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
- Captures the nostalgic 70s mecha anime aesthetic perfectly, with great graphics and a fun soundtrack.
- Gameplay is simple yet addictive, featuring a unique combining mechanic that adds depth to the shooting experience.
- Offers multiple difficulty levels, making it accessible for casual players while still providing a challenge for veterans.
- The game is very short, with only a few levels and limited replayability, which may leave players wanting more content.
- Lacks essential features like a pause button, options menu, and the ability to change resolution, which can hinder the overall experience.
- The gameplay can feel shallow and repetitive, as it doesn't introduce significant new mechanics or depth beyond the initial playthrough.
- gameplay48 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 6 % 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 tight, fair, and challenging, making it accessible for newcomers while still providing depth for experienced players. The charming 70s mecha anime aesthetics further enhance the overall experience, making it a worthwhile title 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, so overall it is definitely worth its five bucks.”
- graphics46 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are a nostalgic homage to 1970s Japanese anime, particularly the super robot genre, with many praising its stylish presentation and attention to detail. While some reviewers feel the graphical assets could be more polished, the overall aesthetic is celebrated for its vibrant character and retro charm. However, the lack of resolution options and low-res graphics may detract from clarity during gameplay.
“Absolutely love the aesthetic.”
“The visuals are top notch.”
“Oh, and if you love Japanese vintage super robots (especially Mazinger and Grendizer), prepare to adore every single piece of SRV's presentation: from the graphics, to the soundtrack, to the character design and the sound effects... it's all a giant nod to that lore.”
“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...”
- music40 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its nostalgic homage to 70s and 80s Japanese anime, particularly for fans of vintage super robots like Mazinger and Grendizer. While the soundtrack is described as euphoric and catchy, some reviewers noted a lack of variety. Overall, the sound design complements the game's aesthetic, enhancing the experience for players who appreciate classic anime themes.
“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!”
“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.”
- story26 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal and follows a classic 70s mecha trope, featuring a team of five color-coded pilots who battle aliens in a super robot. 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 may find the story enjoyable but not a primary reason to engage with the game.
“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.”
- replayability11 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
Vulkaiser offers significant replayability despite its short length, featuring five levels that can be revisited with harder difficulties and additional character dialogue. The game's combine mechanic enhances this aspect, making it appealing for fans of retro-style shooters. However, some players express a desire for a longer experience, comparing it to other games that provide more content.
“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.”
“The combine mechanic lends itself to replayability.”
“Vulkaiser only has five levels, but it's an addictive game with great presentation and replay value.”
“[No description of any controls or menu options, little replayability or length, low-res graphics make screen clutter hard to decipher]”
- humor10 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 colorful designs and amusing enemy characters. Players find the humor delightful, often leading to smiles and laughter during gameplay, particularly during the enjoyable mini-boss fights. Overall, the humor is a standout aspect that resonates well with fans of the genre.
“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.”
- character development2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is deeply influenced by Japanese vintage super robot culture, particularly through its graphics, soundtrack, and character design, which collectively pay homage to iconic series like Mazinger and Grendizer. This strong thematic presentation enhances the overall experience for fans of the genre.
