Mayday (2026)

Fun little arcade shooter with interesting enough gameplay and a passable story if a little too much is already established without the player getting to know it. Definitely worth the price however, especially considering the arcade replayable gamemode.

Developed and published by A.B. DanDan, Mayday is an independent shoot 'em up that embraces the spirit of classic arcade space shooters while introducing a progression system that encourages strategic thinking alongside quick reflexes. Instead of relying purely on overwhelming firepower or memorizing enemy patterns, the game asks players to carefully manage their ship's strengths and weaknesses through a unique upgrade system. The result is an experience that feels familiar to long-time fans of the genre while offering enough mechanical depth to make repeated runs engaging. With its retro-inspired presentation, sci-fi narrative, and emphasis on replayability, Mayday delivers a focused arcade adventure that rewards both precision and thoughtful planning. Players take control of the experimental Skylon spacecraft alongside Agent Mayday, who becomes connected to the vessel's artificial intelligence, Elizabeth. Their mission leads them into the dangerous Alyphs Quadrant, where the mysterious Fallen Star Organization seeks to activate a devastating ancient superweapon. While the story remains relatively straightforward, it succeeds in giving context to the action and provides enough mo…