SoulStar (Mega CD / Sega CD review)

Developer: Core Design
Publisher: Core Design
Released: 1994

SoulStar is a third-person shooter that's exclusive to Sega's CD add-on.

+ Provides incentive to keep improving your skills, as certain stages are locked behind the Normal and Hard difficulties.

+ Two-player mode is a fascinating addition, as it requires teamwork to steer and fire while managing your inventory.

+ Scenic backdrops are wildly varied, and the shift from on-rails areas to full 360° movement livens up the gameplay.

+ Graphics, draw distance and scaling effects are astounding, and the game engine has barely any hint of slowdown.

+ Cinematic music always knows the perfect time to transition songs to increase the intensity during battle.

- Some areas drag on forever and the 360° stages have an excessive number of targets you need to destroy.

- Challenge is brutal from early on, and even the difficulty select area is a real hurdle due to swarms of enemies.