I approach every game with one goal: leave no stone unturned. Grand Cross: ReNOVATION delivers on that promise. From its first fiery brandish of the Sun Blade to its final boss rush, this super-aggressive vertical shmup held me spellbound. As a completionist, I found myself chasing every secret formation, mastering every risk-reward system, and pushing for that elusive 1CC.
Overall Impressions
Grand Cross: ReNOVATION stands out with its “brandishooting” mechanic. You swing the Sun Blade across the screen, then follow up with scatter shots and your main cannon. It recalls Radiant Silvergun’s depth, yet it adds a bombastic flourish all its own. Furthermore, the game layers melee slashes, atomic-breath sweeps, and over-the-top explosions in a relentless spectacle. When compared to other doujin STGs, it ranks alongside RefleX and Hellsinker as a PC cult classic in the making. Notably, recent updates (July 2024) polished performance, refined stage flow, and clarified visual cues, making the experience smoother than ever.
Gameplay Mechanics
What works
The Sun Blade combat system shines with its weighty, precise brandishing, delivering a deeply satisfying tactile experience. Players will appreciate the impactful synergy between scatter shot volleys and swift blade combos, as each exchange inflicts impressive damage and rewards aggressive, skillful play. Moreover, the addition of a rechargeable auto-bomb introduces a clever layer of strategy, acting as a last-resort safety net during high-stakes encounters. Complementing this is a dual-layer defense system—combining a shield and a life gauge—that invites risk-reward decisions, encouraging bold plays and quick reflexes. For melee enthusiasts, the coveted ZANGEKILL bonuses provide enticing rewards for up-close takedowns, making each clash a thrilling push toward mastery.
What falls flat
While the combat mechanics impress, a few rough edges hold the experience back. At its most chaotic, excessive screen clutter can obscure smaller projectiles, making it difficult to track incoming threats during intense firefights. This visual overload, unfortunately, occasionally undermines precision and awareness—especially for players relying on tight evasion timing. Additionally, performance issues—such as noticeable frame rate dips—were reported prior to the July patch, occasionally disrupting the game’s fluid momentum. Although later updates may address these concerns, they initially detract from an otherwise polished and engaging gameplay loop.
Standout moment
In Stage 3, I positioned the blade to slice through a hidden enemy wave. That atomic-breath streak wiped out entire flocks of foes in a single sweep. Earning the ZANGEKILL bonus on a midboss gave me chills.
Story and Characters
Grand Cross: ReNOVATION trades a deep narrative for cryptic lore. You play as the pilot of a Sun Blade–equipped craft, descending into chaotic battlefields. Characters barely speak, but on-screen text fragments hint at a larger conflict. I found the minimal story a strength. It lets the action shine while teasing a wider universe. For those hunting lore, the UI’s dramatic messages recall Soukyuugurentai’s stylized text. In fact, puzzle-like bits of narrative emerge only after multiple playthroughs.
Visuals and Graphics
This game is a visual tour de force. Boss warnings flash with dramatic flair. Enemy formations enter in choreographed sequences. Explosions bloom in massive fireballs. Thanks to the July 2024 updates, particle effects now run at a constant 60 FPS on my rig. The color palette mixes neon lasers with fiery reds, creating stark contrast. At times the screen felt cluttered, but clear hitboxes and distinct art styles for bullets keep the action readable.
Sound and Music
Grand Cross boasts one of the year’s best shmup soundtracks. The OST blends pounding drums, soaring synths, and industrial riffs. Each track matches its stage’s pacing—from tense build-ups to all-out assault. Sound effects crackle sharply when your blade connects. Even without voice acting, audio cues guide your timing and alert you to incoming threats. As a result, I dedicated a separate review to the OST because it truly elevates the experience.
Difficulty and Replayability
At first glance, the game feels forgiving. You can breeze through stages to see every boss. However, chase the scoring system, and the challenge intensifies. Unlockable ships introduce unique shot patterns and riskier playstyles. Likewise, secret enemy formations and technical bonuses demand precise blade positioning and bomb timing. I clocked over 20 hours hunting every achievement and hidden reinforcement. In fact, players report that 1CC runs will test even veteran STG fans. In my playthroughs, I welcomed the push. I know I’ll return to refine my runs and discover every secret.
Technical and Behind the Scenes
Grand Cross: ReNOVATION uses STG Builder, giving you a configuration launcher on startup. It auto-recognizes Xbox One controllers. However, note: remote play and Steam Big Picture users may need to tweak settings due to the launcher. Developer Raynex has invested over two decades into this project. Originally a Dezaemon 2 title for Sega Saturn, the modern remake carries 22+ years of Japanese doujin history. That lineage places it among PC legends like Kamui and Whimper’s Hellsinker. Publisher Henteko Doujin and developer ES4, together, honor that tradition with loving detail.
Trivia
Grand Cross draws inspiration from deep within the shoot-’em-up (STG) subculture, tracing its origins to a 2000 prototype built in the Dezaemon engine—an early creative platform for aspiring shmup developers. The game’s signature Sun Blade doesn’t just feel iconic; it visually echoes classic mecha anime weaponry, giving longtime fans a dose of nostalgic flair. Each stage is also peppered with cryptic, often poetic messages that reference doujin STG forum culture, rewarding genre veterans with inside nods and layered meaning. Most importantly, the July 2024 patch was heavily community-driven, addressing fan-reported issues and showcasing the developers’ commitment to player feedback and long-term support.
Final Thoughts
Grand Cross: ReNOVATION delivers an explosive, deep shmup experience. Its brandish-and-blast mechanics reward both casual runs and completionist hunts. The visual spectacle and thunderous soundtrack immerse you in constant action. Some moments brim with screen clutter, but recent updates smooth performance and clarity. Lore hunters will appreciate its cryptic world-building. Additionally, risk/reward systems and unlockable ships add hours of replay value.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
For players craving a modern take on the Radiant Silvergun formula, with extra polish and jaw-dropping effects, Grand Cross: ReNOVATION is unmissable. Whether you’re here for one run or one hundred, this doujin masterpiece will keep you coming back.
