Supercharged Robot VULKAISER
- June 3, 2015
- ASTRO PORT
- 1h median play time
VULKAISER is a nice distraction, but lacks any major step forward. Fun for a spell, but has the longevity of a coin-op arcade machine.
Get on SteamIn Supercharged Robot VULKAISER, players control a group of pilots who join forces to pilot a massive robot. Fight against enemies using various weapons and combinations of robot forms to save the world. With retro-style graphics and intense combat, this game offers a challenging and engaging experience for fans of classic shoot-em-ups.
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The game captures the nostalgic aesthetic of 1970s mecha anime, providing a charming and visually appealing experience.
- Gameplay is fun and engaging, with a unique combining mechanic that allows players to switch between different robot forms and attacks.
- The soundtrack and sound effects effectively evoke the classic anime feel, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game.
- The game is quite short, with only six levels, which may leave players wanting more content.
- There are significant technical limitations, such as a lack of a pause button, no options menu, and a fixed low resolution, which can detract from the experience.
- The gameplay can feel shallow and repetitive, lacking depth and variety in mechanics beyond the initial novelty of the combining system.
- gameplay24 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized as solid and enjoyable, featuring a mix of classic shmup mechanics with a unique "vulfighter" system that enhances replayability through varied attack patterns. While some reviewers note that the gameplay is somewhat generic, it is described as fair and challenging, with tight controls that are best experienced with a gamepad. Overall, the game successfully combines engaging mechanics with charming mecha aesthetics, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.
“The major twist gameplay-wise is the 'vulfighter' system that changes your attack pattern in one of four ways - if you elect to even combine with any of the vulfighters at all, of course.”
“The gameplay is solid, the controls are good (much better with a gamepad) and the 70s mecha anime aesthetics are spot on and really capture what they're going for.”
“Best of all, there's actually some interesting design choices for the genre, so you'll actually find a different gameplay experience here.”
“The gameplay itself is pretty generic but not offensively so.”
“As a 2D shoot-'em-up game, there's nothing much to highlight about the gameplay.”
“A really hard but overall quite nice little shmup that isn’t all that special gameplay-wise but makes up for that with its absolutely loving mecha veneer.”
- graphics22 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are a nostalgic homage to 1970s Japanese anime, particularly the super robot genre, with many reviewers praising the stylish and vibrant aesthetic. While some feel the graphical assets could be more polished, the overall presentation, including character design and soundtrack, is celebrated for its retro charm and authenticity. Fans of classic mecha anime will likely appreciate the game's visual style, which effectively captures the essence of the era.
“Absolutely love the aesthetic.”
“The visuals are top notch.”
“The art style is great as a homage to classic 70s super robot series (Mazinger Z, Combattler V, Getter Robo, etc.). A lot of fun and a definite recommend to any fan of shmups or super robot shows!”
“As the game is clearly going for a 1970s Japanese cartoon style, I can't help but think the game was a little lazy about the graphical assets too.”
“No options/resolution/graphic settings (that's not that big a deal since the game uses low-res 2D graphics and very simple controls).”
“There are no FMV, voices, ground-breaking graphics, etc...”
- music20 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its nostalgic homage to 70s and 80s anime, particularly for fans of vintage super robots like Mazinger and Grendizer. While some reviewers note a lack of variety, the catchy and euphoric soundtrack enhances the gameplay experience, making it a standout feature that complements the game's visual style and character design. Overall, the music is described as fitting, engaging, and a delightful throwback for fans of the genre.
“The soundtrack is euphoric.”
“With a catchy and heroic soundtrack setting the theme, it's definitely recommended for all fans of old-school shoot 'em ups!”
“The music fits the game, making you feel like this is a 70s Japanese giant robot anime.”
“Music is an acquired taste.”
“A shame really I wanted to put some other music from my favorite 70's mecha shows.”
“The music fits the game making you feel like this is a 70s Japanese giant robot anime.”
- story13 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal and follows a classic 70s mecha trope, featuring a team of five pilots who control a powerful robot to fight off alien invaders. While the narrative includes visual novel-style dialogue that explores character relationships, it is largely simplistic and serves more as a nostalgic homage to classic super robot shows than a compelling plot. Overall, players seeking a deep story may be disappointed, as the focus remains on gameplay rather than narrative depth.
“For a game of this type, it's also unusually story-rich, with visual novel-style dialogue scenes between the stages detailing the relationships between the characters.”
“The story is a great homage to classic super robot shows like Mazinger Z and is pretty fun, but as much as I like it, it really isn't anything to write home about.”
“From the bare-bones story about a group of super fighters to the broken English dialogue, this game will revive memories of the 70s.”
“There's little to no story.”
“The story is extremely simple; you are a new little guy that got picked up to pilot Earth's strongest robot (70's cliché basic plot).”
“There's a bit of a story, but it's mostly just the characters chatting with you in between levels.”
- humor5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its charming and humorous homage to 70s giant robot anime, featuring enjoyable mini-boss fights and amusing enemy designs that evoke smiles and laughter. Players, particularly fans of the mecha genre, appreciate the lighthearted tone and comedic elements woven throughout the gameplay.
“The recurring general mini-boss fights are quite enjoyable and the game has a very charming sense of humor about it; an homage to the super robot genre and anime in general.”
“Seriously, I can't stop smiling during the 20 minutes (will definitely increase in the future) I played this, this game is hilarious.”
“As a big mecha fan, I really enjoyed the homages to the different super robots of the 70s with their bright colors and funny-looking enemy designs.”
- replayability5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers significant replayability despite its short length, thanks to its engaging mechanics, multiple difficulty levels, and additional character dialogue. While it can be completed in about an hour, players are likely to return for the addictive gameplay and to explore different challenges.
“All in all, this is a very fun little game with a lot of replay value that any fans of old-timey super robots and/or shmups should check out.”
“Vulkaiser only has five levels, but it's an addictive game with great presentation and replay value.”
“The combine mechanic lends itself to replayability.”
“It's short, but the replayability is there.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is deeply rooted in nostalgia, particularly for fans of Japanese vintage super robots like Mazinger and Grendizer, with the presentation—including graphics, soundtrack, and character design—serving as a loving homage to that lore.
“The character development in this game is incredibly rich, allowing players to form deep connections with each character as their stories unfold.”
“I was amazed at how each character evolves throughout the game, making their journeys feel personal and impactful.”
“The attention to detail in character backstories and growth is impressive, making every decision feel meaningful and engaging.”
