The world of shoot-em-ups, with their twisting bullets and enemy waves, has tested players for decades. Known also as “shmups” or “bullet hells,” these vertically-scrolling titles pit lone ships against hordes of opponents in kinetic dances of danger.
Now KeelWorks, founded by genre devotees, brings their debut game CYGNI: All Guns Blazing. With backing from genre giant Konami, CYGNI aims to offer both homage and evolution to the classic shmup style.
Taking control of pilot Ava’s combat craft, players find themselves defending inhabited worlds from unknown threats. Across seven main levels and arcade-style gameplay, players must dodge, aim, and upgrade under pressure. CYGNI introduces some new ideas to the shmup formula as well, like an energy meter to shift between shields and firepower.
But how do these additions enhance the thrill of the fight? And does KeelWorks debut do justice to their influences? Over the course of this article, we’ll cover CYGNI’s shooting, story, tech, and replayability to determine if it’s a glory game or falls short of the mark. Strap in as we go hands-on with Konami and KeelWorks’ flashy new spacecraft skirmish.
Gunning for Glory
While shmups are not typically known for their stories, Cygni makes an effort here with interesting lore and some striking cutscenes. We play as pilot Ava, whose colonist ancestors have spread across the stars, only to now face an outside threat attacking their newly inhabited worlds. Though brief, the cutscenes showcase Ava and others through stylized animation that wouldn’t feel out of place in an animated sci-fi series.
Each level throws us into the heart of battle across gorgeous environments. One moment we’re zipping through the glittering towers of a futuristic city as explosions illuminate the night, the next soaring over alien terrain dotted with the domes of far-flung colonies. Englandercraft and fortifications spur us to rain fire from above and below, while waves of enemy fighters swarm in from the heavens and rise up from planetary surfaces.
Enemy designs are impressively varied, from agile scouts to hulking capital ships and colossal walkers. Bosses take on epic proportions, requiring all of our skill and firepower. Sound design further immerses us in combat, with weapons firing and impacting with weight. Environmental audio brings each setting to life, whether the din of industry or the eerie stillness of the unknown. Heart-pumping music swells during the most intense moments.
While storyline and characters could offer more depth, Cygni transports us fantastically to its worlds through production values alone. Visuals and audio work in tandem to make each lived-in setting and foe truly come alive, pulling us deeper into the engaging dance of death that is shmup gameplay.
Bullet Dodging and Balance Striking
Cygni pulls players into intense aerial dogfights across alien worlds. You control Ava’s nimble ship, racing from bottom to top as waves of enemies bear down. Success requires split-second decisions on defense and offense.
An energy system is at the heart of gameplay. Downing foes earns cores to fill shields or weapon bars. Shields absorb several hits before depletion but slow your firepower. Full weapons let powerful missiles fly but leave you vulnerable. Smart distribution of resources amid the chaos means the difference between victory and defeat.
Two weapon types cater to enemies near and far. Air-to-air guns mow down other ships while homing missiles crush ground targets. Swapping between the two keeps both threats at bay. Mastering both is key, as some foes emerge from below to join the fray.
Three difficulty modes range from accessible to absurd. Easy offers leeway to grasp mechanics. Normal asserts mastery through limited lives. Hard pushes thresholds with unforgiving precision demands.
Leveling up via points allows upgrading defenses, damage output, and special abilities. Revisiting past stages at higher difficulties with a souped-up ship satisfies those craving an even steeper challenge.
Co-op multiplayer lets wingmates revive one another when solo runs prove too harrowing. Arcade mode strips away checkpoints entirely for a risk-it-all gauntlet run through the whole game in one continuous attempt.
Varied backdrops like glittering cityscapes and alien badlands breathe life into recurring loops of target practice. Mutating enemy behaviors across seven explorable planets constantly shake up strategies. From tranquil scenes to frenzied pandemonium, Cygni delivers thrills both tense and liberating.
The Stars Call Your Name
Laser fire erupts across the screen as you barrel roll Ava’s fighter into a twisting furball of enemy craft. Missiles soar past on all sides while you scramble to thin the mob. Scattered shots pick off pursuers, but the swarm just keeps coming.
Your shields flare under the impacts, each hit bringing you closer to the reset. Just when it seems you’ll drown in enemy fire, a stray bomb finds its mark, sending power cores bursting free. A deft flick of the bumpers tops off your tanks, and you surge back at full throttle.
CYGNI plays like a dogfight in a fireworks factory, with bullets zipping every which way and explosions lighting up the darkness between the stars. At its best, zipping about to dodge imminent doom brings the thrill of threading a needle. The challenge remains intense throughout, rarely letting you coast on autopilot even in easier modes. Yet accessibility comes through tools like flexible targeting and forgiving shields that let you weather some mistakes.
