English Title: SEGA AGES 2500 Series Vol.9: Gain Ground
Japanese Title: SEGA AGES 2500 シリーズ Vol.9 ゲイングランド
Publisher: 3D AGES
Developer: ?
Genre: Tactical Action
Released: Feb. 26, 2004
Product Codes: SLPM-62445 / JAN 4571159590149
The earlier days of the SEGA AGES 2500 line actually saw the release of 3D remakes of classic Sega games, mostly developed by third-tier dev-houses like SIMS and Tamsoft. This time, we've got arcade cult classic "tactical action shooter" Gain Ground, a unique little experimental game, and one of my personal favorites from Sega's arcade catalog. Imagine a top-down action game like Capcom's Commando slowed down and intensified so that you actually have to think about what you're doing. You've also got a huge number of different playable characters, each with their own weapons and abilities, which you earn by literally rescuing them from stages.
Like most console ports, this remake trims the player count from three to two -- justified as only the export (non-Japan) version of the arcade game supported three players -- though that's still better than the PC Engine's single-player-only port. The 3D graphics are a bit muddy but still serviceable, and the already great music has been arranged by the one-and-only S.S.H. I have a sneaking suspicion this version was developed by H.A.N.D much like the Alien Syndrome remake, but I don't have anything to base that on as of yet.
Includes an info card with some comments by the original game's programmer, Yoshiki Ōoka. 
