This is an A-Tier shmup but there are some things you need to know to fully enjoy it (in order of importance):
1) The way [b]DX9[/b] was implemented in this game seems to cause all kinds of problems on modern Windows setups, up to and including making it completely unplayable. Thankfully the fix is very easy as long as you don't waste your time troubleshooting red herrings: if you are on Windows, just get a DLL from the DXKV project and drop it into your game folder as explained in [url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3643381804]this guide[/url]. Basically, this will translate all the problematic DX9 API calls into Vulkan, making the game run perfectly smoothly. If you are running Proton on SteamOS or another linux distro, you don't have to worry about this step, because this translation layer is already included by default. Either way, I recommend you test the game out and try the fix, if needed, during your refund window.
2) [b]This game uses an analog controller stick[/b], and was clearly designed and tested around that input method. At first I was using the d-pad + slow button, thinking these two velocities were just mapped onto the stick (as they are in many shmups). I was wrong. After a little testing it was obvious the stick was providing more precise analog input, giving far more control than using buttons. This is uncommon in shmups, where the diehards use arcade sticks or d-pads, both of which are digital inputs (such that many games have on-the-fly or powerup based ship speed settings to compensate for the lack of nuance), so it bears mentioning. After switching to the stick I immediately got my first "A" score. It makes a huge difference and feels much better, even though I'm sure the traditionalists will have some kind of beef with it. But if you want to fairly judge the game, this is important to know. Imagine panning a modern FPS because it plays horribly using a d-pad. It's not meant to be played that way.
3) [b]Normal (beginner) mode sucks[/b]. Not because it is easy per se, but because it (via the time/life clock mechanic) enables you to brute force the early levels, kamikazeing through hails of bullets, without any skill or effort; not only is this boring but it short circuits the incentive to learn and practice the controls, mechanics, and timing (which is the whole point of early shmup levels) you will need in later stages and tougher difficulties. And something about it just feels much, much less fun. For this reason I don't recommend anyone play Normal mode, even if you are a beginner. It would be better to just die a few dozen times on Challenging mode until you get the hang of it, or go play a shmup that is better designed at easier difficulties. If you don't like dying over and over you probably don't really like shmups. That's ok. There are plenty of other games. This game is not that hard, by comparison, but like Steppenwolf's Magic Theater, it is not for everybody.
4) This game was designed with a cinematic [b](21:9) aspect ratio[/b], reminiscent of early Darius games, but it defaults to the more standard 16:9. This makes a big difference in what you see on screen and how the game plays. Unless you are playing on a tiny screen, I highly recommend you switch to the wider ratio.
On a more subjective note, this game seems to be quite polarizing. Partly I think this is because it has a lot of superficially "euroshmup"-adjacent features, which leads the inexperienced to try a punishing game they may not be prepared for, and the veterans to reflexively smear it based on "red flags." Yes, it's pretty (that shouldn't be a red flag). Yes, there is a story and a lot of cinematic fluff, but these can all be skipped more or less instantly. Yes, there is a "life gauge" of sorts, but it is carefully balanced (in non-Normal modes) to increase playstyle flexibility while enforcing performance floors, not as a kludge to cover up poor level design, and never as a requirement to get through a level. To my eyes, every "questionable" choice in this game turns out to be well thought-out and balanced with the rest of the design in a manner that leads to a coherent whole. They may not be to everyone's taste, but they aren't inherently flawed or misguided as some might claim. They are preferences.
The most valid criticism I have seen is that the mechanics that make this game unique and interesting mostly disappear if you try to push for a high score, regardless of the other interesting aspects of scoring. To string the highest multipliers and scores, you need to AVOID using special weapons and abilities, and if you approach elite levels of efficiency in dodging and sniping, then the timer will always be full. This effectively turns all the coolest features in the game into training wheels if you decide to fully engage with the scoring system.
All this makes for a game that is [b]phenomenal for intermediate players[/b], but isn't very fun or instructive for beginners (playing Normal mode) and is probably a little boring or mechanically bland for elite players. As a gambit at broad appeal it succeeded in some ways, but at its core it has the same fate as most shmups: it gives the best, intended experience only to players in a fairly narrow skill range. If you are there you will love it and grow as a player. If you aren't there, there are a lot of other options to explore. But I don't think this detracts from the game's excellence.
