What do I think about when someone asks me about a game that has been played by very few gamers? M.U.S.H.A., a 2D vertical shooter on the Sega Genesis. M.U.S.H.A was released in 1990 and developed by SEISMIC Software/Compile. May I add, this is the first and only title I ever played that came out of this company? It's a shame, as M.U.S.H.A. ends up to be one of the most solid shooters that has graced a console. If there were ever a sleeper hit, M.U.S.H.A. would be it. The lack of advertisement and the fact that the publisher and developer were virtually unheard of did not help out to add to the success of this wonderful title.
The story goes as follows: Five M.U.S.H.A. units were sent in on a mission to attack an armada. The armada was more powerful than expected, and takes out four of the five M.U.S.H.A.’s with ease. Like the hero that you are, you jump into action solo and take care of the armada single handedly.
In terms of presentation, the game is very alive. Graphics are a treat (especially that intro), and it truly showed off what the Sega Genesis could do in terms of style. The enemies come at you from up to down, from left to right, making for great tension in gameplay. With all the enemies on screen attacking you, maneuvering the M.U.S.H.A. becomes an important part of completing your tasks. It feels like you’re actually piloting a mech as the controls are very responsive. Dodging and moving around danger becomes a part of the game as well as shooting at the enemies, which blends together well.
The weapon system is also very balanced. There are three categories: bombs, shields, and cannons, which are broken down into four levels of weaponry. For example let's take the cannons. If you collect one cannon item, you will obtain the cannon add-on to your mech. If you find another, you will upgrade this cannon to a more powerful version, until you ultimately reach the final version of the cannon. This is the same for each other weapon category. You also have extra firepower, which you can obtain by collecting objects that appear to look like pills. These extra guns can be told what formation you want them to take, such as forward, free (which approach enemies and attack them) and back, just to name a few.
The sound also compliments the game well. Nothing exaggerated, yet nothing left weak. Everything from the main theme to the stage tracks scream out M.U.S.H.A., which is why for the last 10 years, I have not forgotten about this piece treasure that should be in any shooter’s fan collection.
Overall, if you’re a shooter enthusiast, this is a must own game. The presentation is top notch, the gameplay is responsive, the weapon system is near perfect. To top it off, the soundtrack ties up the whole package rather nicely. Own a Genesis? Starving for a shooter? Then this game was made for you.
