Radiant Silvergun, Finally! but.....

About 3-6 months ago (I've lost count now) Game developer Treasure announced that they would be bringing the acclaimed Sega Saturn and Arcade Shooter "Radiant Silvergun" to Xbox Live Arcade with all of the Saturn and arcade modes intact and an HD graphic overhaul. 

It was delayed or at least everyone thought it was. Game journalists and fans alike were irritated, or maybe just me. It may have been problems with Microsoft's online firmware or some technical error. Either way the game was taking way to long.

Finally it has been announced that the game will have a September 14 release. That is wonderful news but viewing the early screen shots has provided me with more questions.

Everything from the original game is here. On the right side there is a chart showing what buttons fire what weapon. This is probably the best for someone playing on a controller but most of the arcade crazy purists prefer to play these kinds of games on arcade sticks with six or more buttons. The one thing that no professional site has mentioned, is if the buttons will be custom configurable. Many have arcade sticks that work for the Xbox and many will want to play with the traditional controls. I know this is an extremely small demographic of dedicated players, but they will want what they have grown accustomed to. The game is mostly marketed to them in the first place.

I know that I can't expect a company to adhere to the wishes of hardcore gaming nuts, but remember that the game itself is a traditional two dimensional shooter with the entire game set around scoring and leveling up the various weapons. It takes months to years to achieve any kind of success on the game. This game was made by the hardcore for the hardcore gamer who will spend the time on it. I don't think the average 15 year old who plays games casually with friends online will fully enjoy this game. I know because I've played with the young gaming masses. I've beaten their high scores!

To me, this little detail of button configuration will mean the difference between a company that is focused on opening up the doors of nostalgia to old and new alike or just wanting to make a quick buck. I hope they keep the current fans in mind while making new ones. Don't let me down Treasure!