Fast Striker
A fast-paced vertical shooter with adjustable difficulty and scoring systems.
Fast Striker is a vertically scrolling shooter developed and published by NG:Dev.Team, originally released for the Neo Geo MVS in 2010. It was later ported to several platforms including the PlayStation Vita. The game emphasizes fast-paced reflex action and an elaborate scoring system, distinguishing it from the developer's earlier title Last Hope.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- NG:Dev.Team
- Designer
- René Hellwig; Timm Hellwig
- Artist
- Antone Pires; Steven Wen
- Composer
- Christian Werdehausen; Ronny Leuendorf
- Platforms
- Dreamcast
- iOS
- Neo Geo
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation Vita
- Released
- June 30, 2010 (WW)
- Genre
- Scrolling shooter
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Fast Striker is a science fiction-themed vertically scrolling shoot 'em up in which the player controls a space fighter craft through six increasingly difficult stages, defeating enemy forces and bosses. Three difficulty modes are available: Novice, Original, and Maniac, each with unique scoring systems. Novice mode alters enemy color palettes for visibility and awards points for golden stars. Original mode provides a shield and a rocket burst. Maniac mode introduces Grind Mode for high scores.
Development
Fast Striker was developed by NG:Dev.Team in conjunction with HUCAST's DUX over six years as their second project, after the Hellwig brothers founded the company and completed Last Hope. The team focused on fast-paced reflex action and an elaborate scoring system, contrasting with Last Hope's emphasis on level memorization. Development used a Neo Geo development kit, with beta testing from German shooter communities Triggerzone and Daddelking. Twinkle Star Sprites designer Yoshiyasu Matsushita tested the game and offered advice. The team received quality approval from SNK Playmore but did not obtain a license due to complications with reviving the Neo Geo platform. The game runs at 60 frames per second and displays up to 180 simultaneous enemy bullets. Music was co-composed by Christian Werdehausen and Ronny Leuendorf. A two-player mode was planned but scrapped due to technical issues.
Release
Fast Striker launched for the Neo Geo MVS on June 30, 2010, and a limited run came with a soundtrack album. Its 1560 megabit size makes it among the biggest titles ever made for that system. The MVS cartridge includes a USB port for software updates and uses custom hardware to block piracy. A Dreamcast version called Fast Striker 1.5 arrived in December 2010, adding an Omake mode and sold in several editions. An iOS port, based on the Dreamcast release, hit North America on March 27, 2011, and Europe on April 22 that year. In 2013, a Neo Geo AES version appeared, limited to between 150 and 200 copies. Eastasiasoft brought the game to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita via PlayStation Network in October 2018, and also issued a physical edition through Play-Asia in a special cardboard box with embossed front art.
Reception
Fast Striker received mixed or average reviews according to Metacritic. Sales totaled 60% of Last Hope. ReVivals Cyril Denis called it an excellent shoot 'em up. Carlos Oliveiros of GamesTribune praised the art design, techno soundtrack, enemy variety, and adjustable difficulty but criticized the Dreamcast conversion for being a straightforward adaptation, monochrome stage visuals, and lack of two-player mode. Retro Gamers commended its fast-paced action, attack formations, bosses, bullet patterns, music, mechanics, and scoring system. Jeuxvideo.com criticized the graphics, techno soundtrack, and length but praised scoring, gameplay, and adjustable difficulty. MAN!AC commended the Dreamcast version's framerate, Omake mode, scoring system, and soundtrack but criticized monotonous colors and bullet abundance. RetroManiac commended the balancing, scoring, visuals, speed, and music. Vida Extra criticized the PlayStation Vita version for lacking additional options and ugly 3D stage design but praised bosses and gameplay differences. Push Square criticized the PlayStation 4 port's Neo Geo-style graphics, lack of options, and basic gameplay but praised the soundtrack. Oprainfalls gave a positive outlook on PS Vita, praising music, bosses, visuals, and gameplay but criticizing the power-up system.
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