Really good! My Star Soldier experience is limited but I liked what I played of Soldier Blade. This had less of that game's setpieces and 'cool' moments, but had a meatier gamefeel. There's so much shit to shoot down and all the weapons are really fun.

I wonder how much lnfuence Star Soldier and Aleste take from each other. Hudson Soft and Compile have fairly similar shmup design sensibilities.