After putting in more time that I wish to remember, this game is something to behold for me, but you want to know is it for YOU??? Well, here's the down and dirty!!
[h1]The Opening Run[/h1]
You won't go into the game blind as a bat and the game will assist you in understanding how the basic controls work and two weapon classes overall. As you get the feel of your very first run, don't be surprised if you get beat. it's ok. Unlike some Shmups, there is a Novice Mode right from the rip that will ease you into Normal Mode and other modes as you unlock them.
[h1]The Same And Yet, Different[/h1]
Since this is procedurally generated, every time you start a new run, it will be different by seed. Now of course you could memorize that seed and get great results, but the likely hood of you improving is cut when doing such a thing. I would let the generator do it's job and go with the flow. With currently 20+ levels divided into 5 (and eventually 6) Sectors, pathing is endless overall and you'll get your money's worth right there. if you're afraid of change, fear not as you can input a seed and again, memorize that seed and the direct route.
[h1]The Growing Armory[/h1]
As you progress in this game and failing runs (or succeeding), you'll unlock new main weapons, add-ons, game modes and usables for future runs. These tools of the trade once you have them in a run can be upgraded to a shop every sector cleared, but with limited funds (based off of your playstyle), you'll have to pick wisely on what you wish to further upgrade.
Speaking of the shop, find a weapon, but you don't like it, the shop will have you covered as it will more often than not have a weapon and an add-on included with any ship upgrades such as speed and armor improvements as well as the occasion refill on [b]BOMBS[/b]...
[h1]The Climb[/h1]
On top of a standard local leaderboard, there's an online leaderboard that shows the route another player did and whether or not they won that run. If you're into trying to beat your friends or even best the best, this might be right up your alley.
[h1]Punishing The Simple Casual[/h1]
I'm not going to sugar coat this fact: this game can be outright punishing for players looking for a clean and relaxing casual experience. if you do get into this game, better bring your [b]A[/b] game quick, fast and in a hurry because after the tutorial and a few runs, the game will start in very simple words, trying to screw you over as early as Sector 1 (Either Arcturus or Berber) and it doesn't get any easier.
Nasty bullet patterns, cheap-ass bosses, the final two levels filling them with [b]BULLETS[/b] and even the sectors themselves will have some nasty surprises for those unprepared or those not doing due diligence.
[h1]Controlling and Mastering the Ship[/h1]
I use a controller and to be fair, it's the go to, but if you're on Key+Mouse, you're not hard pressed for control as you can map and configure your controls however you like. In addition, the ship themselves have different hitboxes and by enabling the hitbox visibility in the options before you even go to the tutorial, you'll see where you're ship will take damage.
I would definitely recommend the latter as it will help runs in the future.
[h1]The Lasting Experience[/h1]
This is my personal experience.
I normally play this game using my Youtube file and to be fair, i like to challenge myself after I beaten the game for the first time. 4 episodes later, I beat it for the first time and now, it's like a drug that you get when you need your next hit. It can be addicting, but moderation is the best way here. Everyone is different and if you pick it up, give it the good ole college try before dropping it. i promise you, you'll feel like you've done a thing.
[h1]The Pretty Colors and Awesome Music[/h1]
Something this good being hand-drawn give this game agency and a personally as it really shows the work of the indie scene. The dev did a fantastic job on the visuals and [b]PENGUIN!!!!!!![/b] This musical mastermind came up with the OST and I love it!!!! So much so, that I dropped another 6 dollars to get the OST to put into my MP3 player (those still exist, what of it!).
[h1]TL:DR Pros-Cons[/h1]
+ Like Shmups, Roguelites, Procedurally generate Stages, Seeds and anything else provided here- GET
+ Wanna get into Side-Scrolling Shmups, but don't want to feel overwhelmed- TRY IT
+ Like A mix of Metal/Futuristic EDM- GET
+ Want a game different from much of the genre- GET
- If any of the above scares you- DEMO FIRST, THEN DECIDE
- If the Above don't interest you - PASS
- Afraid of challenge or don't have the competitive itch- PASS
- Not to your liking, despite being a fan of any of the above- PASS
[h1]Final Thoughts[/h1]
I feel that this game may go under the radar for some time, but once it gets the proper visibility, many will flock to this. I say this, don't be afraid of challenge and if you do decide this is for you, you won't be disappointed. Give it a shot if you're curious (though the demo will give you want you need to know). I will say that it will get harder as you progress so if it's not your cup of tea, you can pass on this.
Other than that, see you in the stars, friends!
Sinister-Sama
