Jamestown+

Before anything else, I must explain that as a Steam Deck user, this game works flawlessly without any tinkering. It may say Silver on ProtonDB and Unsupported on SD compatibility, but I assure you this runs flawlessly! Jamestown+ is genuinely one of the best sprite based games I've played yet. They managed to make a widescreen vertical shmup work so well and make it look fantastic, despite the complications most games of this genre have trying to make it work. As a shmup it's really fun, though as a multiplayer experience, I'm not sure since I've been exclusively playing this solo, but I imagine the experience would be just as engaging as it is alone. The ship variety is making me actually want to experiment with different shot types as it contains more than 12 different ways to shoot your enemies down, though you have to unlock and buy them by progressing the campaign. I personally like it since I have a reason to use the money I earn from each stage clear on the harder difficulties. The main and special shots are still as destructive as I'd like, though there are some that are just outright better than others. There are about 3-4 ships so far that I've unlocked that I clearly spend more time with than others, but maybe it's just preference? My only gripe with the game is a lack of any clearly visible hurtbox for the player. I find myself getting hit by bullet patterns I can clearly dodge efficiently in other games like Touhou or the many many CAVE games. Those games and many others have either a standard dot that shows your hurtbox, or a clever design detail that acts as a subtle sign that you'll die if you get hit here. Jamestown has nothing like that. The only way you can tell where it's at is when you're selecting your ship before a mission and the game has to point it out to you somewhere on the characters back. It is invisible otherwise, or possibly very unnoticeable. If only they had the spot visible at all times, then the bullet swarms on the harder difficulties would actually make sense. Other than that, I highly recommend this game to anyone curious! Either you're already well versed in shmups or you're new and would like to play something that scratches that beautiful sprite work itch that makes you gawk at the visuals. If you're interested, it's worth it!

Nice updated version of a solid shmup. (Sadly still no online/lobby co-op though)

Jamestown+ by Final Form Games, published by Batterystaple Games, is a standout entry in the top-down shoot ’em up genre that combines old-school arcade action with a fresh and imaginative setting. Set in an alternate 17th-century where British colonial forces have taken to Mars, the game delivers a unique twist on historical fiction with its steampunk-inspired visuals and sci-fi themes. This blend of history and fantasy gives the game a distinct flavor that sets it apart from typical shmups, creating a rich backdrop against which the fast-paced, bullet-hell style combat unfolds. At its core, Jamestown+ is about precision, timing, and cooperation. The gameplay challenges players to navigate increasingly complex waves of enemies and projectiles while mastering the unique abilities of different ships. Each player’s ship comes equipped with varied weapons and power-ups, allowing for a diversity of playstyles. The inclusion of up to four-player local co-op adds a layer of strategic depth and fun, as teamwork becomes essential for survival, especially at higher difficulties. One of the game’s most notable mechanics is the ability to revive fallen teammates by collecting their souls, which not only encourages players to stay close and support each other but also keeps the tension high during intense moments. Visually, Jamestown+ is a masterclass in pixel art. The game’s art style pays homage to the golden age of arcade shooters while incorporating detailed and vibrant environments that bring its Martian setting to life. The color palette is rich and varied, with intricate backgrounds and enemy designs that provide visual clarity even amidst the chaotic on-screen action. The animation is smooth, which is crucial in a bullet-hell game where precision dodging is key. Complementing the visuals is an outstanding orchestral soundtrack composed by Francisco Cerda, which perfectly matches the game’s epic and adventurous tone, elevating every firefight and boss encounter with cinematic flair. Beyond its aesthetic and gameplay merits, Jamestown+ offers a well-balanced challenge that caters to both newcomers and veterans of the genre. The game’s difficulty ramps up steadily, introducing new enemy types, patterns, and environmental hazards that test player skill and adaptability. The campaign is composed of multiple missions, each with unique objectives and escalating stakes, giving a satisfying sense of progression. For players seeking even more challenge, the “Gauntlet” mode pushes endurance and mastery to the limit with its unforgiving series of levels. This depth and replayability ensure that Jamestown+ stays engaging long after the initial playthrough. While Jamestown+ is generally polished and well-optimized, it has experienced some technical hiccups on certain platforms, including compatibility issues reported on the Steam Deck. These problems, although relatively minor, can disrupt the smoothness of the experience for some players. Additionally, the game’s focus on local multiplayer might limit online play options, which could be a drawback for those looking to play remotely with friends. Nonetheless, these issues do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the game and its appeal. In conclusion, Jamestown+ is a compelling blend of classic shoot ’em up gameplay with a fresh narrative twist and modern design sensibilities. Its unique setting, cooperative mechanics, and gorgeous pixel art make it a memorable experience that honors the genre’s traditions while pushing creative boundaries. Whether you are a hardcore shmup fan or a player looking for an accessible yet challenging arcade adventure, Jamestown+ offers a rich, rewarding, and visually striking journey through an imaginative Martian frontier. It’s a game that demands skill and teamwork, and in return, delivers exhilarating action and a captivating atmosphere that lingers well after the last bullet has been fired. Rating: 8/10

A great example of a modern arcade style shmup. Great for people that are new to the genre. i recommend you take on the challenge either on your own or with friends. Great game!

