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Life Force
  NESShooter_4wayUC  
  opened by smbhax at 16:33:43 08/10/24  
  last modified by smbhax at 14:42:00 01/25/26  
  smbhax [sys=NES; cat=Shooter_4way; reg=UC]
           
For the Famicom port of Salamander, Wikipedia says Konami kinda remixed the arcade version, keeping mostly the look of Salamander vs the more organic look of the remixed Western arcade version, Life Force, but adding the Gradius power-up bar in place of the arcade version's instant pick-ups. "The NES version is practically identical to its Famicom equivalent, other than not having the multiple endings, having two option power ups instead of three, and being titled Life Force."
 
  smbhax 16:05:35 08/11/24
           

 
In Mesen.
 
The various permutations this game evolved through from Gradius to Salamander (Arcade) to Salamander (Famicom) to Life Force (Arcade) to Life Force (NES)--with afterward the series going back to Life Force (J Arcade and Famicom), not to mention eventually Salamander 2--are bewildering, but what it comes down to here is a Gradius with some less-interesting vertical stages, less interesting stages and bosses overall, and no checkpoints, which is not satisfying whatsoever. = P I save-scummed the whole thing because a) I'm not nearly good enough and b) who can be bothered with this not-so-hot-in-the-first-place Konami formula tinkering??
 
Gradius (MSX) had decent difficulty and checkpoints. This has no checkpoints and a WHOLLLLLLE lotta cheap deaths until you memorize your way around them--which the finale makes plain. Weak! Here's another super-hard, mostly recycled game to grind on until the next one, kids! ; PPPP
 
No credits at the end, that's not a good sign. : P
 
  smbhax 17:39:59 01/17/26
           
I'm selling mine:
 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/147099440043
 
~ ~ ~
 
This is the game "Life Force" for the Nintendo Entertainment System game console. Includes the game cartridge only--none of the original packaging is included.
 
Cartridge only. The sides of the front cartridge sticker are lifting up very slightly. I tested the cartridge and it played with no problems.
 
If the winning bid is $80 or more I will upgrade the shipping to USPS Priority Mail at no charge--the shipping will remain free, just faster.
 
Bids on this item do NOT require a payment method.
 
  smbhax 14:42:00 01/25/26
           
Sold!
    
 
references:
· Gradius Deluxe Pack (PS1)
· Gradius Gaiden (PS1)
· Gradius II (NES)
· Gradius III & IV (PS2)
· Salamander (PCE)
· Salamander Deluxe Pack Plus (PS1)

 
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