Tomak Save the Earth, Again is a fun side-scrolling shooter in the same style as the popular Metal Slug series. Developed by a Korean company, Seed 9 Entertainment, TSTEA was released as a limited run only in Korea and Japan, and was much more successful as a handheld game on Korea's answer to Nintendo's GameBoy Advance. The game stars several "SD" (i.e. shrunken head) anime characters from an earlier game by Seed 9's that was a far cry from this one: the first Tomak was a unique and weird life simulation, which let you 'cultivate' several potted-plants-with-human-head creatures. Think of it like a cross between Tamagotchi and Princess Maker, but much weirder than either. If you think this sequel SHMUP has to be something more orthodox, you're wrong. True, the action is familiar, but the potted plant people, the weapons they use, and enemies they encounter are creative to say the least. Background graphics and stage designs, similarly, are very detailed and refreshingly innovative. If you love console platformers from Treasure (Gunstar Heroes, etc.), you will probably like this charming shooter from Korea. My only gripe is that the first few levels are a bit too easy. Highly recommended! Reviewed by: Underdogs |