KAMUI
- December 11, 2014
- SITER SKAIN
Get on Steam"KAMUI is a single-player shooter game with excellent music and innovative game mechanics. Players must navigate 6 stages of 2D arcade-style shooting action, piloting the KAMUI fighter craft over high and low altitude planes. A unique scoring system based on the auto-targeting Lighting Attack and bullet-destroying Light provide additional challenges."
Reviews
- KAMUI offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic 90s arcade shooters, with engaging gameplay and a fantastic soundtrack that keeps adrenaline levels high.
- The game features unique mechanics, such as a two-level enemy targeting system and a variety of weapons, which add depth and strategy to the gameplay.
- Unlimited continues allow players to enjoy the game without the frustration of starting over, making it accessible for both newcomers and seasoned players.
- The game suffers from a low resolution (800x600), which can detract from the overall experience and make it feel dated compared to modern titles.
- Power-ups are scarce and often drop off-screen quickly, leading to a feeling of imbalance and frustration during gameplay.
- The two-level enemy mechanic can be confusing and may lead to unfair situations where players are punished for not managing their special attacks effectively.
- gameplay23 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is widely praised for its engaging mechanics, combining elements from classic shmups like Rayforce and Raystorm, while offering a satisfying challenge through its unique enemy altitude and lock-on systems. Players appreciate the fluidity and depth of the mechanics, alongside the game's atmospheric presentation and impressive soundtrack. However, some feel that the abundance of mechanics can detract from the overall enjoyment, preferring a more focused approach to gameplay.
“Thanks to unlimited continues, I got to the end, and can never envision being able to 1cc this, but it's a fantastic spectacle, simple but interesting mechanics with melancholic lore sprinkled throughout with really cool designs.”
“Absolutely a must-have shmup in my opinion just by how great it plays and quickly starts to challenge you to take advantage of the game's own mechanics. It's super satisfying to play and replay until you nail down all the stages and bosses.”
“The game has nice and fluid gameplay, very tasty and fun.”
“The main gameplay mechanic is that enemies appear on two planes, one on the same plane as your ship, which you can shoot with bullets, and the other plane below you, which you can shoot with your homing lightning attack.”
“Kamui's gameplay is heavily inspired by the games Rayforce, Raystorm, and Raycrisis made by Taito Corporation.”
“It is about a 30-minute gameplay, faster if you can do it on 1 credit.”
- music16 mentions
- 88 % positive mentions
- -6 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The music in the game is consistently praised for its quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, with many reviewers highlighting the "amazing soundtrack" and "heroic music" that complement the gameplay. While some note that the graphics and sound may feel dated, the engaging music remains a standout feature that adds to the game's atmosphere and excitement. Overall, the soundtrack is described as a significant asset that elevates the game's presentation and enjoyment.
“From the sound effects and graphics... to the awesome soundtrack, your adrenaline will be pumping start to finish...don't skip on this one!”
“Amazing soundtrack, cool gameplay, and excellent presentation overall.”
“A gorgeous shmup with some heroic music to pew pew the night away.”
“It shows its age obviously - the 240p graphics and MIDI music are unlikely to impress any newcomers.”
“The music feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“While the game has some nostalgic tracks, they often feel out of place and don't enhance the overall experience.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are a mix of retro charm and practical design, with clear visibility of bullets and enemies that enhances gameplay. While some players note the visuals may appear primitive by modern standards, they appreciate the nostalgic aesthetic and effective stage designs reminiscent of classic arcade shooters. Overall, the graphics are considered solid for the genre, appealing to fans of the shmup style despite showing their age.
“Very good graphics and stage designs as well as big bosses and spot-on gameplay accompany this solid overhead shooter.”
“I think the graphics are very pretty and the music is great, but they're both very arcade shootery, so you'll like it if you like that kind of thing.”
“Brilliant scoring system that weaves seamlessly into the survival aspects, lots of enemy and stage variety, bosses that change their attacks as you break apart their many segments, clear bullet visibility and hitboxes, good music, and visuals that still hold up for a 1999 game (if you can get used to how incredibly skinny the game window is without tate mode on).”
“It shows its age obviously - the 240p graphics and MIDI music are unlikely to impress any newcomers, but it still does neat things within those constraints.”
“The graphics itself isn't great by today's standards but wonderfully replicated the effects and graphics Rayforce had back then.”
“A nice little game with several difficulty levels and poor (but very fast moving) graphics in the general shmup arcade game style of Alltynex Second or Raiden III.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game offers moderate replayability through the option to play as two different kamuis, with the second model unlocked by completing the game on all three difficulty levels. Additionally, its affordability and low system requirements make it accessible for repeated play.
“Two kamuis are playable: the one according to the story, which I will refer to as 'Panaffil', and the mass production model encountered in the latter half of the game, unlocked by completing the game on all three difficulties, which I will refer to as the 'MP'.”
“With some replayability, this game's major virtues are that it's cheap and easy to install and run on pretty much any computer.”
- story2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The story features two playable kamuis, including the main character "panaffil" and a mass production model unlocked after completing the game on all difficulties. Players find the narrative intriguing, complemented by appealing visuals and music, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
“Not going to lose much time on the gameplay and such as tons of people said it, it's a very satisfying game to play and master, pretty scenarios and designs, nice music, and an intriguing story.”
“The story feels disjointed and lacks a coherent narrative arc, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“Character development is minimal, leaving players feeling disconnected from the protagonists.”
“The plot twists are predictable and fail to deliver any real surprises or emotional impact.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, with users highlighting its impressive gameplay, captivating soundtrack, and fluid animations that collectively enhance the overall experience.
“The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into the game's world with stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack.”
“Every detail contributes to a rich atmosphere that keeps you engaged and on the edge of your seat.”
“The combination of ambient sounds and visual design creates a captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, highlighting nostalgia and comfort derived from their childhood experiences with arcade games. This sense of familiarity enhances their overall enjoyment and engagement with the game.
