Graze Counter, developed by Bikkuri Software and published by Henteko Doujin, is a vivacious and perilous shoot-em-up released in July 2017 that has swiftly garnered a reputation for being an adrenaline-amped diamond in the rough in the shoot-em-up (shmup) genre. Woven from the fabric of distinctive mechanics and immersive gameplay, Graze Counter has cemented its standing not only as a daringly challenging game but also a testament to innovative and unconventional game development.
Gameplay Mechanics
Firstly, the gameplay mechanics deserve a floor of their own for the sheer ingenuity they display. A typical trope in the realm of shmups is the conservative usage of bombs – a defensive weapon that clears the screen of enemies while dealing damage. Graze Counter revolutionizes this convention. It encourages a daring approach where the player characterizes not just as a navigator amongst enemy projectiles, rather a provocateur ‘grazing’, or narrowly avoiding, opponent’s attacks to refuel the Graze Counter. At 50%, the bar releases an intense laser attack and at full capacity, allows for invincibility during the onslaught.
The dynamic nature of Graze Counter’s gameplay is noteworthy, reinforcing both defensive and aggressive strategies whilst offering a unique reward system. Also, the Graze Counter meter refills promptly; a welcome feature, barring the missing instant retry function, overlooked by the developers. Although the lack of an instant retry feature does take away some of the smoothness, the overall gameplay proves exciting enough to overshadow this deficit.
Story, Characters and Difficulty levels
Characters are differentiated through movement and shot patterns, adding to the game’s depth and diversity. The replayability is significant, with each character’s unique playstyle providing a fresh perspective each time. While there isn’t much in the way of a compelling story, which isn’t surprising for a bullet-hell game, the drive to unlock all characters provides a worthy incentive to replay the game.
The game handles difficulty and learning curve adeptly, providing options for both newcomers and veterans. Casual Mode and Mission Mode are excellent tutorial grounds, while dynamic difficulty adjustment on normal and expert modes keeps the challenge level interesting. Equally appealing is the ‘pacific mode,’ for players seeking pacific runs, an evidence of the game’s inclusivity.
Visuals and Graphics
With a charming 16-bit aesthetic, Graze Counter exudes a captivating charm. Enemy and bullet designs, although not groundbreaking, are consistent and functional. The art direction is robust, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack’s exuberant tunes stand out, amplifying the pace and thrill of the gameplay. Its contextually integrated sound design envelops the player, contributing significantly to the overall experience.
Overlooking some flaws
Flaws within Graze Counter do exist, the English translation being a prominent one. However, the straightforward story and lack of intricate character dialogues and sequences render them relatively insignificant whenever present.
Conclusion and Rating
Graze Counter proves to be a well-realized addition to the shoot-em-up genre. The innovative game mechanics, wide range of difficulty options, and the simplicity of the game concept create an incredibly engaging experience and highlight Bikkuri Software’s capability to ingeniously execute their vision.
To summarize, Graze Counter might not be a flawless masterpiece, but it is indeed a refreshing bullet-hell experience that emphasizes strategy, courage, and gut instinct. It encourages you to play dangerously but rewards your bravery equally, if not more. For seasoned bullet-hell enthusiasts and newcomers alike, it has plenty to offer, and the replay value cannot be underscored.
‘Graze Counter’ earns a strong 4/5 stars for its compelling gameplay mechanics, charming visuals, and flexible difficulty levels. It is a testament that innovation and daring imagination can transform even the most standardized game genres into revolutionary experiences.
Therefore, if you’re in search of a game that’s ready to challenge conventions, Graze Counter is indeed an adventure your gaming senses would savour.
