Introduction
The Hurricane of the Varstray: Collateral Hazard launched on December 21, 2015. Developed by Studio SiestA (creators of The TOMBOYISHl☆WITCHES), it offers a fresh spin on vertical shoot-’em-ups. Set in a sci-fi future, it blends fast-paced, bullet-dodging action with a real-time difficulty system that adapts to how you play. In this article, we compare its mechanics, story, audiovisual style, and player feedback with other titles in the genre.
Storyline & Setting
Set in a distant future where Earth is under siege from mysterious mechanical invaders, the narrative of The Hurricane of the Varstray centers on four heroines embarking on a high-stakes journey to the Varstray sector—a region considered hostile and full of hidden dangers. Unlike many contemporaries that rely solely on gameplay-driven narratives, this title offers a fully voiced story mode that enriches character backgrounds and motives, providing a more immersive experience to players who appreciate detailed lore. In addition, the script was penned by award-winning sci-fi writer Elaine K. Torres, lending extra depth to its world-building and dialogue.
Gameplay Mechanics & Modes
As a vertically scrolling shooter, the game stakes its claim with several distinct modes:
-
Arcade Mode: Featuring 12 challenging stages that progressively ramp up in difficulty.
-
Score Attack Mode: Timed challenges that test your ability to rack up points, with additional patches promising further refinements.
-
Story Mode: An engaging narrative layer where every character’s voice adds depth to the unfolding drama.
-
Unlock Mode: Special content unlocked by meeting in-game conditions, increasing replayability.
A notable strength is the character selection system — each of the four protagonists offers unique abilities and attack styles. This feature elevates the gameplay, setting it apart from peer titles that often rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Beyond those modes, there’s also a hidden Boss Rush variant unlocked after completing Story Mode on Hard, which quickly became a fan-favorite for speedrunners.
Visuals & Audio
This game uses modern pixel art to capture classic arcade charm. Vivid backgrounds and cleverly designed mechanical foes fill the screen. The soundtrack mixes layered orchestral pieces with chiptune elements, matching the frantic on-screen action. Where other shooters struggle to blend retro looks with fresh audio, Collateral Hazard nails both sides, appealing to nostalgia and modern tastes alike.
User Reviews & Community Feedback
With 75 percent positive ratings from 194 reviews, players praise its diverse modes and easy-to-pick-up controls. Beginners and veterans find it accessible, though some say the difficulty ramps up sharply—a common complaint in bullet-hell games. In response, developers added the “Beginner’s Safety Net” update, which slightly reduces bullet density in the first three stages to help new players ease in.
Comparison With Peer Titles
When stacked against its contemporaries in the indie shoot ’em up arena, The Hurricane of the Varstray stands out.
- Diverse Game Modes: Few titles manage a balance between arcade-style challenges, story-driven content, and score competitions.
- Character Depth: The ability to choose from four uniquely balanced characters provides tactical diversity not always seen in similar games.
- Community-Centric Design: With plans for downloadable content and continuous updates, the game demonstrates a commitment to long-term engagement—a response likely influenced by early user reviews.
On top of that, the game’s Steam leaderboards regularly host global tournaments, fostering an active speedrunning community that shares strategies and world-record runs. Despite these strengths, some peers offer a more forgiving difficulty curve or alternative visual flair. Nevertheless, The Hurricane of the Varstray remains a standout thanks to its rigorous approach to gameplay mechanics and narrative integration.
Conclusion
In summary, The Hurricane of the Varstray: Collateral hazard is a meticulously designed shooter. Appealing to both veteran arcade fans and newcomers eager for a challenging experience. Its robust storyline, varied gameplay modes, and strong community support contribute to a polished package that, while not without minor hiccups, holds its own among similar titles. For anyone looking to delve deep into the mechanics and lore of a true shoot ’em up experience, this game is definitely worth a playthrough. Meanwhile, its ongoing post-launch updates show Studio SiestA’s dedication to evolving the experience over time.
Add The Hurricane of the Varstray Collateral hazard to your Steam collection!
