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Thunder Force V: Perfect System

Mixed or average reviews
Based on 9 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 6 votes
Read user comments
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Game Info
Publisher: Working Designs
Developer: Tecno Soft
Genre(s): Action
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: May 21, 1998
Summary
In a grim future where a once-benevolent alien technology has turned against humanity, only a ragtag group of ace pilots can save the Earth from total annihilation. Code name: Thunder Force! This is the first installment of the massively popular shooter series on a 32-bit platform, and it's obvious from the moment your eyes and ears are overwhelmed by the audio-visual goodness. Five spectacular weapons with multiple power-up levels let you blast through the metallic menace and look good doing it. A constant barrage of innovative enemies keeps you intrigued while you're trying to stay alive. A speaker-imploding soundtrack has your foot tapping to the funky beat. Unbelievable rendered cutscenes don't just draw you, but drag you kicking and screaming into the action. Put simply, it's the ultimate blast-a-rama! [Working Designs]
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
IGN
An extremely solid representative of the shooter genre, although it certainly doesn't deliver anything you haven't experienced countless times before. Innovation-wise it gets a below average score, but in terms of enjoyment it's a winner. It's fun, it's furious, and it's highly recommended.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
Easily as good as "Raystorm" or "G-Darius" and tough competition for "Einhander", Thunder Force V is a shooting fan's dream
Read Full Review >PSX Nation
A good game in a genre that may have one foot in the grave. It isn't the most exciting, nor best shooter on the PlayStation but it does have some entertaining areas that might be enough to arise interest.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
Until you begin to understand how each of the weapons work and learn when and where to use them, the game just seems outrageously difficult and often frustrating (on the Normal or Hard difficulties, that is). Once you figure out which weapons work best in given situations however, things begin to get much more tolerable and you start enjoying the game a lot more. [Oct 1998]
PSM Magazine
Definitely for the hard-core shooting fan, as most will find it very difficult. No matter how futile it can seem, though, Thunder Force V is a solid, fun game that never makes you feel like you're wasting your time playing it. [Oct 1998]
Game Informer
Thunderforce's control is perfect; it is neither too sensitive, nor too sluggish. Plus, the player can adjust the speed at anytime. Trust us, without a perfect speed, Thunderforce V is nearly impossible. [Sept 1998]
Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
Suffers a bit in comparison to other recent releases in the genre, but is redeemed to a large extent by its excellent control and playability. [Oct 1998]
All Game Guide
When compared to its shooter contemporaries, "Einhander" and "G. Darius", Thunder Force V comes up lacking. Einhander has vastly superior graphics and more innovative gameplay. G.Darius has better looking bosses and backgrounds, longer levels and a killer two-player simultaneous mode.
Read Full Review >GamePro
The highly-detailed graphics create a cluttered screen, making it difficult to locate potential threats, so your success relies more on memorization than skill. [Oct 1998]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 6 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
J L gave it a9:
Great game!!! Holds well against time, even in 2005!!!
Savio gave it a10:
Simply the best side style shoot 'em up ever.
Roger B. gave it a10:
Far, far, far better than Einhander which is soporific and far better G-Darius. TFV is unique and probably the best shoot on PS.
