Shmups are anchored on a coin-op business model that hinges greatly on player collapse hence they are difficult to complete. Treasure’s games place the same importance on pleasure and hardcore psychological retribution based on this crucial belief. However, the company’s Bangai-O series cannot be classified as such because it is vicious, insane and the flames of its bullet hell are uninhibited.
Now comes the new XBLA’s Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury, without a plot and is full of pure, untainted shooter insanity.
In a typical shmup set-up, staying alive in Missile Fury is doubtful. The good thing is, it can stop incoming bullets, rush and deal with attack in a span. The latter is important for staying power– most stages are absurdly and extremely packed with enemy assault that could disorient the player. When used, the counter attack discharges many projectiles yet exposes the player while a multiplier builds. Whatever is nearest is emptied by counters which a skilled player can use to dash away and plan the next attack. However, this is not easy to accomplish.
Like Mario Party or Super Smash Bros, the game’s thoughtless sense of humor is prominent. There are many “kill everything on-screen” commands and interesting winning conditions are incorporated in the design. In one phase the player has to run to the bottom to blow up something in an underground compartment; otherwise the player will get trapped below and cannot kill the large number of enemies above. To clear a room the player utilizes only the boost or counters. Reaching the “end” of any challenge does not complete the stage.
Treasure is at its pinnacle when it is deranged, bending shooter rules entertainingly. One of the favorites is when enemies can only be defeated by bouncing giant soccer balls into them. In another instance, a small, maze-like track wrapped in fierce but hidden enemies has to be steered. (Think board game classic Operation.)
Also, a deceitful sense of security permeates, giving the feeling that something more bizarre is prowling to intercept anytime. Shmups are hardcore enough, but with Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury the player’s death is an option and the player can perish.
There can be more deaths so the player has to be over cautious.
