Steel Empire (3DS)

Developed by Mebius, and published by Teyon this Japanese steam punk shmup (shoot'em up) known as "Steel Empire (originally Koutetsu Teikoku)" makes a triumphant return from it's former Sega Genesis, and Gameboy Advance glory days. Like any military based shmup you will find that 'Steel Empire' has in place groups of warring factions that each have conflicting goals. The factions this time around are grounded firmly in a science fiction world with fictitious steam punk empires that are trying to gain control of the airways. In this revamped version of the game you'll fly two different types of steam punk engineered aircraft including an eagle-like plane, and a small dirigible. Both aircraft are your empire's only saving grace. With them comes varying speeds, and attributes that will make the gameplay at hand a very different experience, and your goal an even more trying one.

Your ultimate goal, as a pilot in 'Steel Empire' is to traverse 7 side-scrolling stages filled with dangerous sci-fi terrains while blasting ships of various shapes, and sizes out of the sky. You'll have a set number of lives with which to complete the task, but 1ups, and health refills can be found to improve your odds of beating the game's campaign in a single playthrough. Along the way you'll find power-ups in the form of health refills, screen clearing electric-bombs, orbiting mini-dirigibles, and bullet hell enhancements. You'll be able to level up your aircraft of choice up to 20 times, and use that power to destroy the larger than life aircraft, and cargo carriers that aim to put an end to your mission.

Crimsonland (PS4)

Crimsonland, at the core is a minimalist's top-down twin stick shooter that incorporates creature carnage on a massive scale. The indie style shmup, which was developed by 10tons takes the simplistic controls of twin stick shooters, throws in hordes of relentless enemies in varying types, and gives the player just enough weapons, and power-ups to overcome the insurmountable odds before them. Within the game you'll find two main modes of play including, "Quests", and "Survival" in which you can test your skills, or your patience as a shoot 'em up master. By playing through all six chapters of "Quest" mode you will unlock perks, and weapons of different varieties which can then be used in the "Survival" modes that are to follow. PSN trophies are also obtainable during your main playthrough should you meet the set requirements to unlock them. As important as the quest completion is though you will find that Crimsonland's true value ultimately lies locked away in the various "Survival" modes that are unlocked through an initial 'Quest' mode playthrough.

Resogun (PS4)

When it comes to indie shmup concepts I think "Resogun" easily earns it's place amongst the best. This eye-popping spectacle of a twin-stick shooter will either put you into a seizure induced spasm due to sensory overload, or will have you staring at the screen in amazement as next-gen special effects fill the screen in front of you. The idea behind this shooter is a simple yet effective one. As mankind's last hope you are piloting their only way off of the cylindrical cities. For some reason, or another humanity is about to face Armageddon several times over, and they are slowly waking from their suspended cubicles only to be dropped out on the street, and blasted/abducted by the robotic alien life forms who are attacking. You, and your ship will not only aid these poor helpless human beings in their time of need, but will also fight against wave after wave of alien spacecraft in the process.

Mamorukun Curse! (PSN)

When I first heard the title "Mamorukun Curse!" I had no clue in hell as to what it was about. Through the usual Youtube, and internet research though the details about the game did begin to emerge. Even so it wasn't until I actually got my hands on the game that it all began to truly make sense. The title "Mamorukun Curse!", which is odd in it's own right is actually a play on words that most anime lovers will understand. In most anime situations that involve younger characters "kun" is added to their name as a sign of affection in the shared character dialogue. Hence the title, "Mamomorukun's Curse". The main character of the game who goes by the name "Mamoru" ended up meeting his untimely demise as he was crossing a road in the real world. This vehicular tragedy ended up sending poor Mamoru barreling head first into the afterlife along with a handful of other boys, and girls from other parts of the real world. This newly banded army of friends found that not only they were dead, but that in order to gain a second chance at life in the real world that they'd have to aid the eccentric afterlife tour guide, "Fululu (pronounced "Fururu")" in the removal of an otherworldy threat. It is this vaguely fleshed out plot setup that is the basis for this full-fledged Japanese shmup (Shoot'em Up).

PESTER (XBLIG)

Earlier on this year, or late last year I decided to buy an indie shmup from the XBLIG marketplace with the spare 80 msp that I had left over. The shmup I speak of was titled "Super Killer Hornet", and it was developed by Flump Studios. It featured unique classic shmup (shoot 'em up) gameplay with an interesting mathematical power-up system. It was this math based feature that really caught my attention, and held it for quite some time. The math system had definitely added an edge that you would not expect from an arcade style shmup, and it seemed to fit in perfectly. For some reason though I totally lost track of the developer's name over the months, and thought that "Super Killer Hornet" would likely be this developer's only XBLIG release.

