Steel Empire was originally released for the Mega Drive back in 1992 before being re-released on the GBA and 3DS. It was remastered and released on Steam in 2018 but is now being released again as a new collection featuring all the different versions.
Fusion takes a look at the remastered PC version in anticipation of this exciting collection. As with many 2D shoot ’em-ups, you take control of an aircraft that must take down an evil force and save the world. In Steel Empire you have the choice of two ships, the zippy bi-plane and the powerful zeppelin.
This remaster is based on the 3DS game and features improved graphics and controls as well as Steam achievements. It’s set across seven harrowing levels filled with enemies and bosses and you can upgrade your guns and use bombs to get through the onslaught. You shoot backwards and forwards and automatically drop bombs to take out ground units.
Steel Empire uses a health bar system and lives that can be added to as you progress but these appear few and far between. The gameplay is easy to pick up and even novices to the genre will be able to get quite far on their first try. Veterans will be pleased with the level-up system that encourages 1cc play but may find the overall game a bit easy.
Graphically, Steel Empire looks fantastic thanks to its excellent steampunk setting and shiny new updates. Some of the bosses are ginormous and even the little grunt craft have their charms. There are some great set pieces to enjoy as well, most notably the chase through the caverns as you try to escape a huge fireball.
Fans of the genre will appreciate Steel Empire’s attention to detail and newcomers will enjoy the theatrical romp through the skies. If you played the original game this has just enough to warrant buying this remaster and those just looking for some quality, if a little easy, arcade fun should be giving this a go.
