I’ve been enjoying Söldner-X 2: Final Prototype for years now, starting with the PlayStation 3 and eventually migrating over to the PlayStation Vita. It just remains a vibrant, engaging shooter, filled with challenge and hidden goodies galore. Apparently EastAsiaSoft saw the same appeal from the game I did, and have now given it a second chance on Nintendo Switch 2. The Definitive Edition is here, right on the heels of the release of the original Söldner-X game. But, as expected, it’s better.
You’ll fire your way across ten stages of action, utilizing a number of power-ups (including a wicked search laser) and utilizing three ships. No matter what you choose, you’ll need to watch out for enemy fire and ferocious bosses. But you’ll also gain access to cool bonuses, especially with each “secret key” you acquire.
The game may not have the most high-def appearance out there, but it still looks better than ever on the Switch. Not to mention the gameplay remains beautifully intact. It’s not overly challenging, nor is it a cakewalk. The balance is just right. And it’s great to have online leaderboard support and the new gallery mode as well.
There are lots of “shmups” on the market to keep you busy, but save some room for Söldner-X 2. You won’t regret your time with it.
Söldner-X 2 Is Still a Classic
As I mentioned previously, Söldner-X 2 began life on earlier platforms. That may indicate, “Well, it’s an older shooter.” But even after all this time, it remains pretty engaging, mainly because of its focus on the core aspects of a “shmup.” It’s just plain fun.
Like the original Söldner-X, Final Prototype Definitive Edition throws a lot at you across its ten stages. You start by shooting a variety of enemies and such while collecting helpful orbs. These include weapon power-ups, health boosts and even “secret keys” that can unlock bonus content. It’s a risk picking them up at times though, became the enemies just. Keep. Coming.
Fortunately, Söldner-X 2 has an exquisite balance of challenge. It’s not too simple, nor is it impossible. You can adjust it however you see fit, but you still need to watch your six in most cases. And the journey’s well worth it, thanks to awesome boss designs (mind the angry giant robot head) and neat level design. After all this time, it still remains a delight to soar through. The rebalanced difficulty options are most welcome.
On top of that, you can compete with others in online leaderboards (highest difficulty recommended, of course), and also check out the new gallery mode. It highlights some of the creative aspects of the game. I would’ve preferred a deeper dive into its development, but it’s not bad at all.
The story’s a little cornball (along with some of the voice acting), but overall, Söldner-X 2 is just as engaging as it was way back when. And the fact it hasn’t lost an ounce of its fiery energy after all that time really says something.
How Does Söldner-X 2’s Presentation Fare?
Eastasiasoft did a great job porting this game over to the Nintendo Switch. It runs beautifully at 60 FPS, even in handheld mode, and there’s very minimal loading time across each stage. Plus, again, the level design is truly eye-popping, filled with neat surprises here and there. The cinematics are mildly bland, but the little ship fly-bys to each planet are cool.
As for the audio, it’s good. If you can accept some cornball voiceovers (particularly from some of the bosses), you’ll find a lot to like. The sound effects are explosive and the 30-plus music tracks really come together. It’s even an improvement over the first game, which wasn’t bad in its own right. (In fact, dedicated fans may want to go after the full physical setbeing offered over at Play-Asia. Just saying.)
Let’s Get Definitive
There are a lot of great “shmups” on the market right now, especially with the just-released R-Type Dimensions III. But be sure to save some space for Söldner-X 2: Final Prototype Definitive Edition. Eastasiasoft has taken a remarkable shooter and made it the best it can on a new format. And it’s got extras as well, justifying its more-than-acceptable price point.
So, yeah, add another great shooter to the stack. In fact, I wouldn’t mind seeing a new Söldner-X come from it. Gotta support the good series, after all.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to EastAsiaSoft for the review code! Söldner-X 2: Final Prototype Definitive Edition is available now for Nintendo Switch, and also works great on Nintendo Switch 2!
