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Those familiar with the classic Konami shooters Gradius and Life Force will need no introduction to the games contained on this Disc. Life Force was the U.S. version of the Japanese shooter called Salamander.. The CD contains 3 games, the first two game are basically the same game, Konami just decided to include both the U.S. and the Japanese version of Life Force/Salamander. the level design is the same in both games even though there are some cosmetic differences in several areas..Both games were released back in the middle 80's so the graphics are VERY dated. Also included on the disc is Salamander 2 which is a port of Konami's Arcade Shooter released in Japan last year.. When it comes to action and shooting games Konami has always been on top and Salamander Deluxe is no exception..

1.GRAPHICS= I'll have to split this review into 3 because of the graphical differences in each game. Even though Salamander and Life Force are essentially the same game there are however a few cosmetic differences between the two. For instance the bosses are the same in each level but look slightly different in comparison. The original metallic bosses in Salamander have been Organic but they still attack the same way their Japanese counterparts do. The fire level in the Japanese version was changed to a water level in the U.S game and the Fire Dragon is a Water Dragon in Life Force. Despite the bosses being Organic in the U.S version it still has an edge graphics wise over the Japanese version and both games have the same thing in common and that is that they're graphics Suck !! We're talking about early 80's graphics here with that fresh from the ol NES look, but both are Perfect ports of the old Arcade games and they even boot up the same way to.. After witnessing the really outdated graphics of Salamander and Life Force NOTHING could prepare me for the beauty that was contained in Salamander 2. The Graphics were fantastic and the colors lush and beautiful, the animations were superb as well.. It simply has the best graphics out of all the shooters released here in the U.S. and most in Japan, the first level is absolutely gorgeous with transparent red clouds scrolling by and the huge indestructible metal worms flying between them..The FMV intros are pretty good and enjoyable to watch as well.. It wouldn't be fair to rate the first two games on the disc because of their really dated graphics but they're perfect ports of the very old coin-op and Salamander 2 is a graphical jewel.... Graphics: 9.3/10

2. MUSIC/SOUND EFX= I've said it once and I'll say it again- No One beats Konami when it comes Music..Nobuo Uematsu and Square can bite me,Zuntata can bite me to, Konami can't be beat..To start off,The music isn't RecBook Audio so you won't be able to enjoy listening to it on your CD player, only 1 of the tracks were recorded onto the disc the rest is PCM but great sounding PCM nonetheless..To Start off,both Life Force and Salamander contain 8-bit music which sound good being pumped through the Saturn sound chip. Life Force has slightly better music than Salamander but the voices are the same..The music in Salamander 2 are fantastic and if I had to rate the music in the first & second level then I would definitely give them a 10..! The soundeffects are great with good sounding explosions, monster screams,growls, verbal taunts from the last boss, and more. The game contains the coolest sound test mode in which different pictures are shown while the music is playing and that option is available in all 3 games.. Music/Sound Efx: 9.4/10

3. CONTROLS= The controls are very precise and everything from your ship to your weapons control beautifully..Like in most shooters you begin with a slow weak ship and then obtain power-ups to increase it's effectiveness. All 3 games have great control and I can't find fault with either of their controls... Control: 9.2/10

4. GAMEPLAY= In short I can honestly say that this is a great Disc containing 3 great games. Salamander 2 is alot easier than the first two games on the disc and you'll most likely finish it in one sitting due to the amount of continues you're given. The first two games on the disc-Life Force and Salamander require a bit more skill and don't allow you to continue unless you bring in player 2 right before you die and vice versa.. Gameplay: 9.5/10

5. REPLAY VALUE= This game has lots of replay value, it might be the same thing everytime you play it but it's fun nonetheless and that's what counts!! Even with 3 games in one disc and about 6 levels in each game you'll still be yearning for more levels because you'll fly right through the levels in the included games quickly.. Replay Value: 9/10

6. OVERALL= Overall a fantastic CD, well worth the price and a very pleasant trip from beginning to end. I look forward to future Konami games with great anticipation.. they release a Contra Deluxe Pack and a Castlevania Deluxe pack as well... Overall: 9.5/10