WispLisp Array of List (XBLIG): "A Surreal, Dreamy & Nightmarish Shmup"

I had actually expected WispLisp Array of Lisp's story to actually be translated in English, but that's what I get for assuming. Since there is no way for me to properly translate the game's story I'm going to have to wing it for this review. WispLisp Array of List was created by 'Alpha Secret Base' a Japanese game developer, and was originally released as a Windows/PC title. Recently it was released as an XBLIG title for 80 microsoft points. With my keen observations I found that the story's main character which is a young girl, somehow ended up in a dream world. Aside from that fact I know little else. The WispLisp part of the title likely refers to the to dream states that the main character finds herself in. There is a bright heavenly like dream version of the levels where the enemies shoot slowly, and then there's a nightmarish version where the bullet hell action intensifies. Unlike most shmups that give you a certain amount of lives, or health this one has a timer that counts down. If you get hit 40 seconds will be deducted from your time. There are ways to regain time, but you'll find that even on easy mode this game is quite challenging. The game features multiple difficulty modes that include 'Easy', 'Normal (Nomal)', 'Hard', and 'Endless'.

The controls in 'WispLisp Array of List' are very simple. You use the 'A' button to shoot, and the 'X' button to do a charged shot. The charged shot builds up in a certain time limit after pressing the 'X' button. Once it's charged a dark ring of circles will surround the female character letting you know that the shot is charged. Pressing the 'X' button after the charge is full will release a more powerful, wave-like version of the shot.

Like any other shmup 'WispLisp Array of List' keeps track of your growing score. There is also a timer display on the screen to let you now just how much time (life) you have left. The game also features a type of multiplier that is featured in a lot of Japanese shmups. It's called 'RED'. The 'RED' count is located at the lower right hand side of the screen. Killing multiple enemies without getting hit will increase your 'RED' count, and help to improve your score.

WispLisp Array of List's appearance is a good step above 8-Bit style graphics. It actually features surreal art-like boss creatures that seem to have been painted by an artist. The basic enemies that you will find include sheep, odd looking fish, spirit creatures, and even bosses like a giant piece of toast. I actually noticed in the rating that the game had 1 rating mark in either the 'sex', or 'mature' category. The reason for this I assume is that one of the bosses is a floating pair of women's breasts. Don't worry though, they are covered up by a bikini top. While I was playing the game I noticed that sometimes bosses, and sub-bosses would actually have doubles. I think this probably has to do with how well you did making it to the boss/sub-boss. I found that the nightmare version of the levels in the game are actually very similar to the dream-like versions. The creatures stay the same, but become more aggressive. You can tell when you enter nightmare mode, because the backdrop will turn from white to black. The enemies bullets will also change color, and speed. I've noticed that the nightmare version of the level happens in the more difficult settings, and in 'Endless' mode.

In the end I found WispLisp Array of List to be a very challenging shoot 'em up. Even for an experienced shmup fan like me it was difficult. In fact you'll find that Easy isn't really that much easier. This may turn some shmup players away, but I actually liked the game. The challenge of it made me want to try even harder. I would have liked to have seen the Japanese script translated to English though. Without being able to read the 'How to Play', or 'Story Intro' properly it made learning the game a little more difficult. I would say that dedicated shmup fans will most likely catch on to the game fairly easily even if they are of English origin. The surreal style of art in the game is definitely a plus, and the music that accompanies it makes the game really shine. This game is definitely worth the 80 msp ($1) asking price, especially to any fans of the shmup genre. It's something us westerners don't get to enjoy very often.