Phalanx

Developer: Zoom     Publisher: Kemco     Released: 1992     Genre: Shooter

Whenever Phalanx is brought up in conversation it is always in regard to its box art.  And that’s with good reason.  It is no exaggeration to say that it has one of the top ten worst covers of all time.  It’s up there with Karnaaj Rally, Ico and the Arkham City Game of the Year Edition.  Way to pat yourselves on the back there.  Rarely does anyone actually talk about the game itself.  It may come as a surprise that Phalanx is actually pretty good.  It didn’t set the world of shooters on fire but is still a good way to kill an afternoon.

In the year 2279 Earth begins planetary expeditions seeking new worlds to colonize. One such world named Delia initially seems perfect. But it isn’t long before a distress signal is sent warning of a hazardous leak. A lone pilot named Wink Baulfield is sent to investigate and possibly save the planet from this mysterious threat. Originally released on the X68000 the differences between the two versions are slight. This version is missing the animated intro and ending. Stage seven is different as well, featuring branching paths. While the computer version is better I think the SNES version is worthwhile and better than the later GBA port.

But that box art.…yeah. If there is anything Phalanx is known for it’s that ridiculous cover.  If you are wondering why a space shooter features a banjo playing old man on the cover, blame marketing. At the time shooters were a dime a dozen.  They also more or less featured the same design on the cover, a fancy shot of the main ship and some aliens. Kemco’s marketing partners tried something different to catch your attention and make you pick up the box. Did it work? Considering I bought the game for fifteen dollars a few months after release I’d say no. But at least they tried!

Phalanx has an extensive number of weapons and unlike most shooters of the time you can carry up to three. Each weapon equips your ship with two options that supplement your primary firepower. In addition each weapon can be further powered up. The laser pierces through enemies and is not especially strong but good at dealing with multiple enemies. The Energizer is a charge beam that fires multiple bolts depending on its level. Subsequent upgrades increasing the charge level. Homing is self-explanatory and a bit redundant as you can gain heat seeking missiles. The ricochet is especially useful on certain levels as its rebound effect makes particular sections of the game trivial. Combined with three types of missiles and unique smart bombs per weapon and that is a lot of firepower.

For a shooter Phalanx is pretty long at eight levels. While they aren’t all original it does have some standouts. Stage two is your standard water level with a twist. Rather than being completely submerged water only occupies the middle of the screen. It slows your movements but is also where power-ups and the only safe space from hazards lie. Phalanx has its homage to the battle against the giant battleship in R-Type in stage three. Here however you have free reign to roam around the ship to dismantle it in any order you like. While it starts out with a heavy tech vibe it starts to delve into the techno organic the close you get to the alien home world. That is probably the game’s only fault; while it does everything competently it lacks that one feature that would have set it apart outside of its nonsensical box art.

Reaching the end of Phalanx is a tough task.  Like the majority of shooters the game is incredibly difficult and at times insane even on the easiest setting.  You have shields that can withstand three hits but that isn’t enough, strange as it sounds.  Practically every enemy explodes in a hail of bullets that are hard to see against the backgrounds.  The game isn’t shy with power-ups but outside one or two most of them are weak.  If you die and lose all of your weapons you might as well start over.  Bosses are massive bullet sponges and the inconsistent sound effects make it hard to determine if you are hitting the right target.  I said this could kill a good afternoon; it’s more like a good week.

Phalanx is both technically impressive and a little disappointing.  The game features three or more layers of parallax scrolling in most levels which is incredible.  You’ll visit a diverse set of planets with some pretty incredible vistas.  The initial battle in the clouds eventually descends into the city below at night and is gorgeous.  Each stage is unique although the muted and overly brown color palette grows old.  Possibly the most impressive aspect is the minimal slowdown.  The game throws around a lot of sprites and only slows down during a few boss battles.  It really is impressive for such an understated release.  While I like the music the sound effects are incredibly weak, especially compared to the original release.

In Conclusion

Phalanx is a lot better than its reputation suggests.  Ignore the stupid box art and you’ll find one of the better shooters on the SNES.  It’s a bit difficult but still fun and is solid overall.