Ghost Blade HD

Also known as: N/A

Developer: HUCAST

Ghost Blade HD is a decent vertical scrolling shooter, which is the HD version of the Dreamcast game that was released in 2015. It’s not great, but it’s decent. It’s not going to convert anyone into being a fan of the genre. But if you like this type of game, there’s enough here to keep you occupied for a while. Basically, Ghost Blade HD is a bullet-hell shooter…though, it’s a little on the easy side. That doesn’t mean that you’ll easily make it through the game on your first try, mind you…but I did make it to the final boss before I ran out of lives and was unable to continue. And honestly, I think I could probably make my way through it with another attempt now that I’ve got a better handle on how the game plays. I own the Dreamcast version and played that after this just to verify that it’s the same game…and from what I can tell, someone feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, the HD version is the same game, but with a fresh coat of paint and a few minor additions like in-game trophies/achievements. I kind of prefer the look of the original - HD graphics are nice and all, but sometimes I think the grittier, jagged look of older graphics fits a game better…since I do prefer the older look, an option to revert to those graphics would have been nice. Looks aside, the minor additions to the game does make me give Ghost Blade HD the nod over the original. Anyway, if you like the genre, you’ll probably like Ghost Blade HD. If you’re a scrolling shooter snob, though, you’ll probably be underwhelmed with what Ghost Blade HD delivers.

Review added: 12/18/2021