An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!
The game revolves around its "Berserk" scoring system, which dramatically increases the score multiplier the closer players get to destroying enemies. Destroying foes at point-blank range can multiply points up to 20x. Reviewers praise this risk-reward mechanic for encouraging aggressive, high-stakes play, as players must balance maximizing their score against their own survival.
While the game offers a forgiving normal difficulty for newcomers, the depth lies in mastering the Berserk system. Reviewers note that players can start cautiously and clear the game, then gradually ramp up their aggression to chase ever-higher scores. The multiple difficulty options, including a punishing "Inferno" mode, provide a challenge for players of all skill levels.
Enemies constantly introduce new attack patterns, keeping the gameplay fresh. Many reviewers single out the boss battles as highlights, with unique and intense encounter designs. The game makes effective use of telegraphing, clearly signaling certain attacks ahead of time, ensuring the challenge feels fair even as it increases.
Reviewers universally praise the game's tight, responsive controls, which they say are essential for navigating the intense bullet patterns. The ability to switch between a wide and narrow shot on the fly is also noted as an important strategic element.
The game encourages repeated playthroughs through unlockable content, including a "Retro Mode" that recreates the original 1996 release. Global leaderboards also give players an incentive to continually improve their high scores, further extending the game's lifespan.