Platform(s): PC (version reviewed), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series
Genre: Shoot ’em up, Top-Down Shooter, Sci-Fi, Bullet Hell

The bullet hell genre has historically remained on the fringes, never truly taking centre stage in the world of gaming. Although these games were present in arcades, they were never the main attraction. With the rise of consoles, they continued to occupy a niche status, further distancing themselves from the spotlight over time. Amidst this landscape, Konami’s Cygni: All Guns Blazing emerges as an exciting prospect, presenting a glossy release in a genre that has been relatively overlooked for nearly a decade. The question arises whether this game successfully leaves its mark or gets lost among the multitude of similar titles.

Blast Off

I must admit that I’m not well-versed in shoot ’em ups (shmups), having only dabbled in a few of them. However, my experience with Cygni quickly plunged me into a whirlwind of bullet-hell chaos, even on the supposedly “Easy” mode. The game demands your full attention as you navigate through intense stages filled with countless enemies and simultaneous attacks from every corner.

In Cygni: All Guns Blazing, you assume the role of a female pilot stationed within the remains of a long-lost civilization on the planet CYGNI. Earth’s forces have been devastated by an unexpected assault from a powerful, biomechanical alien race. As one of the last pilots aboard the final carrier in the fleet, you are the sole line of defense against the relentless alien onslaught.

The game starts off tough to prepare you for what lies ahead. It can be challenging to survive at first, but eventually, you’ll catch on with the basic mechanics. Each of the seven stages lasts around 15 minutes, and you only have three lives (only available in Easy mode). If you die during a boss battle, you’ll go back to the main menu as there are no checkpoints. It’s advisable to go through the tutorial, especially for beginners, to get a grasp of the game mechanics.

Your spacecraft, piloted by a female character, can fire rapidly, use homing missiles, and attack ground troops. You can also control the main cannon using the right analog stick and aim ground missiles manually. During battles, energy pick-ups are dropped frequently to restore your energy gauge. Managing energy becomes crucial, as you can reallocate power reserves to the shield or increase firepower to the fighter jet. The game forces you to juggle your energy and homing missiles, leading to tense moments during boss battles as you try to survive while attacking the boss. With only three lives, these battles can get incredibly intense, but the reward of defeating a boss is immensely satisfying.

You face hordes of fast, twitchy alien vessels with insect-like behaviours. The screen constantly swarms with targets to shoot, with larger enemies instantly replacing those that are killed, creating a never-ending stream of threats. Bosses have bullet-hell elements and are usually shielded initially, requiring 2-3 minutes of intense shooting and dodging to defeat. The second boss stands out with its gear-based design and massive form which you would have to attack its body parts in order to defeat it.

Into Space

In addition to the intense combat, the visuals are stunning, showcasing richly detailed backdrops, intricate alien craft, and realistic elemental effects. Cut scenes before and after each of the seven stages help set the tone. Led by developer KeelWorks, the vertically scrolling game offers a richer experience compared to back catalog remasters. The music and sound effects contribute to the immersive experience, making it feel like you’re piloting a real fighter jet in a somewhat Star Wars universe.

One controversial aspect of the game is its unforgiving approach to death. While you can absorb multiple hits with shield energy, there are no extra lives or checkpoints (except for the easy setting). Since missions are fairly long, being sent back to the beginning of a stage after a boss fight feels particularly harsh. However, this cruelty adds tension to the boss battles, justifying its inclusion despite potentially frustrating players who does not have the patience.

There are a variety of engaging features such as unlockable badges, score chasing, and leaderboard domination, along with co-op play and an Arcade Mode that encourages experimentation and multiple attempts to overcome challenges. Easy Mode is perfect for beginners and practice, while Normal and Hard Modes provide a more intense experience for players aiming to unlock everything the game has to offer.

Cygni: All Guns Blazing provides an exhilarating and action-packed shmup experience for hardcore players. The customizable ship options are impressive, the energy allocation mechanic is unique, the visual and sounds are immersive, and the game is sure to keep players on the edge of their seats, bringing its full bullet hell twin stick shooter glory to modern audiences.

Pros

• All stages are intense & unique.
• Stunning visuals & music.
• Variety of Modes to try out.
• Can customize your own fighter jet.

Cons

• Incredibly intense bullet hell game.
• Extra lives only feature in Easy Mode.
• The storyline is barely present/not memorable.

FINAL SCORE: 70/100

Review copy provided by the publisher.