VASARA Collection

[quote]Just saying, but I do have a curator page. If you like my remarks about games, you can find more of them here: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/44130985-TDP%27s-Gaming-Escapades [/quote] I always get this thought that while western developers were always afraid of new ideas through time, eastern devs had not shied away from trying new things. Like, what if we had robots in the wild west? Or what if the president of United States piloted a mech and fought against the vice president? VASARA games combine science fiction with Japan's history, creating this interesting mashup of mechanical beasts being piloted by the samurai. A premise that has ended up in creation of two unique shmups. And a collection that... well... let's talk about them, shall we? [h2]Your usual arcade shmup, but you can melee[/h2] The basics of VASARA 1 and 2 are the same as other shmup games. But they do offer a unique mechanic in the form of melee attacks. Each character has a melee attack with bullet clearing properties which is accessible by holding down the shot button and releasing it after a short time. The games even offer a powered up version of melee attack as a separate offensive/defensive mechanic in the form of vasara attack. In the first game, you have access to the vasara attack in addition to bombs. This attack is bound to a bar at the top of the screen that fills by collecting jewels dropped from the enemies. When filled, you can use it to unleash an attack that covers a wide area and heavily damages enemies. Meanwhile, the second game removes bombs in favor of vasara attack slots being increased from 1 to 3. But make no mistake, both of the games are still very hard in true arcade fashion. There are tons of instances where you either need perfect movements or prior knowledge of the incoming attack patterns to avoid being hit. And sometimes, this really proves to be an incredibly hard task thanks to the games' visuals. [h2]I have eyes and I can... somewhat see?[/h2] Both VASARA 1 and 2 look gorgeous. Backgrounds & player/enemy sprites are very detailed, character portraits are very well-drawn and stages are very colorful. Normally, this is not an issue. But when we consider how much clutter you have to face, it does become one. Basically the games have heavy screen clutter. You have enemies and background NPCs moving on the screen, gems constantly dropping from enemies, projectiles getting shot from you and enemies' sides, alongside various others. This results in visual elements blending in and it gets very hard to differentiate them, leading to unfair hits as a result. And this gets worse when the enemies start using smaller projectiles. VASARA 1 starts introducing enemies that shoot smaller projectiles from the half-way point and in case of VASARA 2, it gets even worse. Every enemy projectile in VASARA 2 is either smaller or thinner compared to the first game, and is less noticeable especially with everything else that is going on. So it gets pretty easy for you to get hit by something and not know how it happened. [h2]I'm altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further.[/h2] Obviously, screen clutter and poor clarity are big problems. But I find the games' behavior for their final levels much more infuriating and even insulting. The final stages change the rules at the last second. If you die in the final stages and decide to continue, the games will throw you back to the beginning of the stages and force you to do everything all over again to get another shot at the boss. It's never fair to the player to change the rules in the final level, just to add some frankly unneeded artificial difficulty to the game. Maybe this was the norm for arcade games back then, but now? We're not playing them in arcades. And this is such a shame, because such design decision basically nukes the fun and replayability of the games for casual and/or less experienced crowd. This is the final nail in the coffin that strips the game of all its fun factor, when put next to the heavy visual clutter. [h2]This collection could have been way better...[/h2] The overall quality of this collection is... mixed. On one hand, it performs very well when it comes to technical performance. The dialogues all have translations. The gallery has a bunch of original and redrawn artwork (for a purpose which you will find out about soon), alongside promotional materials. And you are given a number of options to tweak your gameplay experience with. Then we have the problems. The game's controller support is utterly broken and doesn't recognize a lot of controllers, leading you towards using Steam Input API. Furthermore, you are not able to do any button remapping in the game. The game's controls are pre-defined and it asks you to do your own changes from Steam Input settings, which the game keeps reopening every time you go into controls menu. And as for keyboard users... the game itself never provides a solution. Not only that, there are quite a number of settings that require you to restart VASARA 1 and 2 even when they shouldn't. Want to change the visual filter or remove the art from the sides of the screen mid-game? They require a restart. Want a refresher on the controls or change the screen type and audio levels? Go back to the main menu. Most of these are not deal breakers, but it's pretty weird to see them like this while other collections allow you to do them on the fly. And then we have the "but why?" kind of additions. For example, was there really a need to create a 3D menu for this collection? Sure, it looks somewhat pretty but serves no purpose. Especially compared to similar examples like Trine 2 which had the purpose of showcasing the game's visual prowess. Then we have the brand-new timeless mode... [h2]Timeless, yet won't stand the test of time itself[/h2] Remember the redrawn artworks I mentioned earlier? Those were created to be used in a brand-new game mode: VASARA Timeless. And this new mode is... I appreciate the devs trying to create an entirely new game mode with everything faithfully recreated in HD, but the end result is not ideal. This mode utilizes 3D graphics presented in 16:9 aspect ratio, allowing 4 players to play together simultaneously. It's clear a lot of work has gone into it and the devs want you to play it, as about %75 of the achievements are tied to this mode. But I don't find it entertaining. Compared to the games it takes from, timeless mode is aesthetically very bland and boring. Instead of going through beautiful, history-inspired stages this mode has you flying over cliffs, barren grounds, beds of water and washed out flora. Not only that, enemy patterns feel very uninspired. Then we have other shortcomings. First, it follows the bullet design mentality of VASARA 2, making them blend in with other visual elements. Second, the wide playing field makes a single player playthrough more challenging as enemies can attack you from any direction. Coupled with there being no i-frames at the end of a dash (a move exclusive to this mode), you can always get hit from somewhere that you were not expecting. Third, there are no continues in this mode. All of these make for an inferior experience. [h2]So, is it worth getting?[/h2] I don't see this being enjoyable for the masses. The originals are very hard by design, and this collection not only has not succeeded in making them more accessible, but has quite a number of issues itself. Not to mention the new game mode not bringing much to the table. I would only recommend this to diehard shmup fans. As for the rest, there are many shmups out there at the same price that do things way better. Wait for a sale if you really want to try this. [h2]TL;DR[/h2] A mixed bag. The original games are fun, but clarity issues make them unfairly hard. And the collection itself does well on some parts, then completely screws up on some of the other important aspects

