Red Star finally released!

[jalu6]

See: Under the Radar.

I completely forgot about this game for the last two years. I remember playing an Xbox demo of it a while back, but hearing that Acclaim went under and it would never see the light of day.

So when I was cruising 1up today, I saw a review. They give it a 7.5 and call it a "great deal" considering its only $20. I can't believe no one on this board has mentioned this yet or I've seen nothing about it.

I'll be picking this up tomorrow on my lunch, anyone with me?

Here's a link to the 1up review.

http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3158968&sec=REVIEWS

Gamespot with an 8.1

http://$$$$$$$$$$$$/2of3lr

[Puffa469]

I knew this and Raiden 3 were coming out, but I didnt know much about Red Star. I ordered Raiden yesterday. After reading about Red Star at the link you provided, I just ordered it. :D

I have a feeling that these last few non movie license ps2 games are gonna become very sought after. I have no qualms about picking this up right away.

[Starky27]

I got this in the mail yesterday from an old, old, old CDUniverse preorder ($13). Haven't had the chance to pop it in, but I'm glad it finally arrived.

[Hibiwa]

No, there's been mention in a few places. This being one: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135353&highlight=read+star

Appreciate the review link.

Should have jumped when the Amazon preorder was cheaper though. Oh well. Maybe it'll get cheaper again in the future.

[jalu6]

Well, I stopped at a TRU, Gamecrazy and two EBs and not one store claimed to have ever received the game. I guess I'll have to order it online.

[GeorgeCostanza]

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135353&highlight=read+star

You can still pick the game up for 6.XX shipped from cd universe, with 10 GCO. Now that EGM game it a pretty good review the demand should heat up a bit.
Mine shipped on the 23rd, but cd universe is usually slow. Should be here soon though.

[yukine]

For $6.XX, I'll order it. I remember enjoying the demo a few years back.

[Blackout]

I want to check this out, it looks pretty interesting. Any place where I can score it for a cheapy price?

[Draekon]

I want to check this out, it looks pretty interesting. Any place where I can score it for a cheapy price?

Well it's $20 MSRP, so yeah. The cheapest place found so far that I'm aware of is CDUniverse (http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7116606&style=games&BAB=M). Though that's only if you use google checkout and it'll bring it to about $15 after shipping.


Anyways, I've played about seven chapters and it's pretty good. A tad on the easy side early on but it's progressively getting more and more difficult. Can't wait to hit later levels and play this game in co-op when I have company over this weekend.

[Rusty Ghia]

I think that you can get it at Gamefly for less than retail. I should get it in the mail today and if I like it, I'll buy it. Gamefly shows the price at $14.xx. But that's also with my %10 discount that I get with Gamefly.

[RollingSkull]

Just got it. This game is made of awesome.

[Apossum]

Got it today from CDuniverse.


agreed-- it's pretty awesome.

hey, when I first played the original Ninja Gaiden demo on the xbox, a red star demo came with it. now today, I get the Ninja Gaiden Sigma demo, and red star with it.

coincidence? yep.

[RollingSkull]

By the way, if you're a fan of the comic? Related only tangentially. Just take it that your beloved Magic Communist epic is a playground for an excellent old-school action game.

Also, check the comic if the idea of addressing someone as "Comrade Sorceress" sounds cool, or that the URRS soldiers considered getting their cigarettes lit from said sorceresses good luck.

[RollingSkull]

Oh fuck. I'm at third and final act, and the game has started to rape me, repeatedly.

Drowning in a sea of bullets...

[ViolentLee]

A buddy of mine who used to work at Tips & Tricks worked on the game, so I always wanted to play it. Not even the EB near me has had a copy. I finally got it from http://www.deepdiscount.com/ which surprisingly has it -- though they say they won't have it in until May 10th or some junk. Also splurged and ordered CDs I didn't already have by Primus, Dead Kennedys, and Butthole Surfers. And here I used to just go to them for DVDs.

[Puffa469]

Nice music selection. =)


A buddy of mine who used to work at Tips & Tricks worked on the game, so I always wanted to play it. Not even the EB near me has had a copy. I finally got it from http://www.deepdiscount.com/ which surprisingly has it -- though they say they won't have it in until May 10th or some junk. Also splurged and ordered CDs I didn't already have by Primus, Dead Kennedys, and Butthole Surfers. And here I used to just go to them for DVDs.

[ViolentLee]

Nice music selection. =)

Thanks. Figured I needed to actually hear DK's Too Drunk to Fuck since it's at karaoke. Always been a Surfers fan, but don't have what's considered their best album. And finally, my wife hates Primus, but since I've only heard John the Fisherman on Guitar Heroes II and I mostly have tapes of them, I thought it was time to upgrade.

