Legion - Spinner 87 Longplay (Arcade) [QHD]

Game Info
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Developer: Nichibutsu
Publisher: Nichibutsu
Year of Release: 1987

Game Review & Impressions
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The title of this game might not exactly roll off the tongue, but I reckon this vertical shoot 'em up from Nichibutsu is a bit of a hidden gem. It reminded me of Namco's Dragon Spirit, although I think this is the better game.

Firstly, I think the graphics are awesome. There's a surprising level of detail to both artwork and animation, including animated tank tracks on enemy ground vehicles, and shadows for everything from aircraft to buildings, really giving everything a sense of perspective.

Secondly, the power-up system is actually pretty innovative for the time. Any ground troops you liberate will occupy vacant gunner positions on the four corners of your craft, providing covering fire in a arc that surrounds your craft. Further more, additional troops you collect can be transferred to one of the flying rescue vehicles -- indicated by the red cross -- for bonus points; you need to reverse your craft so the rear tailgate is positioned over the front of the rescue vehicle, at which point you'll see the tiny soldiers hop on over, for which you'll receive a healthy number of bonus points.

As for the core game loop, it's pretty standard stuff. You shoot air and ground-based targets, turrets and other defensive structures. Certain zones give you the option to take "shortcuts" to other areas, although I think this just gives some variance to the order in which you tackle the levels, rather than skip them completely. It's certainly a challenging game, but definitely one worth trying.

Chapters
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00:00 Attract mode
00:15 Gameplay
20:15 Final Boss