It's been way too long since I played these... I do know I liked "Super Star Soldier" better than "Soldier Blade" because I never bothered with the latter again after I beat it. :\ Axelay, the graphics/effects were great, I remember that, but I never formed any bond with it, that is, have fond memories of it which probably means I didn't give a shit about its music and that factors high on my gauging as to whether I'll remember and ever wanna return to a game. For example, "Summer Carnival '93 - Nexzr Special" which I bought used, I can still remember the stage 1 track music because that's how good it was. Since its in the mold of SSS but with Redbook audio tracks, I have good memories of it and recall multiple play-thrus.
Well, I'm not voting either way cause I just don't remember them enough to choose. Also, Fragmare's whirlwind of versus battles is making brain hurt. Gonna just bow out now.