Ghost Blade HD Review

This game was covered with a provided code from HUCAST/2DREAM CORPORATION in purposes of review for this game, a humble thank you to them!

Ghost Blade HD is a arcade shmup from a company based in Germany called HUCAST. Which seemingly have some love towards arcade style shmups. Back in September 27^th, 2015 they released a brand new Dreamcast title by the name of Ghost Blade. It has received some praise, other opinions ruled the game off as a good shmup. Has since then the team banded together to improve on the game? Or just enhance its visuals for more modern platforms for others to get to grip their fingers onto. Personally I have never played the original port. I do own a Dreamcast, but I am one of the type who do not believe in bootlegging games such as this. However I have seen copies range affordable so I might get the game in the future to compare for my own sake in house. So to compare notes I did use the most valuable tool in the world. Google. From there looked up a play through of the game in it self so I may get some ideas of improvement. Here is the video I borrowed to take a peak.

So I was given a copy of the game for Playstation 4, after having a quick install. I was intruded by what I was getting into. Which off the bat was super sharp looking visuals. Noticing off the bat a extra item on the main menu, “Leader-boards” (which were filled with insane high scores, bravo to those players!)., and smoother frame rates from the original, which obviously had some throttle on the dreamcast system. They have did small things like refine the difficulty selection, and sharpen all of the visuals. Past that there are a few things that could have been added, but mostly for those coming in fresh. A demo while on the selection screen of what ship does what via projectiles. There is so much space on the screen specially with HD monitors/televisions. Side from side banners with art.

The gameplay it self feels as if I am playing a arcade-like shmup. Controls, which are a big make or break for me was spot on. Usually response times are important to me, and perhaps everyone else out there. You are given several sages, with large as hell bosses. Bosses are your usual bullet sponges. It becomes addicting to go toe to toe dodging bullets, and collecting coins from defeated enemies projectiles. Granting your usually so much points given as a extra life. Enemies give you power ups such as bullet spread, damage and speed. As per usual from other shmups, one hit kills you and its one life lost until you see the game over screen. Which for new players to the style of gameplay will be seeing that quite often. I really got drawn into the games stage design. The backdrops having a crisp visual presentation.

In Closing:

Ghost Blade HD is a delight of a game that has its slight issues. However will have many shmup fans enjoying it. If you love a fun bullet hell game, pick this up. It controls wonderfully, the soundtrack is popping, and is challenging enough to keep you playing until you master it.

– Recommended –