Bom vamos, eu nunca vi ou ouvi falar desse game antes, mas parece ser uma espécie de remaster da versão antiga? Sinceramente eu não sei, eu terminei o game com um amigo, pelo menos o Vasara 1 e 2, já que a versão 3D simplesmente é impossível, ele não te dar nenhum continue nessa versão, morreu as 3 vidas game over na sua cara, e pau no seu lóló, outra coisa que novamente me frustra para um caralho é conquistas bugadas nessa porra, você está jogando o game de boa, e a merdas das conquistas estão sendo abertas, porém não existe nenhum aviso dentro do game, quando você sai do game, surpresa meu amigo, elas pipocam tudo na sua cara, isso resulta em dois problemas, já que na sua lista de game, as conquistas constam com a hora certa que foram abertas, porém no geral elas ficam todas com o horário de quando você saiu do game, então para mim conquistas Steam virou putaria, é o terceiro game que tenho esse tipo de problema, e vai se foder isso me irrita para um caralho. ( COMPRA EM PROMO ESSA PORRA )

Rating: 7/10 Vasara Collection is only for the most die hard bullet hell fans sadly though i would highly recommend picking it up on sale and trying it out for an hour and see how its like and also its a must have for your Steam library. This re-release lacks any accessibility options or changes to make the game a bit easier for anyone regardless of skill level to experience.So if you want a challange its still there but its not easier for those that want to have fun spamming bombs. I do think these games are really fun though very punishing. They have amazing artstyle, good sound track and fun gameplay though my main complaint is the character model is big and then the hitbox is one third of your ship model. It's not bad if you want to learn the game but the entire game does depend on it so if you want to have any fun dodging bullets you have to learn it a little bit. I played Vasara 1 and a little bit of timeless mode revisiting this game and i got say its a blast to play. I think i will never be able to achieve my vision of every beating it or getting every achievement but just playing it a little bit every now and then to have fun won't be such a bad thing. Like i said this game is oddly and very specific in what it is and so someone who is not good at bullet hell's but wants to have fun needs it to be easier because this entire art style and setting is very appealing but you would get thrown off by the difficulty when you just want to have fun for 30 or 40 minutes. I had fun revisiting this after 3 and half to 4 years and i think if this game game accessibility options and a mode where its slightly easier i would give it a higher rating and 100% enjoy it more. In the end this is a great game but only for die hard bullet hell fans ,as someone casual like me will spend a lot of time learning how to play when all i want to do is blast some things and destroy some bosses for 30 or 40 minutes not learn the entire game just to do that. I want to hold attack and relax without a worry in the world. Still an amazing game to check out for an hour and see how its like for you, just a shame its soo hard but maybe its part of the appeal for you.