Thankfully though Flump Studios has made a return with a new shmup title, and they seemingly intend on bringing more innovative shmups to the XBLIG marketplace in the months to come. Today though I'll be reviewing a recently released Flump Studios shmup titled "Pester". Unlike the previous shmup title it pays homage to the classic arcade experience of old with numerous features, and modes that the older generation of gamers will be able to relate to.

Akai Katana (Xbox360): "The Shmup Genre At It's Finest!!!"

Those of you who follow me on the various social sites that I frequent will likely have heard of my quest to obtain a review copy of 'Akai Katana'. It was by mere chance that I happened upon a trailer to this game while doing my routine search for review material earlier this year. Unknown to some of you I have actually been trying my best to secure retail games for review, and for the most part that venture has been a failure. It wasn't until I contacted 'Rising Star Games (The Developer Behind Akai Katana)' that a small glimmer of hope began to shine for me. Rising Star Games was more than glad to send me a copy of the game, and I'm truly grateful for that. While I do admit I was a little bit impatient in my wait for it's arrival I'm definitely glad I finally got it. If you guys don't have a clue what 'Akai Katana' is then allow me to enlighten you with my review of the game.

Revolver360 (XBLIG): "A Nex-Gen Revolving Shoot 'em Up"

I'll begin by saying that Revovler360 is one of the most unique shmups available today. It was developed, and created by 'Cross Eaglet' in 2010. I am a bit late on getting the review out there, but I just started my site this year. I figured it was a good idea to backtrack a bit, and get some reviews of past XBLIG titles out to you guys. While searching the XBLIG library of games I came across 'Revolver360', and was determined to do a review of it. I ended up contacting the developer, and got lucky enough to receive a review code for this one-of-a-kind shmup.

The Cannon (XBLIG): "Intense Immobile Cannon Conflict"

The Cannon is a 1-4 player shmup type of game with an overhead view that features a unique combat system. It has both single player, and multiplayer modes with multiple options, and unlockable content. This simple looking overhead shmup style shooter is anything but simple. You will face intense waves of enemies in the quest to save your country's most prized possession, 'The Cannon' ...

Infinity Danger (XBLIG): "Shmup Combat Evolved"

Milkstone Studio's 7th game 'Infinity Danger' takes the shmup genre in  a new direction. Instead of the usual formula used in shmups, Infinity Danger features one ever evolving enemy that constantly adjusts to your playing style. The enemy ship begins small, and gradually grows in size adding weapons and armor to itself in order to destroy you. How long you can survive the onslaught depends greatly upon your actions, and the way you decide to destroy each ship's evolved state.

PC Review: "Space Blasters"

Most people I know have no clue that I also do Adult DVD reviews for a mainstream website. I usually wouldn't mention it, but this article is about a video game that has been promoted by a well known adult female performer. It seems that some of the female performers are actually into gaming like us. Many of them are actually very nice to talk to, and treat their fans with respect. In my career as an adult DVD reviewer I've made friends with a couple of them, and even submitted some of my art for their site. It's definitely nice to see the normal/fun side of performers in this industry.

Decimation X (XBLIG): "A True Shmup Tribute"

Today I found another awesome developer who actually cares about his audience. Matthew Doucette of Xona Games was kind enough to give me a code of his hit Xbox Live Indie Game 'Decimation X' in exchange for my promise to play his new game 'Decimation X3'. At this point I'm extremely glad to have made the transition over to the Xbox 360. It has opened up awesome opportunities for me, and has allowed me to meet some very cool developers. I consider myself both lucky, and privileged to be a part of the Xbox 360 gaming community. I hope that my reviews have helped all of my readers to find those hidden XBLIG gems out there that you might have passed up otherwise. I also hope to continue to provide quality reviews for all the XBLIG/XBLA fans out there.

XBLIG IMPRESSIONS: "Score Rush"

Recently I was contacted by Matthew Doucette, one of the developers of Xona Games about a review code inquiry I had sent. I had pretty much given up on hearing back from any of the developers, but it was nice of him to send me a reply. The game I was inquiring about was a new shmup shooter titled "Duality ZF" that's scheduled to be released soon. I had a handful of reasons why I wanted to review the game, and one of them was that the developers behind Xona Games realize what shmups (shoot 'em ups) are all about. They seem to value a good shmup just as I do, and they also know that shmups have a long lasting quality. After reading the email Matthew D. sent me I decided the least I could do is review one of their games. I watched trailers to all of them, but the one that really caught my eye was 'Score Rush'.

Righteous Axe (XBLIG): "A Space Shooter That Pays Homage to Heavy Metal"

Recently Microsoft was kind enough to reward me with some extra points. I immediately took the opportunity to invest in a couple of XBLIG titles that included SoftwareByEugene's indie space shooter 'Righteous Axe. Being the heavy metal, and shmup shooter fanatic that I am I was very interested in picking up the game. The trailer I watched showed off hot babes rocking heavy metal style with electric guitars. What's not to like about that?