layer section

    Layer Section, originally known as RayForce, and due to rights issues also otherwise known as Galactic Attack or Gunlock, is a vertically scrolling shoot-em-up that splits its action into a ground level and air level. The game provides the player with a targeting reticle to take out ground level threats with homing missiles before enemies become airborne. This is based on a mechanic that goes all the way back to Xevious, and here it's done in a fast-paced but controlled manner.

     When players get into their first shoot-em-ups, they often steer the ship all over the screen, wildly collecting power-ups and taking out enemies. Once a player has logged a few dozen game overs, they often calm down and learn that basic rule of shoot-em-ups: Let the game come to you. Don't dodge around unless you have to. One reason Layer Section is so much fun is that it encourages the player to fly around and take a few chances right away to avoid a worse situation later.  The ship's reticle can initially target up to 5 enemies at once before the player needs to unleash their homing missiles, and the ship's just slightly larger than average size means being on the move can be helpful.

     The power-up system is basic, just a simple upgrade to the main weapon. Power-up icons are given out pretty generously though. As expected, the game's scoring system primarily deals with use of the targeting reticle and extends are given out at 500,000 points, making scoring a priority.

     The Saturn version includes a Tate mode to present the game in the proper aspect ratio. This version of the game has no slowdown and almost no loading time.

     Layer Section is a product of the waning 2D era, and hits an absolute sweet spot in terms of graphics and sound. It has some great parallax scrolling and dramatic music. The nostalgia and historic factors are also strong here, as this is also one of the last great traditional shooters before the genre would move on to bullet hells. 

     Layer Section would be a solid pick for a top 50 all-time greatest shoot-em-up, and a sleeper pick for top 25.