Battle Crust

Since this game is not Steam Deck verified yet, I tested it out: it works great so far, no issues after playing a few levels. Nice responsive play and the default buttons are fine. Playfield size is ok for the screen, I have no visibility issues. This is a great game, loving what I've seen so far. Level and weapon design feel very Image Fight; not a common inspiration these days, but a welcome one.

This game is NOT a bullet hell shmup, that's a very big plus for taste. I am a fan of games like the Gradius series (esp. Salamander on the PCE and Gradius V on the PS2), R-Type or Musha Aleste. Battle Crust somehow fits to that list. This game was one of the few SHMUPS that I have really gotten fond of since a very long time.

This is a game out of a time capsule, exactly from an arcade circa 1990/91, so much so that you almost expect to have to insert a coin. Several instances of broken English ("flame"), intentional or not, elevate the authenticity the developer strived for. Even for the genre, it can feel a bit bare-bones in gameplay, as all you have beside your basic shot are pick-ups to get a couple of pods, and then a different type of shot if you already got the pods. The pods also serve to launch a charge shot. It's a little spiced up by the possibility to select two alternate types of charge shot: one is more powerful and can even nullify some types of enemy projectiles, but its recoil leaves the ship uncovered for a precious instant, while another is less strong but has a more prolonged effect on the target. However, especially if you miss old-school shoot-'em-up designs, this simplicity is also refreshing. No more than two buttons to use beside directions, no complex scoring systems to worry about. The pixel art is pleasant, sometimes even surprisingly detailed, but not especially inventive. The soundtrack is also retro-sounding, courtesy of a veteran composer whose biggest credit in his ea…

So I finally got to play this game. A very excellent shoot em' up that's very challenging. Fans of this genre like me will love it. A lot of fun. :D

As a certified Shmup Fanatic I gotta say this game really satisfies. Good music, pretty sharp pixels and vibrant colors, tight game mechanics, and challenging but fair . Get It Now!

Hyakutaro Tsukumo/10 Games competent enough but not very inspired, bit of a celebration on being generic. Buy to let this composer know he is loved !