While not venturing too far from the gameplay of the previous titles, the larger open world and side-quests and what-not make this feel like more of an adventure game. I liked this more early on than the final couple of hours. It has technical issues such as the choppy frame rate which is a problem that updates didn't fix.

The camera is a bitch in corridors, the enemies aren't as annoying or abundant when roaming around and there's probably less backtracking, but all in all it's really similar to the previous game. Gameplay 4/5 Graphics 4/5 Sound 3.5/5 Difficulty 4.5/5 Originality 3.5/5 Completion Stats: http://oi59.tinypic.com/25fiphe.jpg

As you may expect, this plays very similarly to The Revenge of Shinobi. While there are levels on horseback and a surfboard like contraption, the levels aren't as likable as the previous game in my opinion. Alien like creatures/sci-fi levels are more prominent. Still a very enjoyable game from one of the best side-scrolling series.

Scud can be played with a lightgun or a controller, and having only played it with a controller, I think both peripherals would provide a similar experience. Playing this with a gun though, due to the long levels would probably end up giving the player a sore arm by the end of it. It is mostly a run and gun/side scrolling shooter, however with bosses and during the levels the gameplay switches to a first person shooter. It is a difficult game from the word go, with enemies entering the screen and shooting right away which makes it hard to avoid getting shot. The visuals aren't bad for a console which at times lacked in this department, as isn't the animation, but overall while fun for awhile, the repetitive action may not keep many playing until the end.

Not terrible but in many ways this feels like Crash Bandicoot, but where you throw pies instead of spinning the enemies, so when there is a much better alternative you can't praise this too much. Gameplay 2.5/5 Graphics 3/5 Sound 3.5/5 Difficulty 4/5 Originality 2/5