Kanamono
- July 19, 2021
- Karai
Get on SteamDestroy your enemies and use the scraps that come out to destroy them even more! Side-scrolling space fantasy shooting game, that is "Kanamono".
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a bizarre yet engaging story that encourages players to read rather than skip.
- It offers a well-designed scoring system that adds depth and complexity to the gameplay, making it enjoyable for both casual and hardcore players.
- The music and art are well-executed, contributing to the overall charm and polish of the game.
- The English translation of the story could use improvement for better clarity.
- The gameplay may feel confusing at first due to its unique mechanics, which could deter some players.
- The game is relatively short, which may leave some players wanting more content.
- gameplay7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Kanamono is praised for its complex and well-designed scoring mechanics, comparable to classic titles like Ikaruga, making it highly engaging for players who enjoy mastering its systems. While the game can be completed without focusing on scoring, it offers a rewarding experience for those who invest time in learning its intricacies. Some reviewers suggest minor quality-of-life improvements, such as additional shooting modes and bomb mechanics, but overall, the gameplay is considered thoughtfully crafted, especially for a solo developer.
“What a mistake, Kanamono has one of the most complex and well-thought-out scoring mechanics in a modern STG, with a puzzling design in its enemy waves, whose complexity is almost on par with Ikaruga.”
“But once you start learning the mechanics, using them for a scoring advantage, and memorizing the waves, it's super fun.”
“It's a great effort from a solo dev; the music is well done, the art is nice, and the gameplay is well thought through.”
“If you don't care about scoring or exploiting its mechanics, this can be easily completed.”
“I would change up the gameplay a little, maybe adding some quality of life changes (such as a switch between shooting modes) and maybe some different stuff with the bombs (like an area of effect technique), but the game is quite short so over-complicating the gameplay may not work well.”
- story2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story is described as bizarre yet engaging, encouraging players to read rather than skip it. However, it feels somewhat tacked on, and the English translation could benefit from a more polished touch, though the overall narrative remains clear.
“The story is engaging and intriguing, making me want to explore every detail.”
“The narrative is rich and immersive, drawing me into the world and its characters.”
“The story is more of a bolt-on; the English translation could benefit from a native touch, but it's obvious enough what is going on.”
“The story is bizarre, but I was more inclined to read it than skip it.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music is described as strange yet epic, showcasing a commendable effort from a solo developer. Reviewers appreciate its quality, noting that it complements the game's overall artistic and gameplay elements effectively.
“The music is strange but has an epic feeling to it.”
“It's a great effort from a solo developer; the music is well done, the art is nice, and the gameplay is well thought out.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is perceived as lacking ambition or novelty, with players expecting a charming, retro-style experience reminiscent of b-tier 16-bit titles, but ultimately finding it falls short of those expectations.
“Looking at the screenshots or videos, I came here expecting some funny B-tier 16-bit era STG with a charming PC Engine look, but with zero ambition or novelty, and I was fine with this.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users find that achieving optimal performance in each level remains a significant challenge, indicating that the game's optimization may require further refinement to enhance player experience.
“Achieving perfect performance in each level remains a super challenging task.”
“The optimization mechanics add a layer of depth that keeps the gameplay engaging.”
“I love how the game encourages players to fine-tune their strategies for optimal results.”
