Let’s kick things off with The Hurricane of the Varstray – Collateral Hazard by Studio SiestA, published by Rocket-Engine Co., Ltd.
Oh, I love a good scroller shooter! Reading some user reviews, it seems like an underrated gem. One user even credited the game for helping him through a difficult period in his life. That’s some serious emotional resonance.
That’s powerful. The game offers a decent variety of modes to keep you hooked—Score Attack, Story, Arcade, and Unlock. Plus, it supports both English and Japanese!
Supports both Japanese and English!
The premise of four girls defending Earth from mysterious mechanical invaders gives off strong anime vibes, which isn’t a bad thing at all.
Let’s dive into the gameplay mechanics. For a SHMUP, Varstray stands out by focusing on carefully placed enemy patterns rather than overwhelming you with bullets. It has a primary and secondary weapon system that lets you switch strategies during gameplay.
The game’s fast-paced environment centers on dodging bullet patterns instead of weaving through them. The bullet absorption mechanics are reminiscent of Mars Matrix and Giga Wing!
The depth of the plot is intriguing as well. The joint mission between nations to investigate the Varstray—a giant hurricane in space—adds a compelling layer to the narrative. Each character has a unique story mode, offering varied perspectives that enrich the overall experience.
Spot on. The banter between the characters makes them delightful and relatable, encouraging you to unlock every dialogue.
How do you guys find the visuals and graphics?
Practice Mode scoreboard
I must say, they trigger some vintage feels from the TurboGrafx-16 era.
The animations are well done, blending new and old-school styles to enhance the game’s atmosphere.
The voice acting adds another layer of connection with the characters in story mode. Combined with the engaging background score and sound effects, it’s a complete package. Wouldn’t you agree, PlayerProX?
Absolutely! Moving on to character development, each of the four characters has distinct properties that influence gameplay. I love how their dynamics add color to the narrative and make you invest in their journey. From what I’ve heard, they even plan to add more characters in future updates.
Speaking of challenges, the shield mechanic balances the experience for both beginners and experts. The idea of shield energy being crucial for scoring presents an intriguing gameplay decision.
Yes, for beginners, it serves as protection, while for expert players, it’s crucial for high scores. Now, talking about replay value—with numerous modes, character choices, and unlockable content, Varstray inherently encourages replayability.
I agree, there’s definitely more to explore in the Varstray sector, filled with hidden secrets.
Final thoughts, anyone?
Varstray has captured the magic of old caravan shooters while modernizing it with new mechanics.
colorful shmup
It shows a promising future, and I’m eagerly anticipating more characters and modes from Studio SiestA.
I’m looking forward to deeper exploration and engaging narratives, along with more exciting encounters in the vast world they’ve crafted.
Varstray has opened a new path for SHMUP games. I hope they continue to evolve, and I’m excited to see where they go next.
Add The Hurricane of the Varstray – Collateral Hazard to your Steam Library today!
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You can also read our article The Sky’s the Limit: Playing SHMUPs here!