[yukine]

Dead Kennedys is good stuff. :D

[brainmunch]

Thanks for the CDUniverse link. I knew saving that $10 GCO bonus for a rainy day would come in handy.

$12.73 shipped. (I got the cheapest shipping because finals start Thursday and the last thing I need is another game to play :p)

[Pope On A Rope]

Just picked it up, can't wait to try it out. 9 out of the 72 GameStop stores within 50 miles of me actually had this game in stock, it looks like this one is going to have a very limited release, you guys should pick it up while you can.

[jer7583]

This game is a LOT of fun. Adding in some beat-em-up gameplay to a shooter is a great idea and really breathes some life into two dying genres.

Two of my local gamestops got shipments of two copies in lately, so i'd check there if you want to get this one. It's going to be hard to find, with about 2 out of 12 milwaukee stores having it in stock.

[Shmitty]

ordered it from gamestop, but it seems to be taking its sweet time getting here.

[Excalibur]

Like RollingSkull and Apossum said, Red Star is friggin' fantastic. It reminds me of games like Loaded, Reloaded, and Smash TV - with traditional side scrolling brawler elements.

I'd be interested to know the exact print run of the game; I'd bet it's 10,000 or less.

Also, for those interested, you can get copies of the game signed by series creator Christian Gosset. They also have two zippo style Red Star lighters and some pretty cool looking mini busts/maquettes of Kyuzo and Maya.

Just go to http://www.archangel-studios.com/comics/redstar/ and click on the "Red Store" link. I'm tempted to double dip on the game to get a signed copy.

[Roufuss]

Had to go all the way to Tampa to get a copy of the game (was already there anyways though), hope it's worth it!

Sounds like it should be.

[ViolentLee]

Still waiting for mine to be delivered from DeepDiscount. My CDs have shipped, though. I wonder if the first shipment of this game was miniscule, so it's taking time to resupply.

[yukine]

Thanks for the heads up, Excalibur. I didn't jump on the good deals available for this, so I'll buy it from their official store.

At least I get an autograph out of it.

Edit: Oh, and I'm not sure if this has already been posted. But GameSpot gave Red Star an 8.1: http://$$$$$$$$$$$$/2of3lr not bad for a game that's several years old, and only $20.00 bucks.

[tiredfornow]

Okay I kind of went into this game expecting something kinda mediocre, but it's actually really fun! it even made my girlfriend want to buy a copy. the controls are pretty responsive too.

[Roufuss]

The game is awesome... the melee system is surpringsly in depth and the boss battles all feel like they were ripped out of a shmup =O

AND it runs in progressive scan!

[Starkraving]

This game reminds me a little of Cannon Spike (Dreamcast), although this one has a lot more strategy and depth. It starts out really slow/easy, throwing one type of enemy at you, at a time. It gradually ramps up in difficulty. When you start fighting 3, 4 different enemy types at once, and avoiding hundreds of bullets from a boss and crisscrossing lasers, everything gets really intense.

I would consider this a niche title, but what it does, it does really well.

[Mr. Anderson]

I remember getting excited about this game years ago. Can't believe it's actually out! Guess I'll get an autographed copy. :D

[Wave-E]

Yes, as Anderson indicated, signed copies are at the red star store (http://www.marketworks.com/StoreFrontProfiles/deluxesfitemdetail.aspx?sfid=81127&c=292767&i=232812450), still twenty bucks. Online stores are starting to sell out, so I don't imagine those will last long.

Amazing ip, it's a real shame the comic wasn't a bigger hit.

[jalu6]

Thanks for the link, yukine, I updated the OP. Now if IGN would just stop reviewing Spiderman 3 we may see a review for this game.

Finally got mine in from Amazon over the weekend. Played the first 8 levels in co-op and am having a great time.

[Allnatural]

I was fortunate enough to score a sealed copy at EB. Really like it so far, and look forward to playing through with all the characters.

[trq]

Just picked it up from CDUniverse for $15, after Google. It's sold out at deepdiscount, Amazon only has some knob selling it for $39.95, and the shipping from the Red Star store pushes the price up to almost $30. It's not in stock anywhere in Manhattan that I can find (EB/GS/Circuit City/Best Buy), and the websites for the places that are sold out list it as "No more will be stocked." So in short ... if you want this game and you haven't picked it up, do so NOW.