[h1]This should've stayed in Japan[/h1] I never played the Vasara games back in the day, and I'm kinda glad I didn't after playing them now. I absolutely LOVE old shmups but man does this collection feel terrible. It's clunky, slow, you have a dumb charge melee attack which forces you to stop shooting to deflect shots, a feature done better in other shmups and bullet hell games albeit in different ways. The stupid 3D intro is unskippable, and (at least in Vasara 1) if you try to continue in the final stage, you're sent back to the start of the level. Just... why? Either allow you to continue right where you died at all times or not at all. Seriously, just pass this up. There's WAY better shmups and bullet hell games on Steam than this. I'd only recommend this to die hard fans of old arcade shmups who either never played the Vasara games or just want something super challenging.

[h1]O Samurai Shmup onde a Espada é mais Forte que o Canhão[/h1] Vale a pena testar a VASARA Collection? A resposta é um sim obrigatório, especialmente se você é fã de Shoot 'em Ups (jogos de "navinha") e procura algo além do convencional. Esta coleção resgata duas joias da Visco Corporation que ficaram presas nos fliperamas japoneses por anos, entregando uma mistura fascinante: a história real do Japão Feudal (Período Sengoku) colide com robôs gigantes, motos voadoras e tecnologia steampunk. Se você gostou de Guwange ou Sengoku Blade, vai se sentir em casa. A grande sacada, e o coração da experiência, é a mecânica de combate corpo a corpo ("Melee"). Em Vasara, atirar é apenas metade do trabalho; o jogo exige agressividade. Ao segurar o botão, você carrega um ataque de espada devastador que não só causa dano massivo, mas também apaga os tiros inimigos. O sistema de risco e recompensa é viciante: em vez de fugir das cortinas de balas, você é incentivado a avançar contra elas e cortá-las ao meio. A coleção traz um bônus interessante: o modo "Timeless", criado pela desenvolvedora brasileira QUByte. Ele reconstrói o jogo em 3D, com suporte a widescreen e cooperativo para 4 jogadores. Embora seja uma adição moderna e caótica, os puristas podem torcer o nariz para o visual 3D, que destoa da pixel art maravilhosa dos originais e lembra um pouco jogos de celular. Além disso, prepare-se para a "Dificuldade Visco": os jogos não perdoam, e tentar jogar passivamente como em 1942 resultará em morte rápida. Vale a pena zerar? Sim, foque nos clássicos. Cada jogo é uma aula de história alternativa de 30 a 40 minutos, onde você controla heróis reais como Yukimura Sanada para derrubar um tirano Tokugawa Ieyasu demoníaco e seus generais ciborgues. É uma experiência intensa que justifica o uso de fichas infinitas.

Você nunca vai ver um Vasara figurando em qualquer lista de melhores shmups. E não é à toa. Os jogos estão longe de serem ruins, mas você pode encontrar dezenas (talvez centenas) de opções melhores. Esta coleção vale pela nostalgia de quem jogou no passado. E só.

I've not played this game much, but I got the sense that this game would be like a Psikyo game, if only it was actually fair. I really enjoyed pretty much every aspect of it, and it's usually pretty cheap so give it a go if it's on sale.

High quality graphics only applies to the nonscrolling areas on a 4k monitor.

マイナーなアーケードシューティングゲームの移植＆オリジナル３Dモード。 独特の世界観の硬派なシューティングゲームで、難易度はアーケードなので高め。 ハマる人はハマると思う。 こういうシューティングゲームが好きな人なら、コストパフォーマンス高いと思う。

