Previous Next

I'm going to throw a few names at you to start this one. Space Invaders, Galaga, Galaxian, Moon Cresta... Have you played any of these games? If so then you've pretty much already played the oddly named Svetlan_A7.

Svetlan_A7 is a 2D vertical shooter with very chunky graphics.You have no idea what your goal is as there is no documentation with the game, hence no story to get that needed layer of context. With that said, who actually knows the storyline to any of the above mentioned games? Yes, you can pretty much assume you're a pilot whose job it is to take out approaching alien forces, but it's only an assumption. You could be getting mugged on the way to the space shops for all you know!

Your spaceship can be controlled with the arrow keys, with space to shoot if you are not using a controller. Bigger graphics means a smaller playing field, meaning precise control is needed to stay alive. If you don't have a lot of experience playing games of this genre then it can take time mastering the pixel perfect movements of your craft. Hearts will drop from the top of the screen from time to time, though they don't always seem to give you an extra life. Some documentation would really have helped here. The game will give you messages to guide you, warning you to look out behind you as enemies start to approach from behind. Little touches like these add some character to your spaceship and turn a blocky, generic space game into something a little more engrossing.

To go with the chunky graphics, are basic sound effects that you feel certain you have heard before in other space shoot-'em-ups. There is no music track, but it was rare for space shooters from the 1970's and 1980's to have one anyway. This game is not Ikaruga nor is it trying to be, so the lack of music is quite forgivable. So yes, you have been playing Svetlan_A7 for the past few decades without knowing it, though that doesn't mean this game has nothing new to offer.

The chunky graphics are actually quite appealing. I never thought I'd find myself writing that! The little hints and tips messages do add much more depth and some character to the game, perhaps even more would have helped even further? I found the gameplay just about right as it's also quite a nice feeling being able to get just that little bit further each time you play, while in other games you can be stuck.

This game doesn't really add a whole lot to one of the original gaming genres.

If you have the urge to blast away some aliens then you should give it a try. It doesn't add too much new to the genre, but does it really need to? You've played it all before, though it is still worth checking out if you're a fan of shoot-'em-ups. Just be prepared to try and work things out for yourself.