Axelay

Infobox VG
title = Axelay


developer = Konami
publisher = Konami
designer = Hideo Ueda (main programmer)
Kazuhiko Ishida (supporting programmer)
composer = Taro Kudou
engine =
released = SNES
vgrelease|JP=September 11, 1992|NA=September 1992|PAL=September 30, 1993

Virtual Console
vgrelease|JP=May 7, 2008|PAL=October 12, 2007|NA=November 12, 2007
genre = Multi-scrolling shooter
modes = Single-player
ratings = vgratings|CERO=A|ESRB=E
platforms = Super Famicom/Super Nintendo, Virtual Console
media = 8-megabit cartridge
requirements =
input =

"Axelay" is a 2D shoot 'em up video game developed by Konami of Japan for the Super NES (SNES). It was launched on September 11, 1992 in Japan, later in that month in the United States, and on September 30, 1993 in Europe. The game was released on the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console service in Japan on May 7, 2008, Australia on October 12, 2007, and North America on November 12, 2007. [cite web | author=Christian | date=October 12, 2007 | title=Australian Virtual Console - October 12, 2007 | url=http://www.thetanooki.com/2007/10/11/australian-virtual-console-october-12-2007/ | work=TheTanooki.com | accessdate=2008-09-04] [cite web | author=Parish, Jeremy | date=November 12, 2007 | title=Retro Roundup 11/12: Axelay, Blue's Journey and Volleyball | url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3164309| work=1Up.com | accessdate=2008-09-04]

"Axelay" is a sci-fi scrolling-shooter in the same vein as other Konami titles such as "Life Force" ("Salamander") and "Gradius". The game features both horizontal and vertically scrolling levels, and allows the player to choose three different weapon-types, which increase in number as he or she progresses through the game.

The game was programmed by Hideo Ueda. Kazuhiko Ishida, credited with "support program" on "Axelay", later left Konami to help found Treasure Co. Ltd.cite web |url=http://sfkosmo.classicgaming.gamespy.com/treasure/related/axelay/axelay.html |title=SF Kosmo: Axelay |accessdate=2007-11-14 |format= |work=] Taro Kudou primarily composed the game's soundtrack.

Gameplay

"Axelay"'s gameplay varies quite a bit from that of traditional scrolling shooters. Instead of the player collecting weapon power-ups from defeated enemies in order to acquire more advanced weapons, the player earns weapons as he or she advances in the game. There are three weapon types with which the fighter is outfitted at the start of the level: a standard weapon, a special weapon, and a bomb or missile. The player may freely switch between each of these weapon types during a level. At the end of each level, a new choice of one of these types of weapons is added to the player's armory, and the player is given the ability to modify his or her fighter to suit the needs of the next level. Similar to Konami's own "Life Force", levels transition between vertical and horizontal scrolling layouts, forcing the player to select weapons that will be most effective for each level.cite web | author=Thomas, Lucas M. | date=November 27, 2007 | title=Axelay Review | url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/862/862777p1.html | work=IGN.com | accessdate=2008-09-09] Finally, the game eschews the standard one-hit-kill model prevalent in space shooters, instead simply disabling the currently selected weapon and reducing the player to a weak default version of that weapon type. Sustaining a second hit while using a weakened weapon will destroy the player's ship. However, directly colliding into an enemy will still destroy the ship instantly.

The game's graphics utilize the SNES mode 7 and parallax scrolling effects. Such visual effects combined with what was then seen as an advanced selection of weapons available, as well as the music score, made "Axelay" into a popular shooter for the SNES console.

Plot

"Axelay" takes place in the fictional solar system known as Illis. Once a peaceful system, it was invaded by an alien empire known as the Armada of Annihilation, taking over the planets of the Illis system, including the Earth-like Corliss (known in the Japanese version as "Mother"). As a last resort against the alien forces, the D117B Axelay fighter is sent out to recover its lost weaponry and put a stop to the invasion.

Having traversed the cloud covered Cumuluses, the space colony Tralieb, the largely-populated Urbanite, the watery Cavern, and Sector 3 Lava Planet, Axelay makes its way to the Armada of Annihilation's Fortress and completes its mission. At the end of the game on the hardest difficulty, after beating the game twice, a message promises a sequel to this game. [cite web | title=Axelay ending | url=http://www.vgmuseum.com/end/snes/a/axel.htm | work=vgmuseum.com | accessdate=2008-09-02] However, "Axelay 2" never materialized.

Music

"Axelay" was composed by Taro Kudou, credited as "Taro." The music was remixed by M.C. Ada. The soundtrack was released on a single 22-song disc on October 21, 1992, published by King Records. [cite web | title=Axelay Game Soundtrack | url=http://www.gmronline.com/info.asp?CatNumber=KICA-7606 | accessdate=2008-09-03] The track "Unkai" was included on the "Konami All Stars 1993" compilation, and the track "Colony" was included on the "Perfect Selection Konami Shooting Battle II" disc. [cite web | title=Konami All Stars 1993 | url=http://www.chudahs-corner.com/soundtracks/index.php?catalog=KICA-9016%7E8 | work=Chudahs-Corner.com | accessdate=2008-09-03] [cite web | title=Perfect Selection Konami Shooting Battle II | url=http://www.chudahs-corner.com/soundtracks/index.php?catalog=KICA-1171 | work=Chudahs-Corner.com | accessdate=2008-09-03]

Reception and legacy

Both IGN and GameSpot gave the Virtual Console re-release of "Axelay" a 7.5 out of 10. [cite web | author=Shau, Austin | date=December 4, 2007 | title=Axelay for Wii Review | url=http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/axelay/review.html | work=GameSpot.com | accessdate=2008-09-09]

"Axelay" is considered by some publications as a classic of its genre. It was voted #91 on "EGM's" 100 best games of all time in their 100th issue.cite news | title=Top 100 Video Games | work=Electronic Gaming Monthly #100 | publisher=Ziff Davis Media| date=November 1997 | accessdate=2008-09-09] The website ScrewAttack called it the #6 best 2D shooter of all time. [cite web | author=ScrewAttack staff | date=September 11, 2007 | title=Top Ten 2-D Shooters | url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player/24813.html | work=GameTrailers.com | accessdate=2008-09-04] "Nintendo Power" magazine called it the #18 best game on the SNES.cite news | title=NP Best of The Best | work=Nintendo Power #231 | publisher=Nintendo | page=70-78| date=August 2008 | accessdate=2008-09-09]

The Axelay fighter makes an appearance in the Konami title "Airforce Delta Strike" as an unlockable aircraft. [cite web | author=Powell, T | title=Gradius cameos | url=http://www.gradius.classicgaming.gamespy.com/cameo.html | work=GameSpy.com | accessdate=2008-09-16]

References

External links

*GameFAQs|type=/console/snes|num=563514
*moby game|id=/axelay
* [http://www.ocremix.org/game/axelay/ Unofficial arrangements (ReMixes) of Axelay's soundtrack] at OverClocked ReMix
* [http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~bevhome/aisforaxelay.htm "Axelay" fanpage]