[lanzarlaluna]

Just picked it up from CDUniverse for $15, after Google. It's sold out at deepdiscount, Amazon only has some knob selling it for $39.95, and the shipping from the Red Star store pushes the price up to almost $30. It's not in stock anywhere in Manhattan that I can find (EB/GS/Circuit City/Best Buy), and the websites for the places that are sold out list it as "No more will be stocked." So in short ... if you want this game and you haven't picked it up, do so NOW.
You scared the hell out of me, so I placed my order jsut now. =\ Crazy how fast this game was gobbled up.

[joshingit]

Dug the demo so I'm in for one. I hope the autograph is worth the $12 I paid for shipping. :hot:

[parKer]

Looks like buy.com has it in stock right now, but it also says, "Very few left In Stock! Order soon -- product may sell out."

This Item is Shakin'
Today's Rank: 9
Yesterday's Rank: 32

$18.99
$4.40 shipping

$23.39 (or $13.39 after GCO).

[Shmitty]

got mine in from gamestop finally. after everything i've read from this thread, i'm pretty stoked on finally giving it a shot later tonight.

[trq]

You scared the hell out of me, so I placed my order jsut now. =\ Crazy how fast this game was gobbled up.

Glad to be of service. I had been procrastinating on getting the game, but once I started to actually look for it, I realized how close I might have been to getting screwed, so I thought I'd sound the alarm. I'll feel like a jackass if I find a dumpster full of copies on discount in the near future, but I think squeezing the trigger now is the smart move.

[lanzarlaluna]

For those still looking for the game, eStarland has it back in stock:

http://www.estarland.com/Playstation2.cat..product.18273.html

[Roufuss]

For everyone who wants it but can't find it, Gamestop.com never went out of stock on this game, use SAVER for free shipping and you just pay the tax, it's like getting it in the store without the hassle.

[trq]

For everyone who wants it but can't find it, Gamestop.com never went out of stock on this game, use SAVER for free shipping and you just pay the tax, it's like getting it in the store without the hassle.

Seriously, it was listed as "Backordered" when I went to buy it. That was the first place I looked.

I'm not crazy! Ya gotta believe me, Doc!

[MadFlava]

Red Star is in stock at Ebgames/Gamestop. For a $20 budget title, this sounds like it is worth it. I loved the Xbox version demo I played over 2 years ago. I do wish it came out for Xbox though but I guess we should be happy it came out at all.

[Dead of Knight]

For everyone who wants it but can't find it, Gamestop.com never went out of stock on this game, use SAVER for free shipping and you just pay the tax, it's like getting it in the store without the hassle.
Did this yesterday. The comparison to Cannon Spike did it for me. That was a fun game.

[Mr. Anderson]

It seems all the EB/GS around me have it in stock, so I'll probably be getting it via B&M.

[MadFlava]

It seems all the EB/GS around me have it in stock, so I'll probably be getting it via B&M.

I almost went to B&M to pick it up too but they had only 2 copies and I wasn't sure if they would the the store display copies that are opened that they try to sell to you new. I freaking hate that, you would figure they could just print out covers to the games and place them into empty DVD cases instead of sacrificing a copy or two.

[Shmitty]

I almost went to B&M to pick it up too but they had only 2 copies and I wasn't sure if they would the the store display copies that are opened that they try to sell to you new. I freaking hate that, you would figure they could just print out covers to the games and place them into empty DVD cases instead of sacrificing a copy or two.

they did that with both copies of chulip they got in when i went to go pick that game up. i can somewhat understand gutting one to put on the shelf, but both copies?

[MadFlava]

they did that with both copies of chulip they got in when i went to go pick that game up. i can somewhat understand gutting one to put on the shelf, but both copies?

Yeah, its really frustrating when they gut your preorder copy. When FFXII was released they gutted four limited editions and four regular to blanket the shelves with it. I think they do multiple copies just so that people will notice the game. But its a dumb practice because what if you were intending on giving that game as a gift? I refuse to buy a gutted copy for new price.

[Allnatural]

Yeah, its really frustrating when they gut your preorder copy. They really do that? I've always been leery about preorders for that reason, but then I think, nah, they wouldn't do that. Looks like I'll be swearing off EB/GS entirely...

[Puffa469]

Im almost never a douchebag customer, but if they ever gutted a preorder of mine I would flip the fuck out. I would refuse the game and get my $5 pack for the preorder.

[Pancake Rabbit]

Finally picked this game up yesterday (gamestop stuck me with a gutted copy, fuck you gamestop!) and it's really good. Even though this game will probably go unnoticed it's nice to have something like this instead of another generic FPS.

[MadFlava]

I just wish it also got an Xbox release. The Xbox demo had really clean graphics. Too bad, a new Xbox game is a pretty rare occasion these days.

