Koei takes a very different direction wth Zendor and hits the nail on the head with a very unique concept
I often get frustrated by the way that Saturn games were reviewed, simply said it became all about graphics in the mid to late 90's and gameplay and concept be damned.
This game takes a very different direction for Koei, you moved out of the thrownroom or boardroom and take command of a fleet of ships in low orbit around your planet and puts you in command of a range of air/space craft that you have to control in various combat situations. You are offered a very ride range of planes each with their own pro's and con's: size, speeds, range, and weapon compliment. The game is broken into five sections that provide when the most hardcore strategy player with something. There is a lot of strategy that is required from battle to battle and the AI for the most part gives you a pretty good run for your money and always keeps you on your toes.
Graphically, what can I say how many strategy games have set benchmarks for graphics? how many great Koei games have had stellar graphics? None that I can recall. To say that its not visually impressive is an understatement because for Saturn I expected more out of the game but with that being said once you get over the simply ugly graphics you really take hold of the strategy element that really makes this game great.
Now we spoke about benchmarks, and in terms of strategy games the soundtrack and score this does raise the bar in terms of what is expected from strategy titles. During the battles the score is simply stunning for a game of its age, its very well done and it very much suits the gaming enviroment. Even to this day nearly 10 years later I find that this may still be among one of the best scores in terms of strategy games and really does add to the total experience.
From a Value stance it is a Koei game and that in itself pretty well tells you what you get, every time I load the game up its always a little different and years later I can still toss it in and get a good few hours out of it, for what it seems to be selling for nowadays its well worth the cost, and even at full price its still a solid game but I cannot stress enough this is not a game to introduce yourself into the genre with, but if you have been a fan of Koei games or turn based strategy games take a run at it, I think you will find it servicable considering the lack of valid console strategy games nowadays.
Overall what can I say, Koei always delivers in terms of strategy and this may not be the best title that they have put forth but its still a nice title in the Koei Library that no one seems to have played that perhaps deserved a better fate but its worth a look and considering its a 1996 game you will get a suprising amount of milage out of this one.
-Z