Great little shmup. Full of charm, and the music is really good. I have the Conquistador and Croatoa themes on my permanent playlist. Punishingly hard on the higher difficulties but I had an absolute blast playing through with my friend and SO.

As a shmup is somewhat mediocre, but you can have a few hours of fun with it. As usual, this game tells a very sui generis version of History where English take Jamestown from Spain and live happy with natives and other children tales. I won't reveal anything new to people remotely interested in History, but the truth, also called genocide, is that there are almost no native in every English occupied territory along the planet. Nothing, but some few Indian Reservations with the poor natives that were not plainly exterminated by the freedom-loving english people. And that is if we are talking about North America, because South African natives can tell similar stories about the merry english people. However, the places that were discovered by the Spanish Empire and their Conquistadores (and not destroyed by England or USA when the Spanish Empire decayed) preserved native people, married to them, abolished ritual cannibalism, funded Universities and other institutions devoted to culture and knowledge and, in general, improved these lands, which were in pretty bad shape before the time Christopher Columbus discovered them. I don't know if the developer created this story on purpose. I guess it was just plain ignorance but, in any case, since it seems that Spain, and Spaniards, have to deal with these historical lies (Leyenda Negra) despite their unquestionable, glorious, and absolutely amazing historical achievements, I consider nothing but fair to write some words about it. Anyway, thanks for reading and, if you are interested in shmups, buy any Cave game instead. Or Toaplan, or Psikyo, or...

another cheap shmup with bs level design and no unlimited continue, refunded

It was fun, there's a lot of Gun Ships to choose from. The Play-style are interesting, but too little level to choose from. Could be better if there's some upgrade system and even more Stage to choose from. Game is hard, but it's worthwhile. 6/10

Jamestown+ é a versão mais nova e ampliada de Jamestown, pra quem não comprou ainda, ignore a versão anterior e se gostou da versão antiga, também compensa pois já vem as DLC's, novas fases, novas naves e um modo de jogo novo. O jogo tem uma história ok, sobre a colônia de mesmo nome do jogo, que precisa se defender, é ignorável e tudo mais, mas é legal e tem artes bem legais na transição das fases. A ideia é jogar cada fase, liberando naves e tudo mais, cada uma consiste em 2 continues e é bem tranquilo de forma geral, mas você conforme joga libera novas dificuldades que continuam a progredir na história. É uma ideia simples e bem executada. Porém... ao terminar o jogo, você vai simplesmente continuar jogando porque o jogo é simplesmente bom, e vai te dar mais e mais formas de continuar jogando. Então ao terminar as fases, se libera o Gauntlet e o Super Gauntlet. É basicamente o modo arcade. Gauntlet tem as fases do jogo padrão, e o Super tem as mesmas fases e o adicional das fases Phobos que são na lua, uma side story que incrementa parte da narrativa e tem chefes bem legais. Ou seja, um arcade de 5 e 7 fases. Simples assim. O que pode (e provavelmente vai) incomodar é a dificuldade do jogo, que beira o surreal dependendo da dificuldade, deixando até mesmo de ser divertido, porque é meramente uma mistura de decorar TUDO que pode acontecer somado a uma boa dose de sorte. Principalmente se for tentar o 100%. O sistema do jogo me prendeu muito, tem um multiplicador que gera um escudo e te deixa invulnerável por alguns segundos te permitindo respirar, e o mesmo vale pra quando você manualmente encerra o multiplicador, gerando um escudo menor e mais curto na duração. E tem pelo menos 10 naves diferentes e 2 que basicamente são naves random do jogo, gerando uma nova nave ao morrer e ao passar de fase. A música é excelente, a jogabilidade é precisa, e uma coisa curiosa é o fato de usar a tela inteira ao invés de usar o padrão vertical, e eles sabendo disso já fizeram ajustes que contribuem pra jogatina, como inimigos e balas maiores, naves bem menos aceleradas e embora seja um bullet hell dependendo da dificuldade, não é uma coisa injusta e que prejudica a sua dinâmica de jogo. E pra melhorar, ainda consiste em co-op local de até 4 jogadores. Sendo assim uma ótima forma de jogar um jogo divertido e bem feito com amigos. Jamestown ao meu ver, está na elite dos shmups do Steam, sendo brevemente diferente sem perder a base do gênero, contribuindo muito pro co-op local, e uma jogabilidade excelente ao lado de músicas incríveis. Não é nenhum exagero ver ele em listas de melhores shmups de toda a plataforma. Nota 9/10

Great schmup. Fantastic artwork. Great scoring mechanics. Unbelievably good soundtrack. Hot jams. The original was an amazing triumph the + update is a masterpiece.