mars matrix

The Dreamcast is a total beast when it comes to shoot-‘em-ups, and so to stand head and shoulders above the cream of the crop is a true testament to just how good a particular title is. Mars Matrix is one such game, and while it isn’t a true exclusive (it was also released in arcades on Capcom’s CP System 2 board); as far as home ports go there is no other way to play this superlative shmup on console.

Straddling the line between ‘bullet hell’ and a traditional arcade shooter, Mars Matrix is perhaps one of the greatest examples of an arcade-to-home port, with a glut of extra content added to the Dreamcast game that wasn’t present in the original arcade version. Initially, you’re asked to choose one of two craft and battle against an almost infinite and unrelenting armada of airborne enemies, but where Mars Matrix takes a diversion is in its weapons system.

You aren’t awarded power-ups for taking out enemies, but you do have a fairly robust system in place from the off and the only restriction is your own ability. Hitting the fire button unleashes a constant stream of projectiles, but laying off the trigger allows for a short-range armour piercing blast. Further to this, holding the ‘charge’ button allows you to capture enemy projectiles and then send them back from whence they came, usually with devastating results. You’re also encouraged to collect golden cubes which act as currency that can be spent in the game’s shop, and this yields a remarkable amount of extra content and modes for a blaster that existed long before the blight of DLC infected the gaming sphere. Mars Matrix is a game every Dreamcast owner should play.

[Dreamcast] The boss battles are worthy of note. Most of the bosses are gigantic, screen-filling monstrosities but they all have weak spots.

[Dreamcast] The variety in the enemy ship designs in truly inspired, and when they finally succumb to your fire they explode spectacularly.