Einhander

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: May 5, 1998
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Gaming Age
    96
    A masterful game. It is a game with non-stop action and can be pretty tough at times. All of this is combined with just enough of a brainwork requirement to make this game more interactive, hence more enjoyable.
  2. Da Gameboyz
    95
    Einhander is one of those games you never want to get rid of, because no matter how good you think you are, it's always a challenge. Combined with the audio and visual elements of this game, Einhander is nothing short of a great gaming experience!
  3. netjak
    95
    The graphics in Einhander are stunning. Before this I'd never seen 3D move so swiftly...Great graphics, high difficulty, lots of secrets, breathtaking CG, variety, and a killer soundtrack. There is honestly nothing more than I want out of a shooter than Einhander gives.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Cheat Code Central Platinum
    95
    Aside from the high level of difficulty (which let's face it, is pretty common in these sorts of games) there isn't anything I don't like about Einhander. Gameplay based on fast reaction times, weapon choice and nerves of steel can't be a bad thing. This game gets your blood pumping just like "RE2" does, except for different reasons.
  6. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    92
    All this publication's reviews
  7. IGN
    90
    Not only did Square 'rekindle' the side-scrolling genre with Einhander, but it has literally surpassed and set the standard - it's one of the best shooters I have ever played.
  8. TotalGames.net
    90
    This really is classic stuff. Most games of this ilk can be effortlessly breezed through within a couple of goes, but not this monster. Despite having ten continues as standard, you''ll lose them within the first three levels -- leaving vast chunks of unexplored terrain that''ll have you begging for extra credits. [JPN Import]
  9. GamePro
    90
    The foot-tapping techno music tracks accompany each stage perfectly, and the sound effects shine with a plethora of explosions and other sounds of destruction.
  10. PSM Magazine
    90
    Great graphics, tight control, amazing sound.
    All this publication's reviews
  11. GMR Magazine
    90
    "Einhander" is German for "awesome 2D shooter that should have sold way more that it did." That, or "one-handed." We're not sure. [Feb 2003, p.97]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Absolute Playstation
    85
    A really top of the line shooter. I haven't had this much fun with a game of this type since "Nanotek Warriors". The graphics are gorgeous, the sound effects effective and the level design and missions a blast to play through.
  13. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    Bristling with style, Square's space shooter is a classic in the genre. The gameplay is fast and furious, and the background graphics look stunning even today. [Nov 2001, p.43] Einhander's huling bosses will blow your mind.
    All this publication's reviews
  14. All Game Guide
    80
    Hands down the BEST side scrolling shooter to come out in the post 16-bit era of video gaming. It has everything going for it: relentless action, beautiful graphics, tons of highly detailed levels, different ships, awesome weapons and an incredible challenge that will keep you coming back for more.
  15. GameSpot
    79
    And while the fruit of its efforts may not be the miracle this genre needs for a complete revival, it's just about as good as shooters get.

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PS1 Game of 1998
13
#13 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1998
10
#10 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1998

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 47 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 47
  3. Negative: 3 out of 47
  1. Brute1995
    Dec 23, 2012
    10
    This game is great. I first played it in 2000 on the PS1 and I've played it every now and then since then.

    Costs a pretty penny if you want    This game is great. I first played it in 2000 on the PS1 and I've played it every now and then since then.

    Costs a pretty penny if you want to buy it nowadays.    … Full Review »
  2. logan1087
    Mar 21, 2017
    10
    Un gran videojuego no me esperaba este nivel de calidad y me ha sorprendido, a pesar de estar en 2017 supera prácticamente a todos loUn gran videojuego no me esperaba este nivel de calidad y me ha sorprendido, a pesar de estar en 2017 supera prácticamente a todos lo videojuegos actuales… Full Review »
  3. WillG.
    Feb 28, 2007
    10
    I disagree with Roger. Personally, I think this game has great playability and is full of action. Although a little slow, Einhander adds a I disagree with Roger. Personally, I think this game has great playability and is full of action. Although a little slow, Einhander adds a dimension of gameplay that is not easily utilized. On another note, this game is unique in its own way, so classifying it by genre is already pitting it against games that are almost completely different.… Full Review »
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