Assault Suit Leynos 2: The Saturn Mech Action You Need Now

Are you fond of giant robots, or as some might say, mechs? Well, I sure am! The thrill of climbing into an imposing metal exoskeleton and stomping around, just like Ripley at the end of Aliens, is hard to beat. Not only do you get to fire off volleys of missiles, either strapped to your wrist like a row of fireworks or mounted on your back in a mini-silo, but you can also jet around with rocket-powered feet!

However, it’s important to be cautious when discussing this topic with others. Some people are really passionate about mechs, and they might get quite animated when talking about them!

For some people, appreciating mechs (also known as mecha) is similar to a wine connoisseur’s love for oenology: they savor different versions and types, discuss designs, and even recognize artists. As a novice in this field, my first encounter with these machines was through the PlayStation game, “Metal Gear Solid,” where the main boss, a shaky pile of sharp grey polygons, acted like a laser-equipped dinosaur, screaming and beaming. The year before, “Assault Suit Leynos 2” was discreetly launched on the Saturn in Japan. This was for true enthusiasts. While the PlayStation outperformed the Saturn in terms of 3D graphics, if you preferred lavish 2D spritework and a dedicated library of niche games, the Saturn was your choice. Now, thanks to developer City Connection, “Assault Suit Leynos 2” is available on current-generation consoles.

The updates are modest: they include a simple save function, rewinding capability, customizable controls, and minor display adjustments. You can add scanlines and soften the image with anti-aliasing. Unfortunately, there’s no widescreen mode, which could have enhanced the scenery. I appreciate the variety of backgrounds, but they don’t seem to form a unified narrative. You transition from lush, forested areas to barren mountains, from empty hangars to a starship hull – all classic genre elements, although a clear story might be desired for these elements to make sense together.

In the world of Assault Suit Leynos 2, I find myself as Kyle, the daydreamer with a knack for style akin to Deckard from Blade Runner. Accompanying me are my comrades: George, whose jaw alone could take down an enemy; Maria, the determined one with her pink hoop earrings and strong spirit; Dolph, the rugged rock-like soldier eager for battle; and Eddy, the roguishly charming blondie. We’re part of the 12th Special Force, a team of mech pilots, and as Maria puts it before our first mission: “They only call us when they’re in deep trouble.

Once more, what’s the point of a story when you have an introductory cinematic, with rather emotional low-quality CGI, depicting a plane flying through stormy skies, accompanied by a drum machine going berserk and the words “ASSAULT SUIT LEYNOS” spray-painted in the sky? It’s all about setting the tone, something not seen often these days. And I must admit, Eddy quickly gets to the essence of the game: “It’s high time for us to do what we excel at and eliminate them.” Indeed. I’m pleased to say that the elimination process is well-balanced. The action is intense, and you need to pay close attention to different readouts and radars. There are shields, shotguns, rifles, and yes, missiles to consider. Each gunfight produces a clear sound, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed and sloppy.

The original creator, NCS Corporation, didn’t shy away from taking you on a rollercoaster ride, with dangers looming from every direction. Meanwhile, the lead director, Tomohiro Endo, wasn’t hesitant to make you scrutinize complex data grids during downtime, helping in the choice of weapons to refine. Such dedication from the audience would have been disappointed by anything less. City Connection offers a range of user-friendly guides, including instructions on intricate mechanics. However, I found it more engaging to jump into battles and learn as I went. The real charm of City Connection’s Saturn Tribute series lies not in its emulation enhancements, although they are a welcome bonus, but in recreating past excitement and allowing us to explore these nostalgic thrills at our own pace. This could be seen as an exceptional rewind feature.

2025-04-24 23:12

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Assault Suit Leynos 2: The Saturn Mech Action You Need Now

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