i want to preface this by saying that my knowledge of shmups is pretty marginal. i've never beaten one (until now) and only know the classics and a select few recent ones, but not in depth at all. i mention this because the only other review currently seems to make a lot of valid criticisms, but they also seem much more knowledgable about the genre! this is my opinion as a team ladybug fan, not a shmup head.

i get it now! i had a blast playing this. visually it's a delight, which is to be expected from team ladybug. it does feel a little cluttered at times, though i feel it's largely due to inexperience. i think attacks are largely choreographed well enough, i was just mistiming things. the sprites and models are all super sharp and crisp. the soundtrack is also a banger, high-octane and adrenaline pumping. what was most surprising was the story honestly. i didn't expect much from a retro style shmup story, but it definitely had me interested and popping off at moments, though it is a tad trope-y.

i played on normal and struggled a lot, largely towards the end of the first half and most of the second half, but it was never frustrating due to the generous checkpoints. a 1cc is probably not in my future lmao. i could definitely see a more experienced player breezing though it, as the absorb mechanic does seem super powerful if used well.

the game definitely has me wanting to finally dive into the classics i've seen and heard so much about. maybe then, after i'm a 1cc god i'll look back and think it's a little lacking, but it also got me started on the path to tackle an entire genre, so i have to give it props.