Super Hydorah, developed by Locomalito and published by Abylight Studios, is a side-scrolling shoot ‘em up that brings back the golden age of arcade shooters. Released on September 20, 2017, this retro-style space adventure has earned strong praise as a worthy tribute to classic Shmups.
Retro Charm with Classic Inspiration
The first thing that stands out in Super Hydorah is its nostalgic art style. Inspired by 16-bit and 32-bit shooters, the game delivers pixel-perfect visuals that pay homage to classics like Gradius, Salamander, Nemesis, and R-Type. Instead of chasing modern realism, Super Hydorah sticks to its roots, using simple yet effective visuals to create a retro atmosphere. While the graphics won’t amaze in a technical sense, they perfectly capture the arcade-era charm.
Tight Controls and Strategic Gameplay
Despite its simple mechanics, Super Hydorah offers deep and challenging gameplay. The Delta Lance—your spacefighter—handles smoothly, making precise movement and quick reactions essential. Players must navigate dense bullet patterns and tricky level layouts, testing both reflexes and strategic planning.
A key feature is the weapon selection system. Once a mission begins, you can’t change weapons, adding a layer of strategy. Choosing the right loadout is crucial, especially when facing relentless enemy waves.
A Straightforward Yet Engaging Mission
Super Hydorah doesn’t focus much on story. Your mission is clear—defeat the invading Meroptians and save the galaxy. The game follows a non-linear progression, allowing players to pick their path through different levels. While the characters aren’t deeply developed, this aligns with classic shoot ‘em ups, where gameplay takes center stage over storytelling.
Retro Soundtrack and Classic Arcade Vibes
The soundtrack perfectly matches the game’s retro aesthetic, echoing the 80s arcade experience. The music adds excitement to battles, and while the sound effects aren’t groundbreaking, they complement the gameplay well.
A Tough Challenge with High Replayability
Like many classic arcade shooters, Super Hydorah is tough. Enemies attack relentlessly, and survival requires precise movement and careful planning. The game’s branching paths and multiple stages give it strong replay value, encouraging players to try different strategies.
A Passionate Tribute to Classic Shmups
It’s clear that Super Hydorah was made with love for the genre. The game includes fun Easter eggs referencing classic shooters and pop culture, adding a little extra for dedicated fans. While it doesn’t introduce groundbreaking mechanics, it successfully delivers a polished retro experience.
Final Verdict – A Must-Play for Retro Shooter Fans
Super Hydorah is a well-crafted homage to arcade shooters, balancing challenge and nostalgia. Its tight controls, strategic weapon system, and rewarding difficulty make it a great pick for fans of the genre. While its steep learning curve may deter casual players, those who enjoy classic shoot ‘em ups will appreciate its authenticity. 3.5 out of 5 stars
