Some gamers might not be familiar with the title Salamander, but if someone mentions the side scrolling space shooter “Life Force” most will instantly recall memories of the NES version. If you’re really lucky, some may even recall the harder to find arcade version of Life Force. Salamander and Life Force is one in the same to a certain degree, but I won’t go in depth on the differences. I’d rather talk about the 1996 sequel, but more specifically; the fantastic music that’s featured in the game.

Salamander 2 definitely features some great shmup game play, but its the pulse pounding synthetic soundtrack that helps really bring the game to life as your blasting evil organisms to pieces. Almost every track in the game features extremely well produced melodies with fantastic hooks. It most certainly SCREAMS something Konami’s sound designers would put together if you’re familiar with the  many other productions they’ve done. What a shame that this game didn’t have a domestic presence in the United States!

You can check out some selected tracks from the game, right here!