Star Soldier [Model SHVC-SO]

Star Soldier © 1986 Hudson Soft [Hudson Group].

Star Soldier is a vertical shooter. A giant super computer called the Starbrain is poised to take over the galaxy. A pilot and his advanced space-fighter, the Caesar, are on the front line of battle and they are mankind's last hope against the imminent menace. The space fighter comes equipped with a Vulcan gun - the weapon can be upgraded to fire in multiple directions by collecting floating pods with a S stamped on them. The fighter can also gain a rotating shield and the almighty rapid-fire. Star Soldier is built around a score attack theme which focuses on achieving the highest score - consequently, levels are littered with tiles, large blocks and other destructive elements allowing the player to crank up his score.

The game features sixteen stages each one capped by a Star Brain boss and, interestingly, each one of them must be destroyed within a time limit. If the player fails to do so then the Star Brain escapes and the stage has to be played through again. Another unusual gameplay element of Star Soldier is the ability to fly the Caesar underneath certain the background to avoid enemies - however the ship can't fire in this mode.