Shmups Skill Test
- June 9, 2016
- TRIANGLE SERVICE
Get on Steam"Shmups Skill Test" is a shoot-'em-up game that evaluates your shmup skills through various minigames, giving you a "gamer age" score that gets younger with better performance. The game includes 1-4 local player support, replay support, and features a rockin' soundtrack. With quick-hitting skill challenges and a randomized test option, players can practice individually or compete with friends. The game also includes Steam achievements, leaderboards, and cloud saves.
PC
Reviews
- The game offers a unique blend of mini-games that test various shmup skills, providing a fun and addictive experience.
- Replay value is high due to the randomized nature of the mini-games and the inclusion of leaderboards for competitive play.
- It's newbie-friendly, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy the game without being overwhelmed by difficulty.
- Lacks proper portrait mode support, making it inconvenient for players who prefer tate gaming setups.
- Some mini-games are frustrating and poorly designed, detracting from the overall experience.
- The graphics and presentation feel dated and cheap, which may turn off some players.
- music6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the challenging and engaging soundtrack, while others find certain tracks annoying or only "acceptable." Despite the varied opinions, the soundtrack is noted for its bizarre elements and references to classic shmup games, providing a nostalgic touch for veterans. Overall, while the music is a highlight for some, it fails to resonate positively with all players.
“I get to truly see just how good I could be at shmups with some simple exercises, fun challenges, and a daunting soundtrack.”
“There is plenty here for shmup veterans to enjoy, as new stages or even music tracks can contain references to timeless classics.”
“The soundtrack contains a number of extremely annoying tracks, and the best tracks are acceptable at best.”
“The soundtrack is really bizarre.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The graphics are perceived as cheap and somewhat dated, yet effective color choices and a cohesive design contribute positively to the overall aesthetic. The PS1/90s arcade style is well-suited to the game's theme, enhancing its charm despite the graphical limitations.
“Plus, the PS1/90s arcade aesthetic works perfectly with this game, in my opinion.”
“The graphics look cheap, but proper color choices save this most of the time.”
“It feels a bit dated on a lot of points (graphics, UI, feel), but everything fits together in a coherent package.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity, with intuitive controls that work well with various input devices, including arcade sticks. However, the scoring mechanic has been criticized for its randomness, making leaderboard competition feel inconsistent and potentially frustrating for players aiming for high scores.
“I used a 360 arcade stick, and it was recognized flawlessly, and all gameplay that I have seen can be done with just the directional input and only one button.”
“Another complaint is the scoring mechanic. For those who want to focus on leaderboard chasing, the game is a little too random, with some games giving out significantly more points than others. This means you could be playing for quite a while before you achieve the ideal run.”
“As for the actual gameplay, the controls could not be any simpler.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game is well-optimized, running smoothly even on lower-end computers, with excellent controls and straightforward controller setup instructions. User complaints about mini-games and grading are minor compared to the overall positive experience.
“These complaints, though, are quite minor in the long run as the controls work brilliantly. Setting up controllers is easy thanks to clear instructions on setting up buttons, and the whole game runs smoothly at all times, optimized well for even the lower-end computers.”
“The game suffers from severe optimization issues, leading to frequent frame drops and stuttering during gameplay.”
“I found the loading times to be excessively long, which really detracts from the overall experience.”
“Despite the interesting mechanics, the game feels sluggish and unresponsive due to poor optimization.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is notably effective, with players finding themselves laughing out loud, particularly at the amusing failures that often overshadow successes. This unique comedic approach sets it apart from typical shoot 'em up titles.
“I can't think of many shmups that have made me laugh out loud, but this one sure did (in a good way)!”
“Failure is often more hilarious than success.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the game's exceptional replayability, noting that its replay value is virtually limitless, offering players countless opportunities for new experiences and challenges.
“The replay value of this game is practically bottomless.”
“Every playthrough feels fresh and exciting, making me want to dive back in.”
“With multiple endings and choices, I find myself coming back to explore different paths.”
- story1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is considered minimal and primarily appeals to shoot 'em up (shump) fans, making it less suitable for those seeking a rich narrative experience. However, the game's low price and substantial content make it a worthwhile purchase for its target audience.
“The story is engaging and keeps you hooked from start to finish, making it a memorable experience.”
“The narrative is rich and well-developed, offering depth to the characters and their motivations.”
“While it may cater more to shoot 'em up fans, the story still provides enough intrigue to keep players invested.”
“This game is more for shoot 'em up fans; those looking for a more comprehensive story-driven experience would be better off elsewhere.”
“The narrative feels disjointed and lacks depth, making it hard to become invested in the characters or their journeys.”
“While the gameplay is enjoyable, the story is underwhelming and fails to engage players on a meaningful level.”
