Space Harrier is a third-person rail shooter game, released by Sega in 1985. It was produced by Yu Suzuki, responsible for many popular Sega games. It spawned several sequels: Space Harrier 3-D (1988), Space Harrier II (1988), and the spin-off Planet Harriers (2000).

In 1985, Sega debuted Space Harrier in arcades across the land and wowed gamers with a dazzling pseudo 3-D blast 'em up. Rapidly scrolling sprite-based scenery tricked the eye into believing the 3-D effect and fierce action led players through levels where they controlled a running man who shot legions of oncoming foes. A bonus level greeted successful Harriers where a romping dragon hurtled towards the player in a "jump the wyrm" attempt. To add to the bright colors and dazzle, otherworldly creatures and strangely somber statues would help to convey a somewhat psychedelic experience.

Twas then. Fast forward a nearly 2 decades and the original looks a little tired. To update the classic worthy of the here and now, Sega uses polygon magic to create a true 3-D shooting game which might wow a new generation of Harriers. Voice effects have also been added including one line which bellows, "You've got an attitude. Harrier, release yourself now." A new lock-on firing scheme allows clumsy non-sharpshooters the chance to blast fast moving enemy armor while weapon power-ups help players graduate to more intense levels of firepower.

Explosions are prettier and branch off into flower-like puffs with tendrils which hold their pose for a second before disappearing. To keep the game fresh and lively, Sega uses a fractal game engine which creates new level backgrounds each and every time one plays the game. The synth-heavy musical beat also tends to get one in the groove of shooting mindlessly for level upon level of Harrier action. The metallic-sounding clang every time the Harrier fires off a shot may become extremely grating however...

Similar to all other Sega Ages releases on the PS2, notes on the history of the game are included inside the game package for inclusion in your Sega Ages binder (which was given away with Phantasy Star).

MANUFACTURER'S DESCRIPTION:

Caused a firestorm in the arcade "Space Harrier" is back in the PS2. While power up to full 3D from pseudo-3D, it is the finish which does not impair any taste at the time. It is equipped with a lock-on feature new. I'll enjoy the fresh play at any time by the adoption of fractal engine, because it will change every time you play also map!

FEATURES:
Third person perspective.
3D graphics
Cartoon graphics
SCIFI, Futuristic & Anime themes.