The tale of ALLTYNEX is now available on Rice Digital

Relatively simple though the sprites may be by modern standards – there’s no mistaking the talent and craft that’s gone into this game visually. Rolling and banking enemies, energy discharges from thrusters and a vibrant sense of chaos that never loses clarity – all help to ensure that Kamui remains highly respected to this day.

Fundamentally though, at it’s heart, it’s Kamui’s gameplay that truly shines. Lock on attacks that allow you to target enemies on the lower plane, shields and a forward shot that you can power up, not to mention your Lightning Katana that can be used to clear enemy bullets – all combine as a simple yet versatile toolset with which to tackle the games scoring system.

RefleX is the second title in the series and it’s this one – even though I probably shouldn’t pick a favourite – is my most played of the series.

There’s a good reason for this – your ship has a recharging shield you can activate when you’re in serious trouble – and also exploit to reflect certain attacks back at the enemy – which always makes you feel like a total badass when split-second timed to perfection. This simple fact probably gives away the fact that I’m not that great at shooters these days – but then I guess that it’s testament to how accessible and downright enjoyable these titles are.

The use of the shield also highlights how pure, how tight, how elegantly designed RefleX really is. It does away with any of the extraneous fluff that so many shooters layer in – you have your weapon, you have your shield – and that’s IT. While you can use your shield to get out of trouble, it won’t really charge back up unless you stop shooting – and opportunities to stop shooting are few and far between – and shield use tends to come down to very deft, very satisfying millisecond taps as you dash through laser fire.

The result is gameplay that constantly toys with your need to be safe and aggressive – it’s a fine line that’s delicately tuned and, for me, makes RefleX not just the finest game in this collection – but probably my favourite shmup of all time.

So how the hell do you follow up after a game of RefleX’s remarkable quality? You make ALLTYNEX Second – that’s how. Shifting away from the sprites that defined the series so far, ALLTYNEX Second takes a more cinematic step into 2.5D visuals and it is, frankly, stunning.

If I wasn’t so in love with RefleX shield mechanic – this would be up there on my favourites list. Twelve years after Siter Skain put together Kamui, they released this – demonstrating that, not ones to rest on their laurels, they’re capable of coming back to the shmup table with fresh ideas, neat mechanics and impeccable stage and enemy design.

The weapon loadout here, as well as the scoring mechanics are just as well executed too – standard, homing and a blade weapon make for a great spread of keep away and up close and personal offensive options – and switching up between them all for combos is the key to getting into the higher score brackets. Likewise, speed and efficiency in taking down enemies will also affect your overall ranking.

Putting my personal preferences aside, ALLTYNEX Second is about as flawless a shooter as you’re ever likely to find.

All three games are incredible examples of the genre – and all three games together makes for the greatest collection of shooters that money can buy.

If you’d like to investigate these further. All three titles in the series can be bought together in The Tale of ALLTYNEX available from the Rice Digital Store for £12.99

They are also available individually for £4.99 each;

Kamui

RefleX

ALLTYNEX Second

Also, in support of both developer SITER SKAIN and Publisher, Nyu Media – we urge you to take time out to support their bid to have these titles clear Steam Greenlight.