Improving upon the original in many ways, Soldner X-2 Final Prototype is yet another solid shooter.
Twenty years after the Virus Wars, tension erupts between the unionized colony of planets (known as Gota IV) which eventually explodes into an all-out war. A technologically advanced species known as the D'aarg have taken advantage of the situation, attacking and invading these planets in their state of vulnerability. Intent on conquering the whole of the galaxy, the D'aarg have also managed to seize vital data collected by the Soldner X prototype used during the first game's events and, as a result, have expanded their frightening capabilities to deadlier heights. In response, the Earth Defense Force declares a state of emergency and paves the way for the founding of the Soldner Defense Force. You're a pilot tasked in flying one of three ships (the third unlocked by fulfilling specific conditions) through seven potential levels of intergalactic, arcade-shooting mayhem---busting up enormous bosses with hilariously bad dialogue, endless waves of aggressive enemy ships, and "bullet hell" the likes which you've never experienced. Much like the first game, Soldner X2 is solely dependent on a score-building chain system. By destroying concentrated groups of enemies in succession, you will build up a chain level gauge located at the lower right HUD on your screen, and it is your responsibility to keep that chain gauge going before it depletes and gets lost. But unlike Himmelsturmer, building up chains is as simple as collecting small rings that enemies either leave behind when killed or just randomly spit out from time to time. This system is riskier than before because you will need to collect these rings in succession and rather quickly, and enemies and their bullets often stand in your way when doing so. However, to its credit, it is far more manageable than having to switch weapons to maintain your chain gauges in the original. Nevertheless, as before, completing chain gauges in varied instances will release the incapsulated item inside---examples include weapon powerups, health restoration, speed-ups and even bonus score multipliers. Suffice it for me to say, it pays to build chains in more ways than one.
The three new playable ships are a wonderful addition to the Soldner series. They have up to three weapons to select from at their disposal during gameplay, with each weapon tailor-made to fit given situations---for example, a Magma Whip will penetrate larger enemies while standard spread shots dispense of smaller fry that approach in scattered positions. Knowing when to toggle between weapons is crucial in not only maintaining your chain gauges for those much coveted seven-digit scores, but also staying alive for as long as possible; even with a health meter firmly intact. Of course, should you find your ship damaged beyond recognition, the Berserk Mode from the first game makes a welcome return here, but keep in mind that repeated use of this life-saving mode, intentional or otherwise, will greatly affect your end-level ranking. Soldner X2 also thankfully does away with the cumbersome weapon overheating penalty, making the game much more streamlined and easier to bear, especially for those who fancy continuous rapid fire. (Myself included, of course.) And it most certainly counts here because enemies are no less relentless as they were in the first game-in fact, it's safe to say that they're much more aggressive than ever before. Needless to say, those who were more or less irritated by having to worry about their weapons overheating, especially when they've got a hundred or so ships breathing down their transistors, will breathe a collective sigh of relief. Another saving grace that you've got in your disposal is a powerful Limit attack (new to Soldner X2), which obliterates anything and everything that isn't a boss onscreen. This is extremely helpful when you're up to your neck in bullets and smaller enemies.
There are multiple endings to be discovered in the game, but in order to achieve the "good" ending, you'll have to fully unlock all of the game's seven levels---as you can only go as far as Level 4 during your first playthrough unless you manage to locate each of the existing levels' four secret keys. (Fifth keys can be found as well, but they're not really all that necessary unless you're gunning for the trophy and other such hidden rewards.) This restrictive style of gameplay may put off some, especially considering the fact that these keys aren't so easy to find at first glance, but for others, it should prove to be a most welcome challenge as well as a good enough reason to go back and try again.
Most other shooters I've played are often construed as "disposable", meaning that you'd play it once and not find much of an incentive to back to it after beating it. Soldner X2 avoids this label to the best of its ability, and the new Challenge mode drives that point home most earnestly. This mode in particular allows you to play through specific challenges (unlocked during normal gameplay) to earn rewards like trophies, extra credits, and other bonuses. For example, one of the said challenges requires that you play through the first three levels without using up a credit, or collecting a specific number of chain rings in one playthrough; that sort of thing. While some of these challenges may be overwhelming, they're not overwhelmingly difficult per se, but do require some practice and guile to complete thoroughly and successfully.
Graphically, Soldner X2 looks impressive for a PlayStation Network download. Full three-dimensional graphics have replaced the gorgeous, hand-drawn 2D-inspired art found in the first game, which is somewhat disappointing, but for the most part, the new 3D environments are quite well-done. The soundtrack is excellent---even better than before in my opinion---staying true to the techno and delivering some memorable tunes. The levels are more varied this time around---ranging from ruined cities, underwater caverns, space stations and asteroid fields. Bosses are just as varied if not borderline silly; ranging from a large anime-style Robot with a shield to a large, creepy looking head with eyes as weakpoints.
In retrospect, Soldner X2 earns it keep as a worthy sequel to a game that strives to keep the memory of old arcade shooters alive. It facilitates several significant gameplay improvements over the original to make it an easy sell for beginners while maintaining a comparable level of challenge for hardcore gamers. Don't be too intimidated by the "Final Prototype" subtitle, however---I have a feeling this isn't the last we've heard of the Soldner franchise, so here's hoping that the legacy continues. In the meantime, both fans of old shooters and interested newcomers would do well to play and experience Soldner X-2 Final Prototype for themselves.