[Dead of Knight]

Got this in the mail today. Has anyone yet tried the multiplayer? I'm thinking of playing this with my boyfriend this weekend when he comes over.

[RollingSkull]

Got this in the mail today. Has anyone yet tried the multiplayer? I'm thinking of playing this with my boyfriend this weekend when he comes over.

Oh, it is pre--...

Wait, you're a girl? (Or at least a dude who likes dudes, a much less shocking possibility.)

Anyway, the MP is old-school arcadey co-op at its best. The two characters complement each other nicely.

[jer7583]

Wow, it's pretty sad when it seems more likely that it's a homosexual male on a game forum than a girl.

CAG seems to have quite a few, though, so don't be so surprised.

[Shmitty]

Got this in the mail today. Has anyone yet tried the multiplayer? I'm thinking of playing this with my boyfriend this weekend when he comes over.

been playing it with a friend and its astoundingly fun. setting up combos and juggling enemies is nifty. the only problems we've run into is that the characters can get in each others way, which can lead to some unnecessary damage being taken during the shooter bits.

[Dead of Knight]

Wow, it's pretty sad when it seems more likely that it's a homosexual male on a game forum than a girl.

:rofl:

Yes, I'm a girl. ONOES

[RollingSkull]

:rofl:

Yes, I'm a girl. ONOES
HOLY OMG WHAT THE fuck

Anyway, yeah. Shmitty is right. It is a blast, but you two need to coordinate well lest you block each other during the bullet-hells.

[Puffa469]

I finally got to check it out last night. I played thru the first 3 levels. Its fantastic! Sooo much fun. I need to get my wife to play this with me.

[joshingit]

Got this email from the red star store about shipping delays. : ( Anyone else?

THE RED STAR VIDEOGAME SALES EXCEED EXPECTATIONS!
Dear Red Star supporters,
Thank you for ordering your copy of The Red Star directly from The Red Store!
As you may have read in gaming forums across the net, the reaction to this release has been exceptional,
and supplies have been short nationwide.
Volume of orders has exceeded everyone's expectations and we apologize for the temporary delay in delivery.

EXCLUSIVE GIFT WITH YOUR ORDER
In appreciation of your continued patience, we'll be sending you a free exclusive gift with your order only available from The Red Store.

[buurrnn]

I just got mine today. Strange... it did not the white playstation seal on top of the box. Got it from cduniverse. Anyone else have this prob?

[Puffa469]

I just got mine today. Strange... it did not the white playstation seal on top of the box. Got it from cduniverse. Anyone else have this prob?

New PS2 games havent had that white sticker/seal at the top of the case for a couple years now.

[buurrnn]

hmm interesting. i just compared to a sealed gradius v that had the white sticker i picked up from frys few weeks ago. coo thanks

[brainmunch]

I remember getting excited about this game years ago. Can't believe it's actually out! Guess I'll get an autographed copy. :DDid anyone that ordered the signed copy get theirs yet?

How did they handle the autograph, please don't tell me it was signed on the shrink wrap? My preference would be on the insert itself and not the plastic outside as that would wear.

[wizardofcoz4126]

Hey ViolentLee, you know Ara Shirinian? That is pretty awsome. I wondered how he went from Tips & Tricks magazine to game design. It must be awsome to work in the game industry!

[MadFlava]

Ok, I've been playing the game since yesterday morning... Damn, for $20 what a bargain. This game is aweseom.

[Draekon]

So I went ahead and ended up buying a second autographed copy since I enjoyed the game a lot. Later on they sent me an e-mail which was posted around the same time I got my copy, which was:


Got this email from the red star store about shipping delays. : ( Anyone else?

THE RED STAR VIDEOGAME SALES EXCEED EXPECTATIONS!
Dear Red Star supporters,
Thank you for ordering your copy of The Red Star directly from The Red Store!
As you may have read in gaming forums across the net, the reaction to this release has been exceptional,
and supplies have been short nationwide.
Volume of orders has exceeded everyone's expectations and we apologize for the temporary delay in delivery.

EXCLUSIVE GIFT WITH YOUR ORDER
In appreciation of your continued patience, we'll be sending you a free exclusive gift with your order only available from The Red Store.

Today I recieved a package in the mail containing what I assume is the exclusive gift. It's a signed copy of Run Makita Run Annual #1 by Chris Gossett, the creator of the comics. It's available on the website for $8 but does not indicate that it comes signed. Here's a link to my scanned copy:

http://images.draekon.com/redstar.jpg

I didn't bother shrinking the size down or anything, so it's sitting at a 2.5mb image in large (2k x 3k) resolution.

