out from ININ Games this month is a combination pack of Over Horizon and Steel Empire, a pair of early 90s games from Hot B.

1991’s Japan-release Over Horizon (released in Germany in 1992) was a NES game, and the 8-bitness of the R-Type-esque shooter is charming and furstrating in equal measure. However, it does have an interesting feature, a ship editor. This lets you spend points on enhancements to the craft. While not unique at that point in time - other games had ship upgrade options - it’s good to have, and affects the way you approach bosses.

(Interestingly, Over Horizon was originally conceived as a shoot-em-up maker, a bit like Shoot’em Up Construction Kit.)

My favourite of the two, however, is the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive title, Steel Empire. While the two games are apparently linked (but then so much is in Japanese pop culture) I don’t really see any particular similarities. Beyond the genre, gameplay is quite different, with Steel Empire sitting heavily astride the steampunk style. This is a faster game, with some striking design elements (such as attack windmills) and the option to switch between a feathered biplane and an airship as your craft.

Also included in this collection is the GBA version of Steel Empire, and the Japanese language editions of both games. The Game Boy Advance adaptation of Steel Empire is a touch more refined, and more suited to the Switch’s handheld mode. All three play great on a decent sized TV, though.

Steel Empire really does just edge it for me, with a better doe of world building and more mature levelling. The lightning weapon is good too, but the reverse shooting is possibly my favourite feature, reminding me of G-Darius.

All games have a Standard and Challenge Mode, the former adding quality of life save states and rewind, the latter providing a more authentic gaming experience. Both also have tweaks for controls, gameplay, and video (that’s where you’ll find the shaders and other related display tweaks).

This compilation is available worldwide for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. Check your local online stores for details.