The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), also known as the Famicom outside of Japan, was a groundbreaking home console released by Nintendo in 1983. Its success paved the way for future consoles like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and its numerous iconic games. One such game that has garnered significant attention from retro gaming enthusiasts is "Kidou Soukou Dion" (also known as "Gunnock" or "Super Gunforce" in some regions), a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up for the SNES.

In this article, we will delve into the world of "Kidou Soukou Dion," exploring its story, gameplay, and reception. Additionally, we'll discuss the age rating available for this game, as well as other factors that may impact its appeal to modern gamers.

Story

"Kidou Soukou Dion" is set in a futuristic world where humanity has colonized various planets across the galaxy. The game takes place in 2094, and players assume the role of a pilot who must fight against an alien threat known as the "Zoids." These creatures are highly advanced machines with devastating capabilities, and it's up to the player to stop them from destroying the human colonies.

The story is relatively simple, with the player's character receiving a distress call from the colony on planet Dion. Upon arrival, they discover that the Zoids have taken over the planet, and it's their duty to put an end to this evil force. The game features six stages, each set on a different planet in the Dion system.

Gameplay

"Kidou Soukou Dion" is a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up, similar to other games of its genre such as "Metal Slug" and "Contra." Players control their character as they move left or right across the screen, shooting at enemies that are moving down towards them. The game features a variety of attacks, including missiles, bombs, and special powers.

One unique aspect of "Kidou Soukou Dion" is its use of power-ups. These can be collected by landing on certain platforms, and they grant the player new abilities or enhance existing ones. For example, the "Speed Boost" power-up allows the player to move faster, while the "Shield" gives them temporary invincibility.

The game's difficulty level increases as the player progresses through the stages. Enemies become more aggressive, and there are fewer platforms to land on, making it harder to survive. However, with practice and patience, players can overcome these challenges and defeat the final boss.

Reception

Upon its release in Japan in 1991, "Kidou Soukou Dion" received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The Japanese magazine "Famicom Tsuushin" awarded the game a score of 34 out of 40, praising its addictive gameplay and fun level design.

The game's success in Japan led to its release in other regions, including North America and Europe, where it was marketed as part of Nintendo's SNES library. While it didn't receive the same level of attention as some other SNES games, "Kidou Soukou Dion" still developed a loyal following among retro gaming enthusiasts.

Age Rating

The age rating for "Kidou Soukou Dion" varies depending on the region and platform. In Japan, the game was rated "A" by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means it's suitable for players aged 12 and above.

In North America, the game was released as part of the SNES library, but no explicit age rating was assigned. However, based on its content, it's likely that children under the age of 13 would not be able to handle the game's challenges and violence.

Conclusion

"Kidou Soukou Dion" is a classic vertically scrolling shoot 'em up that has captured the hearts of many retro gaming enthusiasts. Its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it an enjoyable experience for players of all ages. While its age rating may vary depending on the region and platform, "Kidou Soukou Dion" remains a must-play game for anyone interested in classic SNES titles.

Additional Information

• Developer: Taito
• Publisher: Nintendo (Japan), Taito (worldwide)
• Release Date: 1991 (Japan), 1992 (North America), 1993 (Europe)
• Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
• Genre: Vertical scrolling shoot 'em up
• Length: Approximately 60 minutes of gameplay
• Difficulty Level: Challenging

In conclusion, "Kidou Soukou Dion" is a classic game that has stood the test of time. Its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it an enjoyable experience for players of all ages. If you're looking to revisit some of the best games of the 16-bit era, "Kidou Soukou Dion" is definitely worth checking out.

Legacy

"Kidou Soukou Dion" has left a lasting impact on the world of retro gaming. Its influence can be seen in other vertically scrolling shoot 'em ups such as "Metal Slug" and "Contra." The game's challenging gameplay and colorful graphics have inspired a new generation of developers, who continue to create games that pay homage to this classic title.

In addition, "Kidou Soukou Dion" has been re-released on various platforms over the years, including the Nintendo Virtual Console and PlayStation Network. These releases have made it possible for new generations of gamers to experience this classic game.

Trivia

• The game was originally released as a vertical scrolling shoot 'em up called "Super Gunforce" in Japan.
• The game features six stages, each set on a different planet in the Dion system.
• The final boss is a giant robot known as the "Zoid X."
• The game's soundtrack was composed by Kazunori Sawano, who later became known for his work on anime soundtracks.

By revisiting "Kidou Soukou Dion," we can appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity that went into creating this classic game. Its influence can still be seen in modern games, and it remains a must-play title for anyone interested in retro gaming.