Beat Invaders

Beat Invaders

Beat Invaders draws inspiration from arcade classics such as Space Invaders and Galaga but merges the addictive gameplay with neon-lit visuals and a great soundtrack. The game is simple to control, but multiple modes, mountains of power-ups, and some roguelike elements keep it interesting.

Gameplay: The gameplay is fast and frantic, but multiple modes and difficulty settings make it very accessible too.

Graphics: While there’s nothing particularly awe-inspiring about the visuals everything looks good and the overall presentation is very polished.

Sound: The 33 tracks all sound great and actually influence the gameplay, which is a neat touch

Hyper-5 First Look Video

Hyper-5 First Look Video

Hyper-5 by Hyper Productions is a cinematic shmup inspired by classics from the “golden era” of the ’90s. Players arrive on planet 4GTD with their deep space scout ship in response to a distress beacon but instead find an unknown enemy lying in wait. The five levels in Hyper-5 are spread out across air, over land, and even underwater, while the three different playing modes are suitable for all skill levels. Thanks to the challenge-based progression system, there are also plenty of weapons, ship upgrades, and gallery entries to unlock along the way. Check out the video below to see some action from the game’s first two levels

Curved Space First Look Video

Curved Space First Look Video

Curved Space is an intense arcade-style twin-stick shooter by Only By Midnight and Maximum Games. The game features curved landscapes where players must take on cosmic space-invading spiders. Curved Space features Arena, Survival and Endless modes, and Daily Runs along with a campaign mode. This first look video features the first two levels of the campaign mode, highlighting some of the weapons and enemies players can expect in the game

Endocrisis First Look Video

Endocrisis First Look Video

Endocrisis is a technical shoot ’em up by Arturo Buschmann featuring big bosses to battle. Players only get one life but can absorb certain enemy bullets or block others by not shooting. The game also features a map where players can quickly choose which boss to face. Check out the first look video to see the tutorial as well as a few levels that demonstrate the game’s mechanics

Squadron 51 Will Be Fighting Off Invaders In 2021

Squadron 51 Will Be Fighting Off Invaders In 2021

We are used to shoot ‘em ups, especially the science-fiction variety, being filled with eye-watering amounts of colors. Imagine then our surprise when we caught wind of Squadron 51, which promises to be a dynamic spaceship shooter that foregoes color completely. Instead, the game will be presented completely in glorious black and white with aesthetics that fans of 1950s cinema will instantly recognize

Jamestown

Jamestown

Jamestown is a great top down shooter with a really interesting setting and some gorgeous pixel art visuals. It is best enjoyed with three other friends crowded around the computer, but even solo players will enjoy the challenge. The fact that it only features five levels is disappointing, but they are all very good and there are plenty of other challenges and unlockables to keep you busy. Overall, this is a title that we can wholeheartedly recommend to fans of the genre, but it is worth mentioning that there appears to be no more support from the developers for this PC version of the game.

Gameplay: Challenging and addictive, especially when played with friends.

Graphics: The pixel art visuals look great and really captures the classic feel of the genre.

Sound: The soundtrack is incredible, although the sound effects could have been better

Bullet Soul Infinite Burst

Bullet Soul Infinite Burst

Bullet Soul: Infinite Burst is an upgrade of the original game that adds a couple of new features to an already enjoyable title. The Combination Burst mode really does open up a whole new style of play and even the existing modes have been re-balanced and improved with new enemy patterns. While it is not going to change the minds of those who are not fans of the genre, Infinite Burst is surprisingly newcomer friendly and offers an enjoyable experience with plenty of game modes.

Gameplay: No new levels compared to the original Bullet Soul, but the new modes are definitely worthwhile.

Graphics: Showing its age, but still looks decent enough for the genre.

Sound: The soundtrack is great, but the sound effects are a little feeble

Drifting Lands

Drifting Lands

From big bosses and swarms of enemies to screens filled with bullets and explosions, Drifting Lands offers everything fans expect from the side scrolling shooter genre. However, it goes one step further by also merging it with some action-RPG elements that will keep you coming back for more in a bid to customize your ship to the max. It starts out a little slow, but thanks to multiple difficulty grades, the intensity of the action quickly ramps up. Anyone with an itchy trigger finger looking for a shooter that has a bit more replay value than usual shouldn’t at the very least try out the free demo.

Gameplay: A little overwhelming at times, but at least you are eased into things quite gently.

Graphics: Detailed and colorful, especially for a side scrolling shooter, but very few truly jaw-dropping set pieces.

Sound: The sound effects lack a little punch, but the soundtrack is as varied as it is rocking

Procyon PC Review

Procyon PC Review

Procyon is a game that has more than a passing resemblance to the classic arcade titles from companies such as Irem and Toaplan. It won’t take long to complete the five levels on offer, but you’ll have fun doing so and the game is available at a bargain price. Procyon focuses on delivering a solid shooter instead of really shaking up the genre but it is polished and very enjoyable.

Gameplay: Nice, solid arcade shooter.

Graphics: Not the most detailed, but plenty of colors and explosions.

Sound: Great soundtrack and some pretty good sound effects

Shmups Skill Test

Shmups Skill Test

Shmups Skill Test is a collection of mini-games that are designed to test how good you are at playing arcade and bullet hell shooters. While this means it doesn’t have as much depth as other titles in the genre, it still provides a nice diversion and a way to hone your skills. Since it is based on a rather old arcade game the visuals are far from cutting edge, but the gameplay and low price tag make up for this. If you think you have mastered the genre, then try out this game to see for sure.

Gameplay: Lots of fun in short bursts, but obviously doesn’t have as much depth as full-fledged shooters.

Graphics: The visuals are definitely showing their age.

Sound: Not your typical shooter soundtrack