Shmups Skill Test

About

Shmups Skill Test is a single player and multiplayer action game. It was developed by TRIANGLE SERVICE and was released on June 9, 2016. It received positive reviews from players.

"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.

Genres & Tags

Action

Play Modes

Skip User Reviews

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 54 reviews

music8 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

The game offers a vast replay value with randomized mini-games that keep each session fresh and engaging.
It's newbie-friendly, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy the game without facing overwhelming difficulty.
The multiplayer mode is a fun addition, making it a great option for couch co-op gaming with friends.

The game lacks sufficient content to help players improve their shmup skills compared to other titles that offer more comprehensive training.
The graphics and overall presentation feel dated and cheap, which may detract from the experience for some players.
The scoring system can be frustratingly random, making it difficult to achieve high scores consistently.

music
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
16%
17%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its quality and the nostalgic references for shmup veterans, while others find several tracks annoying or only "acceptable at best." Overall, the soundtrack is described as bizarre, with a few standout pieces that enhance the gameplay experience, but it does not consistently impress 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.”
graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
34%
33%
The graphics are often described as cheap and somewhat dated, particularly in terms of the user interface and overall feel. However, effective color choices and a cohesive design contribute positively to the game's appeal, with many players appreciating the nostalgic PS1/90s arcade aesthetic.
- “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.”
gameplay
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
34%
33%
The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity, with controls that are easy to master, requiring only directional input and a single button, which works well with various controllers. However, the scoring system has been criticized for its randomness, making it challenging for players focused on leaderboard performance to achieve consistent 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.”
optimization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game is well-optimized, running smoothly even on lower-end computers, with easy controller setup and clear instructions for button configuration. Overall, players report that the controls function brilliantly, contributing to a positive gaming experience despite minor complaints.
- “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 of computers.”
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is praised for its humor, with players noting that it often elicits genuine laughter, particularly through the comedic aspects of failure rather than success. This unique approach to humor sets it apart from typical shoot 'em up games.
- “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.”
story
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
100%
The game's story is minimal and primarily caters to shoot 'em up (shump) fans, making it less suitable for players seeking a deeper narrative experience. However, its low price and substantial content make it a worthwhile pick for its target audience.
- “This is more for shoot 'em up fans, though those wanting a more story-driven game would be better off elsewhere. However, for the low price and amount of content, it's well worth picking up.”
- “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 underdeveloped and lacks depth, making it hard to become invested in the characters or plot.”
- “While the gameplay is enjoyable, the story is thin and fails to engage, leaving players wanting more substance.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviewers consistently highlight the game's exceptional replayability, describing it as "practically bottomless," indicating that players can enjoy numerous playthroughs without losing interest.
- “The replay value of this game is practically bottomless.”
- “The replay value of this game is practically bottomless.”