When Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer first launched on the PlayStation 3 back in 2007, it was something of a curiosity – a German-developed shoot ’em up trying to blend classic 2D arcade design with modern 3D presentation. Nearly two decades later, Eastasiasoft has brought it back for a new audience on the Nintendo Switch, giving players a chance to revisit one of the most stylish and surprisingly tough entries in the genre. Time hasn’t dulled its edge – in fact, this handheld-enabled version may be the most natural way to experience its relentless action.
Set in a far-future war against a mysterious infection that consumes both living creatures and machines, the story of Söldner-X doesn’t take itself too seriously. You play as an anti-hero mercenary, hired as much for his greed as his skill, piloting a prototype fighter through wave after wave of deadly enemies. It’s a thin premise, but it provides just enough context for the mayhem that follows – and that’s exactly the point with games like this. This is an arcade shooter first and foremost, and its focus is squarely on mastering patterns, dodging projectiles, and managing firepower rather than narrative depth.
The gameplay remains faithful to its roots: a 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ’em up where precision and adaptability are key. Each stage throws out dozens of enemies at once, filling the screen with bullets, missiles, and laser fire in dazzling patterns. The weapons system – which lets players cycle between primary and secondary guns that can overheat if abused – still stands out as a clever twist, forcing you to think tactically rather than just hold down the fire button. Combined with the “chain system,” which rewards consistent kills and punishes hesitation, Söldner-X creates a strong sense of rhythm that feels as demanding as it is satisfying.
That difficulty curve, however, remains divisive. Even on easier settings, Söldner-X can be punishing for newcomers, and the original’s steep challenge hasn’t been softened much for this re-release. While this is part of the game’s identity – recalling classics like R-Type and Gradius – some players may find the learning curve more frustrating than rewarding at first. That said, the Switch version’s inclusion of all prior balance updates and quality-of-life tweaks makes it more approachable than the original PS3 edition was at launch, especially with its refined hit detection and smoother frame pacing.
One of the biggest draws of the new release is simply the ability to take it on the go. The intense, score-chasing nature of Söldner-X makes it a perfect fit for short sessions in handheld mode, where levels can be tackled in quick bursts. The controls translate well to the Switch, maintaining the precision that’s essential for dodging through tight bullet patterns. The optional co-op mode also works beautifully with local play, letting a second player join in instantly.
Visually, Söldner-X still holds up remarkably well. Its 2.5D art direction, once cutting-edge, now feels retro in a charming way. The environments pop with metallic sheen and glowing effects, and enemy designs remain distinct even amid the chaos. The techno soundtrack, pounding with driving synths, helps sustain the game’s momentum throughout. While newer shooters have since eclipsed it technically, there’s a unique crispness to the aesthetic that recalls the golden age of arcade shooters and how far the genre eventually came on consoles, and the Switch’s screen makes its colors and particle effects shine brighter than ever.
Seventeen years on, Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer still earns its wings. It’s fast, flashy, and brutally demanding – but also satisfying in a way few modern shooters manage. The Nintendo Switch version doesn’t reinvent or expand the experience, yet it gives this cult favorite a second life in exactly the right format. For anyone nostalgic for the era of skill-based space shooters – or those who missed this one the first time – this re-release proves that a good arcade challenge never truly goes out of style.
Score: 7.2/10
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