Full Review

Somehow, this game managed to reach the market and have its sequel released in Japan, all without my knowing so-- so this game must have had a very low-profile release. Which surprised me, considering how much fun it is! The main gimmick of the game is that there are solar sensors on top of the GBA cartridge and can detect UV light-- including a black light which can fool such devices. Regardless, the sensor is more than just for lighting effects within the game, it's instead the primary energy source for the hero's main weapon-- The Solar Gun: GunDelSol!

Story: I like the story to the game, and it's deeply linked to the GunDelSol you'll be using the entire gameplay expierenece. Basically, the hero (Django) is following in his late father's footsteps and rising up to the challenge of being a vampire hunter-- and destroying all of the creatures generated by an awkward occurance called the "Undeadening" which is destroying the natural way of things by returning things from the dead as monsters. However, there seem to be some under-handed things going on behind the scenes that Django doesn't know about yet-- things could get messy for the new Solar Boy!

Graphics: I like them! They are in a similar fashion to MegaMan Battle Network 4 (another game where Django makes a cameo appearence-- and the reason I found this game at all!) and seem bright and cartoony-- up until you meet one of the vampires and the graphics excellently pull of a very dark and moody tone. Everything is of high detail and seems to have a depth all its own. Nice!

Sounds/Music: "TAAAAIIYOOOOOOOH!!!" Sorry-- I love doing that now. This and several other small soundbits are scattered throughout the game, but also are of very high quality and strong presentation. The other sounds, such as Django walking, using GunDelSol, or even bopping the wall with your fist all have unique sounds and perfect sync to boot! I really like the noise monsters make when they 'think' they see you-- it sounds kind of like a rubber duck! The music typically doesn't stand out, as it's usually there to try and boggle your brain ALA Legend of Zelda. However, the dungeon tunes don't get on your nerves nearly as quickly as other similar games tend to do. (Anyone else thinking "Ice Dungeon--Legend of Zelda"?)

GamePlay: In a word-- addictive! This strange game plays from a fixed camera overhead Django and co and handles fairly quickly. First, the battle techniques are endless as GunDelSol can be custom-fit with new frames (which alter how you shoot, and how powerful the shot is), new lenses (which can give the shot an element or new ability), new grenades (which can do anything from blowing stuff up, to showing you hidden treasures) and finally, new, bigger batteries! Every enemy has their own fixed health bar but are effected differently depending on the parts of GunDelSol you choose to use. Also, the Sun Spirit, Master Otenko, often advises you to stay to the shadows and sneak around the monsters or hit them from behind so they don't realize you're there and cause a ruckus-- so in addition to the battling, you also get to try your hand at stealth operations not unlike Metal Gear Solid! Add on this game's tough puzzles and you got yourself a winner-- despite the fact that some of even the earliest puzzles are very difficult. This game requires you to use your hands and your head if you want to win! Onto the last point-- Django and GunDelSol are incapable of 'purifying' (AKA Destroying) undead as powerful as Vampires alone-- so Master Otenko sets up a large display which looks pretty weird at first glance-- the Pile Driver! After Django defeats a vampire in combat, it will retreat to its coffin (as said, the Solar Boy can't KILL a vampire with GunDelSol, just weaken it) this is when Django must take the coffin back through the level you just completed, set the coffin on top of the pile driver, and activate it with a powerful "TAIYOH!". During this process, Django must rush around the circle and empower the machines, with GunDelSol, that are using solar power to try and obliterate the evil in the world that is desperately fighting back! Don't let evil win!

Replay: This game shines with replayability! First, collecting the possible pieces to GunDelSol to try and power them up, endless numbers of sidequests everywhere you go, finding new, better, faster ways to destroy enemies, New Game+ mode (Where you can start the story over with all the items and parts you have) and even a harder story mode! No matter what you do-- there's plenty of it to do! TAIYOOOH!!!