Originally released in Japanese arcades in 1998, this release is the first time Dangun Feveron is available to home console owners in any kindOriginally released in Japanese arcades in 1998, this release is the first time Dangun Feveron is available to home console owners in any kind of official form. Disclaimer: I haven't played the PCB arcade version, while Wikipedia says it was released worldwide, this isn't a game I've ever seen at an arcade in the USA. In fact, the intro screen comically notes that the game is for use in Japan Only, a vestige of the arcade loading screen legalese prevalent in such games. I assume it is a faithful port because of how great the game is.
If you have played the M2 release of Battle Garegga, Dangun Feveron has a similar customizable wallpaper menu that livens up the game and gives you every status update to explain the game's progress you could want. It is more superfluous here than in Battle Garegga as there is less information to convey, but it is a great feature nonetheless. The attention to detail throughout the game's presentation is fantastic, and most importantly the game itself is worthy of such attention.
There is something about Dangun Feveron that just feels perfect. "Feel" is a very important characteristic when it comes to a SHMUP, and while it can be hard to define exactly, you know it when you are playing it, and Dangun Feveron has it in spades. The game's funk soundtrack and disco aesthetic would make for a goofy if not forgettable gimmick if not for the sheer perfection of the gameplay. Because Dangun Feveron is so fun to play, its overall style is elevated into something special. This game is a true gem and it's a gift to have it brought to home consoles, despite seeming to fly under the radar and catering to a relatively small genre fanbase. Seeing the relative lack of fanfare around the release and considering the game's $35 price for a 5 level 90s arcade SHMUP, I almost wonder why M2 even bothered at all when imagining how few copies they probably have sold. Still, that's even more of a reason to experience this all-time great game and support the release of more expertly curated releases of Japanese SHMUPs from M2.… Expand