VASARA Collection is a dynamic resurrection of two long-lost Japanese arcade gems that blend the intensity of classic bullet-hell shooters with a uniquely stylized feudal-sci-fi aesthetic. Developed and published by QUByte Interactive, this compilation gathers the original VASARA from 2000 and its sequel, VASARA 2 from 2001, both of which were once exclusive to Japanese arcades. Their arrival on Steam finally opens the door for a global audience to experience these high-energy, mechanically rich shooters that had long existed as cult favorites. The collection also introduces an additional “Timeless” mode, a modernized 3D reimagining designed to offer something new to both veterans and newcomers. Together, these elements form a package that aims to celebrate the series’ history while pushing it into a broader modern context. The gameplay that defines the VASARA titles is intense, fast-paced, and distinct from the standard formula of the genre. Rather than relying solely on ranged attacks, players wield both long-range firepower and a charged melee strike known as the VASARA attack—a close-range sword technique that can not only slice through enemies but also deflect incoming bullets. This mechanic adds a unique layer of strategy, forcing players to balance risk and timing as they dive into dense patterns of enemy fire. Each playable character, inspired by historical Japanese figures, has different strengths, attack patterns, and speed, giving the player ample incentive to replay levels to master each one. The flow of combat encourages aggressive precision; staying too defensive guarantees failure, but charging recklessly into enemy swarms requires nerve and skill. The reward is a satisfying rush of rhythm and control that few shooters capture so effectively. Visually, the original VASARA and VASARA 2 retain their early-2000s arcade charm while still looking striking on modern displays. The pixel art is crisp and colorful, with backdrops that blend traditional Japanese motifs—temples, cherry blossoms, and ancient fortresses—with futuristic machines and mechanical samurai. The clash of feudal imagery and sci-fi design creates a world that feels unlike anything else in the genre. Explosions, projectiles, and laser effects fill the screen in chaotic beauty, while the visual clarity ensures that even in the midst of madness, the player can always track the action. The sound design complements this intensity with high-tempo music and sharp attack effects that push the arcade atmosphere to its fullest. The presentation is unapologetically retro, and that’s exactly what gives the game its charm—it transports you to an era when arcade machines demanded attention through spectacle and precision. The inclusion of the “Timeless” mode is an interesting but somewhat uneven addition. It replaces the 2D sprite visuals with a full 3D environment and allows for a free-roaming camera that shifts perspective, giving the game a different sense of scale. This mode feels more like an experimental tribute than a full-fledged remake, maintaining the familiar mechanics while reinterpreting the visual and spatial dynamics. On one hand, it modernizes the experience and shows QUByte’s effort to bring something fresh to the collection. On the other hand, its gameplay balance and performance are less consistent than the tightly tuned originals. The shift to 3D introduces moments of awkward movement, occasional input delay, and a slightly less refined feel overall. Still, as a bonus feature rather than a replacement, it provides an intriguing variation for players interested in seeing how the classic formula translates to a contemporary framework. From a technical standpoint, the VASARA Collection is serviceable but not flawless. The port captures the essence of the original arcade releases but lacks some modern refinements players have come to expect from retro compilations. There are no deep training options, gallery features, or museum-style extras that might have enriched the experience with historical context. Some players have also reported minor control latency, especially in the Timeless mode, which can be frustrating in a genre that demands split-second precision. That said, the inclusion of features like local co-op multiplayer, vertical (TATE) display support, and online leaderboards adds real value for enthusiasts. These options make it easier to experience the games in their authentic arcade form, while also encouraging competitive high-score chasing—a core part of any good shoot-’em-up’s appeal. The difficulty level is high, as expected from titles of this lineage. Both VASARA and VASARA 2 demand quick reflexes, memorization, and calculated aggression. The first game offers a more straightforward challenge, while the sequel intensifies the mechanics by increasing enemy density and removing some of the more forgiving tools from the original. For newcomers to the genre, this level of difficulty can be intimidating, but for veterans it provides exactly the kind of precision-based mastery that makes bullet-hell shooters so addictive. The gameplay rewards practice and persistence, and while it can be punishing, the sense of accomplishment from clearing a stage or surviving a boss encounter is immensely satisfying. Ultimately, VASARA Collection is a passionate preservation project that succeeds more often than it stumbles. Its core strength lies in its authenticity—the original games remain as thrilling, stylish, and distinct as ever, capturing a spirit of arcade intensity that feels timeless. The modern additions may not redefine the experience, but they provide variety and accessibility to a new generation of players. Despite some technical imperfections and a lack of deeper supplemental content, the collection delivers exactly what it promises: two exceptional shooters brought back to life with care and respect for their legacy. For fans of classic arcade action or anyone seeking a taste of high-energy Japanese shoot-’em-up history, VASARA Collection stands as both a celebration of the past and a welcome reminder of how enduring these games can be. Rating: 7/10