Recent reviews by Element79

This lacks the graphics, music, constant unlocks and more chill modes of R-Type final.
Unlocking new ships is an incredible grind, the DLC is expensive and the controls are absurd.
The level and boss design is simplistic, with the difficulty being in untelegraphed attacks and unseen mobs.
Every mode is punishing, with immediate loss of all powerups, to the point that the easiest "kids" difficulty cannot be played by kids, or anyone who doesn't put significant time into the game. So not something I can put on for friends or anything like that.
I returned to R-Type Final for my R-Type fix, and there are better shmups on steam with better graphics, music and level design and that can even be played by casuals.