A very cute & colorful shmup. I absolutely adore how well they remade this game. I never played the original version before now either, but it's REALLY nice that the X68000 version is included so you can compare. I love the pixel art of that version, but I must honestly say I strongly prefer everything else about the remade version.
Playing as Cotton was fun, but I really started having a blast after I unlocked Appli. I played the Arranged Mode on Normal once with Cotton, and then with Appli. Then I played both 2-minute and 5-minute modes of Time Attack as Appli as well.
This is also a really great entry point for people who've never played shmups before, as you aren't punished for using all the continues you want to get through the game. There's no secret boss or "true ending" or such hidden behind 1CC runs here, and that's kind of nice, honestly.
Playing as Cotton was fun, but I really started having a blast after I unlocked Appli. I played the Arranged Mode on Normal once with Cotton, and then with Appli. Then I played both 2-minute and 5-minute modes of Time Attack as Appli as well.
This is also a really great entry point for people who've never played shmups before, as you aren't punished for using all the continues you want to get through the game. There's no secret boss or "true ending" or such hidden behind 1CC runs here, and that's kind of nice, honestly.
I think on a pure visual clarity standpoint, the x68000 versions was a better experience. One of the things they did improve on in the remake that was included was the last two upgraded boss fights. In the x68000 version they are a bit of a joke. Especially the last boss in the x68000 version.
Boss fights harder in remake, stages easier in remake.
Boss fights harder in remake, stages easier in remake.
The core of the game revolves around shooting crystals that split your beam into a green energy beam that charges your jewel meter, and you can get insane score through multipliers once your meter is fully charged. If you die, the meter resets to the original multiplier and you need to build it up again. It's really fun if you want to aim for scoring. Powerups are easily abused if you're just going for survival, especially the blue shield powerup, so I don't recommend that. I had a much better time when I aimed for score.
I've been playing this every night before I fall asleep since the remake came out - so roughly 3 or so weeks now - and while I honestly love the game, I cannot say it's the greatest cute em up ever like many a Japanese retro gaming otaku have led me on to believe.
The patterns are fine but nothing spectacular, and the story and art are cute but nothing iconic. It needs to be mentioned this is a horizontal shooter - I know many people who refuse to play horizontals. I just don't see anything outstanding about this one.
I love what is here though so much so that I've been sinking about 30 minutes to an hour into the game on average every single night. I'll definitely need to add the original of this to the if I ever get rich list; but I think once I move on from this one, I'm not coming back anytime soon. If I wanted to replay a cute em up, I'd much rather revisit Fantazy Zone.
The patterns are fine but nothing spectacular, and the story and art are cute but nothing iconic. It needs to be mentioned this is a horizontal shooter - I know many people who refuse to play horizontals. I just don't see anything outstanding about this one.
I love what is here though so much so that I've been sinking about 30 minutes to an hour into the game on average every single night. I'll definitely need to add the original of this to the if I ever get rich list; but I think once I move on from this one, I'm not coming back anytime soon. If I wanted to replay a cute em up, I'd much rather revisit Fantazy Zone.
Very fun game, had to give it a higher score than the original because I liked the unlockable characters that you get. Gave me a reason to beat the game 2 more times this morning. Great game and one I will definitely re-visit every now and then for a quick playthrough.
Also I liked the new graphics a lot.
Also I liked the new graphics a lot.