It’s easy to think of shoot ‘em ups as a relic from video games’ past. Often hectic and impenetrable to new players, the genre’s golden age burned fast and bright like a dying star in the late 80’s and early 90’s, and while games like 2001’s Ikaruga were able to become cult hits in the time since, for the most part it remains a fairly barren genre in terms of new titles.
Super Galaxy Squadron EX offers a different take on this genre, with the developer aiming to develop “a shmup for regular people.” Could this shift in SHMUP design lead to a resurgence?
Developed by Synset games and published by New Blood Interactive, Super Galaxy Squadron EX will be replacing the original Super Galaxy Squadron game that hit PC in January of 2015. Selling for $10, it will also come as a free update to existing copies of the game, appearing as the new primary boot option in the launcher but still letting you run the original.
This EX update brings new art, audio, an endless challenge mode, and new voice acting. The core mechanics remain unchanged, and the original 14 playable ships return, albeit with a new coat of paint.
I’m almost hesitant to mention the story here, but since it kind of sort of has one I guess we should at least touch on it. There’s a very basic plot because, let’s face it, this is a vertical shoot em up and no one is really coming here for the narrative. Essentially, there’s a war brewing between two space civilizations and things are about to get real nasty, real fast, and that’s pretty much all you need to know.
The ships all play and attack differently, ranging from lasers and missiles to an incredibly difficult melee ship. Each ship also brings with it a different hyper attack, and learning which ones suit your play style best is key to making your time with the game more enjoyable.
Shoot em ups are generally very, very difficult. As touched on earlier, Super Galaxy Squadron EX prides itself on being what they call, and I quote, “a shmup for regular people.” And, that’s a fairly accurate description. I’m fairly well-versed in classic shmups like Star Soldier and Ikaruga, and I can’t say it has anywhere near the intensity or finesse of those games, but what I can say is that I was never bored while playing. Sure, the game is INCREDIBLY generous with hit detection, especially when it gets close to bullet-hell levels of difficulty, and I even found myself dying a few times on bosses, which is saying a lot, but that made it accessible at all levels.
If you’re looking for a real challenge, this might not be the game for you. But if you’re looking to just fill a screen with bullets, blow up some spaceships and have a hell of a good time doing it, I’d have a real hard time not recommending Super Galaxy Squadron EX.
This review is based on a code for the game sent to the review.
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