10 years ago I had a chance to playtest this game when it was still called "Final Boss". I honestly never expected it to become as big as it is, but this is definitely not a game you should skip. There are plenty of weapons to play with between two different ships, and also have the ability to earn continues based on how you score each credit and can be stocked up between multiple runs. While the game asks for some of your time, it works out in the long run because if you want to keep using continues to see later parts of the game, sure you can but at a bit of a "toll" using up continues. You can also play credits without continuing, earn and save up multiple continues, and then once maxed out tackle the game head on and see where your build up of knowledge through multiple attempts backed by an epic pool of continues can get you.

This game tackles progress in a really interesting way that hardly any other SHMUPs dare to venture into. Since many SHMUPs have harsh requirements reaching obscure stages or hidden true last bosses, it is crazy to see a SHMUP that offers ways to see later parts of the game without gating people out completely just because you can't do an insane 2-ALL no continues thing many hardcore SHMUPs ask of the player. This game also spends extra time to setup thematic elements and fourth wall breaking that really go beyond the lack of narrative many SHMUPs face. Because of the kickass OST and several curveballs (a bit of an understatement really), this game is one of a kind.

I can finally understand why so many people were into this game, but I've played so many SHMUPs that ZeroRanger was once to me nothing more than another drop in the bucket until I actually sat down and gave some time the game asked for. This game has the insane ability of bringing joyous euphoria and sense of complete awe and wonder to being in complete hell because of the fastballs this game is not afraid to deliver. Some people will get VERY angry at this game at one point, but overcoming this insane moment is genuinely one of the coolest ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ things I've ever seen.

Making a complete SHMUP package and catering it to a wider audience by throwing away standard conventions and turning absolute skill gates many could never hope to surpass into mere hurdles that get easier slowly for those who aren't 2-ALL no continue gods was one of the wildest things I've witnessed and I can safely say that this is a goodass game that deserves your playtime.

10 years ago I had a chance to playtest this game when it was still called "Final Boss". I honestly never expected it to become as big as it is, but this is definitely not a game you should skip. There are plenty of weapons to play with between two different ships, and also have the ability to earn continues based on how you score each credit and can be stocked up between multiple runs. While the game asks for some of your time, it works out in the long run because if you want to keep using continues to see later parts of the game, sure you can but at a bit of a "toll" using up continues. You can also play credits without continuing, earn and save up multiple continues, and then once maxed out tackle the game head on and see where your build up of knowledge through multiple attempts backed by an epic pool of continues can get you. This game tackles progress in a really interesting way that hardly any other SHMUPs dare to venture into. Since many SHMUPs have harsh requirements reaching obscure stages or hidden true last bosses, it is crazy to see a SHMUP that offers ways to see later parts of the game without gating people out completely just because you can't do an insane 2-ALL no continues thing many hardcore SHMUPs ask of the player. This game also spends extra time to setup thematic elements and fourth wall breaking that really go beyond the lack of narrative many SHMUPs face. Because of the kickass OST and several curveballs (a bit of an understatement really), this game is one of a kind. I can finally understand why so many people were into this game, but I've played so many SHMUPs that ZeroRanger was once to me nothing more than another drop in the bucket until I actually sat down and gave some time the game asked for. This game has the insane ability of bringing joyous euphoria and sense of complete awe and wonder to being in complete hell because of the fastballs this game is not afraid to deliver. Some people will get VERY angry at this game at one point, but overcoming this insane moment is genuinely one of the coolest fucking things I've ever seen. Making a complete SHMUP package and catering it to a wider audience by throwing away standard conventions and turning absolute skill gates many could never hope to surpass into mere hurdles that get easier slowly for those who aren't 2-ALL no continue gods was one of the wildest things I've witnessed and I can safely say that this is a goodass game that deserves your playtime.