This is my first experience with this series, but I saw it just released on PS5 at a very reasonable price and anytime a new sh'mup is beingThis is my first experience with this series, but I saw it just released on PS5 at a very reasonable price and anytime a new sh'mup is being released in 2022 for next gen, well lets just say I couldn't resist.
The good:
Smooth, fast paced and addictive twin-stick gameplay
Gorgeous 16 bit graphics that pop off your 4K screen
Charming retro art design that caters to fans of the genre
Great sound design that has a classic muffled crunch
Inspired soundtrack that takes me back to early 90s sh'mups
PS5 dual-sense adaptive triggers that provide a feel like no other sh'mup I've played
Cool weapon upgrade system made cooler by a forgiving and generous grind
Levels toss you right into the action, no waiting around for the challenge to begin
Navigating the occasional bullet hell with your upgraded/customized ship feels truly heroic
No loading, bugs, or microtransactions thus far
Excellent value at $9.99. If it ever goes on sale then it will be an absolute steal
The game feels like a labor of love from this developer
The (not really) bad:
Nothing fundamental, however you might need to be a masochist to platinum the game, as the trophy system was reworked for the PS5 version to intentionally make it brutally challenging to earn many of the trophies. I think this is a cool thing actually, but depends on who you ask I guess. If nothing else, it adds replayability which is welcome in a sh'mup.
10/10; I might double dip and pick it up on Switch also… Expand
