Aleste

Aleste
Developer(s)	Compile
Publisher(s)	Sega (MS) Compile (MSX2) D4Enterprise (WVC) Square Enix Mobile (JM)
Platforms	Master System, MSX2, Wii Virtual Console, Java Midlet
Release date(s)	Master System MSX2 Java Midlet Wii Virtual Console
Genre(s)	Vertical scrolling shooter
Mode(s)	Single player

Aleste (アレスタ) is a 1988 shoot 'em up video game developed by Compile for the Master System. It is a direct successor to Compile's earlier Zanac, featuring many of the themes and gameplay mechanics of that work.

Plot

The story of Aleste concerns the manmade supercomputer DIA 51, which has been infected by a hybrid virus that is spreading like wildfire, eventually leading DIA 51 to eliminate the human race. When Yuri, Ray's girlfriend, gets injured in DIA's assault, Raymond Waizen has all the reason in the world to get rid of DIA 51 once and for all in his Aleste fighter.

Releases

The game was originally released for the Master System in February 1988. This version was released outside of Japan, as Power Strike; the US release was a mail-only limited edition, while the European release was a normal retail package.

An MSX2 version was released in July of that year, featuring two new stages, lowered difficulty, and a series of cutscenes.

A version of the game has been released on phones by Square Enix, presumably based on the MSX2 version. The MSX2 version has been rereleased on Nintendo's Wii Virtual Console service in Japan. It along with Aleste 2 had also been rereleased through the now-defunct WOOMB service.

The Aleste series

A number of later works are also branded Aleste, making a sort of series.

• Aleste Gaiden (MSX2)
• Aleste 2 (MSX2)
• Musha Aleste: Fullmetal Fighter Ellinor (Mega Drive)
• GG Aleste (Game Gear)
• Super Aleste (Super Famicom)
• Dennin Aleste: Nobunaga and his Ninja force (Mega-CD)
• GG Aleste II: Lance Bird (Game Gear)

There is also a number of similar games, some of which various Aleste entries are based on; for example, Gunhed would inspire Super Aleste.

• The Guardian Legend (Family Computer)
• Gunhed (PC Engine)
• Seirei Senshi Spriggan (PC Engine CD)
• Spriggan mark2: Re-Terraform Project (PC Engine CD)
• Power Strike II (Master System)
• Sylphia (PC Engine CD)
• Spriggan Powered (Super Famicom)

Finally, it is known that around 1993, various employees left Compile and joined Raizing, where they made some similar games.

• Mahou Daisakusen (Arcade)
• Shippu Mahou Daisakusen (Arcade)

External links

• GG Aleste II at Sega Scream