Storm Caliber and Messier are two excellent freeware shooters from Japan. Both games feature fun gameplay, imaginative enemy ship designs, and plenty of cool power-ups to use. The graphics are excellent, although it is sometimes hard to differentiate between different enemies' shots, due to their graphics being quite similar. Both games are more difficult and longer than an average freeware shooter, too, which should make them appeal to joystick experts everywhere. If you prefer vertical shooters, play Storm Caliber first. Two thumbs up for these little-known underdogs! Make sure to get the '99 "Revival Edition", still available at the old website linked below. Reviewed by: Underdogs |