[CouRageouS]

Thats awesome. Now I'm considering ordering directly. How much does it cost shipped?

Also how likely is it for me to just walk into EB or GS to pick it up? Hard to find or anything?

[Draekon]

Thats awesome. Now I'm considering ordering directly. How much does it cost shipped?

Also how likely is it for me to just walk into EB or GS to pick it up? Hard to find or anything?

Well the link is back on page 2 or 3 if I remember correctly to the Red Star Store. I don't remember how much it cost after shipping but they finally got around to charging my card a few days ago and it came to about $25-26. It's been a while since I ordered and they may not be giving out anymore signed comics as well.

No idea about Gamestop or Electronic Botique. I'd have to guess it's becoming somewhat difficult to get ahold of in some places though. Well regardless it's still up for grabs in the Red Star Store.

[joshingit]

Did anyone that ordered the signed copy get theirs yet?

How did they handle the autograph, please don't tell me it was signed on the shrink wrap? My preference would be on the insert itself and not the plastic outside as that would wear.

I wish I knew, however my GF ordered one from the site and said it WASN'T signed. :cry:

[ViolentLee]

Hey ViolentLee, you know Ara Shirinian? That is pretty awsome. I wondered how he went from Tips & Tricks magazine to game design. It must be awsome to work in the game industry!
Yup, Ara's my buddy. He's at Rainbow Studios now; not too sure what he's working on. He's a great guy, and his old-school gaming tastes definitely show in Red Star.

Speaking of the game, I finally busted it out when my friend was over. We played through the first four levels or so. It's such classic fun, and way better than the 3D Contras. Bosses all over the place, and some great melee. The two characters are very unique, too. Looking forward to playing more.

[VanillaGorilla]

The Red Star >>>> Odin Sphere, in terms of sheer fun to play.

[MadFlava]

The Red Star >>>> Odin Sphere, in terms of sheer fun to play.

Funny that you mention Odin Sphere, I picked up both games and I just finished opening everything on The Red Star and its an awesome game. I totally recommend that any gamer who grew up in the 8 bit and 16 bit era get this game. For $20 it has me playing it non stop for 2 weeks now. It time for me to check out Odin Sphere since its sitting unopened on my desk since it came out. But Red Star is truly a great gem of a game. Also, I suggest reading the comics if possible before playing the game. I really appreciated the game more because I read the comics right before I played this game.

[VanillaGorilla]

Funny that you mention Odin Sphere, I picked up both games and I just finished opening everything on The Red Star and its an awesome game. I totally recommend that any gamer who grew up in the 8 bit and 16 bit era get this game. For $20 it has me playing it non stop for 2 weeks now. It time for me to check out Odin Sphere since its sitting unopened on my desk since it came out. But Red Star is truly a great gem of a game. Also, I suggest reading the comics if possible before playing the game. I really appreciated the game more because I read the comics right before I played this game.I couldn't begin to tell you anything about the games story, or even the names of the characters I have been playing as. I skip through all that text. Don't really care.

[jer7583]

Yep Red Star > Odin Sphere. Got tired of OS after about two hours..

[espy605]

Red Star is the only game recently I even bothered to play from beginning to end. Probably the most fun game I've played in quite some time. My only complaint is there is a total lack of effort in terms of storytelling, which is disappointing because the source material seems very rich (I've never read the comic but want to now). Gameplay is great in most respects, although I do admit I felt the melee was a bit lacking, and the other projectile weapons for Mikita are pretty worthless.

Great, great game.

DECISIVE BATTLE!!!

[dafunkk12]

Went ahead and attempted an order for an autographed copy. $8.90 shipping to Florida by either first class or priority, so I wonder why there's the option. I saw the first post mentioning the autographed edition was over a month ago, but the page is still up on the store, so hopefully that means they haven't run out!

[parKer]

Anyone read PSM Independent Playstation Magazine for July yet? My parents get it free for their waiting room and I glanced through their reviews section in the back.


The Red Star (PS2)


PSM score: 6.0 of out 10


When old school feels so good...

At first glance, long-troubled action game The Red Star, based on a comic of the same name, is a welcome return to old-school arcade classics. It mixes elements of Final Fight, MERCS, and Smash TV to create a visually enjoyable update to the genre.

However, nostalgia soon gives way to gameplay that, despite mixing both melee and shooter-style combat, gets old rather quickly, with two basic characters to start with (strong/slow dude or weak/fast woman; a third is unlockable), limited upgrades, and zero checkpoints. The Red Star may have been entertaining during the era that influecnes its design, but it simply can't keep up with the offerings of the present day.

- Ryan Rayhill

[RollingSkull]

Fuck them.