I stepped into ProtoCorgi ready for a fast-paced shooter with retro charm. To my surprise, the game delivered a unique mix of pixel art and intense bullet patterns. Kemono Games crafted a Cute Cybernetic Corgi, Bullet, who blasts through alien hordes. Ravenscourt published this title on June 15, 2023. Player feedback calls it a brutal “cute bullet hell,” and I couldn’t agree more. While ProtoCorgi shines in several areas, it also stumbles in a few key spots.
Overall Impressions
ProtoCorgi balances arcade nostalgia with modern design seamlessly. In particular, its core feels like Galaga on rocket fuel. I appreciated the strong progression loop—each run uncovers new corgi powers, keeping gameplay fresh and engaging. That said, a single stage’s overwhelming speed and gate sequences felt unfair and nearly gave me a headache—literally. Compared to games like Jamestown+ or Steredenn, ProtoCorgi matches their intensity. Yet its difficulty spikes can frustrate even hardcore players.
Gameplay Mechanics
Bullet’s arsenal evolves meaningfully over time. You start with basic lasers and gradually expand to diagonal beams. Then, unlocking Spirit Animal lets your corgi drone punch enemies, while Absorb converts enemy bullets into charged shots. Moreover, a Time Stop rune freezes all projectiles in their tracks. These secret abilities are essential—some bosses truly are invincible without them. Consequently, a few players breeze through early runs only to hit an impassable wall later. My advice: focus early runs on secret power unlocks. Movement feels tight, and hitboxes respond precisely. Although bullets swirl on screen in beautifully choreographed patterns, the controls always feel fair—provided you stay focused.
Story and Characters
ProtoCorgi’s plot is simple yet effective. At its heart, Bullet, a C³ class pup, rescues his kidnapped owner, Nick. Alien invaders want Nick’s genius to rule the galaxy, and the narrative unfolds between levels with brief pixel cutscenes. These inject charm without pausing the action too long. While the characters remain archetypes, they fit the retro style perfectly. I found myself invested in Bullet’s undying loyalty and courage. Overall, the world-building leans on classic sci-fi tropes, but its pixel presentation adds genuine character.
Visuals and Graphics
ProtoCorgi’s pixel art is outstanding. Kemono Games opts for a bold palette of neon pinks and electric blues. Sprites animate with smooth, satisfying frames, and backgrounds shift dynamically—though one stage’s scrolling speed pushed my eyes too hard. Character portraits during story beats pack emotional weight despite their small size. Meanwhile, effects like lasers, explosions, and time-freeze particles pop crisply against darker backdrops. As a result, the high contrast helps maintain clarity in the most chaotic moments.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack channels 16-bit synthwave energy effortlessly. Tracks range from driving beats to atmospheric interludes, and I found myself humming level scores long after quitting. Sound effects deliver solid impact—laser shots sound crisp, and explosions thump satisfyingly. There’s no voice acting, but corgi barks serve as charming audio cues that reinforce Bullet’s personality without overstaying their welcome. Thankfully, audio balancing never lets music drown gameplay sounds.
Difficulty and Replayability
ProtoCorgi sets a steep learning curve from the start. Each boss demands mastery of specific power combos; indeed, one reviewer noted that skipping secret abilities makes certain bosses “literally invincible.” I confirmed this in my runs. Consequently, the game pushes players to explore every mechanic deeply. Checkpoints at boss fights ease frustration, but some waves still sting. Unlocking and upgrading new powers drives replay value. Plus, an in-game level editor lets you design custom challenges, and that tool alone can keep veterans engaged for months. Overall, I clocked fifteen hours before feeling I’d seen the game’s core.
Developer Trivia and Behind the Scenes
Interestingly, Kemono Games began ProtoCorgi as a solo passion project. Over time, the team expanded to five developers for polish and balancing. Ravenscourt supported the final development push, focusing on console ports. The pixel art was hand-drawn by lead artist Hina Murayama, who reportedly animated each power effect frame by frame. Composer Yoshi Tanaka crafted the entire OST in under three months. Altogether, this collaboration highlights how small dev teams can achieve grand arcade experiences.
Conclusion and Rating
ProtoCorgi excels at delivering retro arcade thrills with modern twists. Its bullet hell design challenges both mind and reflexes. The power unlock system rewards exploration but can gate progress harshly. Visually and sonically, it stands out among indie shooters. A few spikes in difficulty and a dizzying stage hold it back slightly. Yet these flaws feel like minor blemishes on an otherwise stellar game.
I award ProtoCorgi 4 out of 5 stars. It delivers intense action, crisp controls, and charming pixel style. Hardcore gamers seeking a bite of bullet hell will find it deeply satisfying. Just remember to hunt down those secret abilities early—and maybe keep some ibuprofen nearby after that high-speed stage.
