In my opinion, the most important thing in a video game is not its story, nor its visuals, or even if it is a good game. To me, the most important thing in a game is to have fun. And, man, Pop'n TwinBee is a textbook example of fun.

I am not a shmup connoisseur, in fact I am far from it considering this is the only shmup I've ever played, but I feel like as far as shmups go this is on the much easier side. And, for this game in particular, that's a wonderful thing. Coated in a seal of fantastical, bubblegum wonder, like a Ghibli movie on a sugar high, this game is an aesthetic masterwork. Every new enemy and new stage just rings you in further and further to its dreamlike and humorous world. The whimsicality of its atmosphere also somewhat preps its gameplay, which I would not call "easy", but I would rather call "accessible" - it is a breeze to wrap your head around and just play.

I don't want to say it's a children's game, but it is somewhat catered toward a younger and less "hardcore" audience, given its aesthetics and gameplay that are, admittedly, reminiscent of a children's movie. This, however, means nothing. Above all, Pop'n TwinBee is a lesson to be learned about having fun. This game is something you can enjoy for as long as you are able to play it. It's something your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, anyone you know of any age can enjoy. Play this by yourself, play this with someone else, it doesn't matter. Just have fun, because that's what Pop'n TwinBee wants you to do.