![Image](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6827737909_e3f8a65710_m.jpg)
Strahl never seems to get mentioned in the same breath as the classics Dragon’s Lair and Space Ace (or even other 3DO offerings like Braindead 13 or Kingdom come to think of it
![Confused :?](./images/smilies/icon_confused.gif)
Lets face it, games like these are only as good as their visuals. Strahl has plenty of eye candy, and its anime style graphics and art are great!
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Image](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6827737869_aec9e1b786_m.jpg)
Sadly, they are hindered by appearing washed out (think an old vhs tape that’s been played over and over) 3DO is capable of better (see BD13) so it’s a shame that Strahl never reaches its full potential on the console.
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![Image](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6827764013_a7eb06e4e6_m.jpg)
The music & sound effects compliment the game pretty well, and the tracks always seem to fit the action taking place. While I enjoyed the games sounds, I must say that the music never made a lasting impression. While it certainly did grow on me, its almost a bit too generic sounding. Typical anime (and rpg) music that, while plenty good, never stuck with me. It doesn’t help that parts of the game aren’t scored, and others seem to quiet. Nevertheless this is a tiny point, and I bet most will enjoy the good sounds that Strahl serves up, and they are good.
Like all games in this genre, the controls are obviously limited. In this case, Stahl's makers decided to display the directions on screen. This eliminates potential frustration of playing the same scenes repeatedly, and leaves you to your reflexes. While I don’t mind this (I’d just assume watch the animation) I feel not giving a choice was a mistake. This could be a turn off for players who seek more of a challenge (Strahl is really quite easy) and it also hurts replay.
Strahl is a very short game that won’t take you more than 1/2 an hour or so to play it through to completion. Replay is based on how badly you want to see Strahl's numerous endings. Considering all I’ve seen with each ending is one static screen (and considering I can’t understand it as my copy is an import
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
If you enjoy these types of games for what they are, or if you enjoy anime (or even better both!
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
![Image](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6827737895_7183eed3f4_m.jpg)
-Trev