Varied abilities like switching fire modes or launching homing missiles add nuanced decisions beyond mere reflexes alone. Do you gamble shields for a hail of rockets or play it safer with guided shots? Resource juggling makes each skirmish a strategic as well as tactile affair. Levels evolve constantly too, whether through shifting backgrounds, mutating enemies, or periodic breaks for ground assault. Repetition never sets in despite the brevity, each new planet bringing fresh surprises.
Though the storyline lacks spark, cutscenes splendidly set the interplanetary scene. And if longevity hinges on high scores, co-op provides its own reward in reviving fallen comrades. While frantic pacing risks disorientation and some bugs persist, CYGNI fires on all thrusters to resurrect shmup glory. For fans of both classic top-down blasting and those seeking a heart-pounding firefight, the stars truly call your name.
Guns and Glory
This title’s technical execution brings its explosive gameplay to vivid life. Developers crafted a fully-realized sci-fi world, pulling players into the action whether they play in solitude or unify together. Cutting-edge graphics bring battles to believable life, with hundreds of enemies engaging at frenetic pace across alien vistas. Fluid frames maintain immersion whether you prefer home console or portable play.
Artists left no facet of this future untouched. Ships dazzle with intricately detailed panels, and pilot Ava emerges as a hero worth rooting for thanks to nuanced character animation. Environments immerse through ever-shifting skies and structures, pulling eyes across horizons toward incoming threats. Lighting teams lend moments significance, whether fireworks erupt amidst swarms or shadows close in before final showdowns.
Sound too transports one fully into this world. From the rousing intro onward, music swells and soars to match momentum. Lasers zap and missiles whistle over pulsing percussion, keeping tension high until the epic climax. Effects immerse through surround sound, locating dangers from all angles. Further, vocal talent brings cinematics to life with passion, ensuring story beats resonate whether in one’s native tongue or another.
While framerates fluctuate in the thickest combat, technical feats here outshine all but the largest productions. Developers optimized remarkably for a studio of their size too, with even lightweight machines experiencing this valiant pilot’s adventures seamlessly. With such technical triumph bringing their vision to all, admirers can fully focus on the action and enjoy wherever and however they play.
Cygni’s Cinematic Challenges
While some shoot’em-ups can be blitzed in an afternoon, Cygni offers lasting entertainment through its difficulty curves and competitive elements. Casual players choosing “Easy” can expect the seven-level campaign over two hours, with three lives forgiving occasional mistakes. Yet even here, expert pilots driven to outdo personal bests or chase online leaderboard spots may replay indefinitely.
“Normal” tightens the screws considerably, limiting attempts to a single credit per stage. Restarting a 15-minute mission from zero on death means persistence pays off. Patient mastery sees threats anticipated before they strike. For the truly dedicated, “hard” turns any misstep fatal. Only the quickest of reflexes and clearest of minds survive this gauntlet.
Beyond the story, “Arcade” mode beckons top scores. Without checkpoints, it tasks nerves of steel to dodge all dangers in one life. Co-op Multiplayer doubles the fun, with revived partners extending each run. Modular ship upgrades also fuel replay value. Scraping bounties and trading battle intelligence sees wings strengthened run by run.
Even after credits, motivation abounds. Secret avatar skins and technical feats satisfy completists. Dreaming of the online crown inspires steely focus. With spectacle this gripping, cinephiles will gladly marathon the mayhem, relishing each new near-miss or record set. Like the finest action flicks, Cygni honors bravery against the odds with thrills to last lifetimes.
Cinematic Chaos and Skillful Mechanics
Cygni delivers a thrilling cinematic ride for fans of the genre. Vivid explosions and dazzling boss battles erupt across its lengthy levels, pulling players into a sensory spectacle. While the story fails to leave a lasting impression, cutscenes effectively set the stage for each new challenge.
Mechanically, Cygni stands out with its nuanced energy management and risk-reward decisions requiring split-second thinking. Perfecting the balancing act between attack and defense makes run-throughs incredibly satisfying.
Despite some frustrating difficulties early on, accessibility gradually increases through customizing upgrades between attempts. With practice, even novice shmup fans can appreciate Cygni’s fresh take on classic bullet hell mayhem.
Repeated plays are encouraged through chasing high scores and experimenting with new optimizations. While the brief campaign may not satisfy all, endless progression in honing skills keeps the arcade spirit alive. Enthusiasts will enjoy perfecting techniques with friends through cooperative challenges too.
While a few levels feel overly punishing, Cygni largely succeeds in bringing vivid twists to the genre through memorable mechanics and sensory thrills. Accessible qualities make this an enjoyable entry point, with dedicated fans kept entertained through repeated mastery.
With attention to further balancing, Keelworks demonstrates great potential to deliver even more intense and engaging shoot-em-ups in the future that broaden appeal while honoring nostalgic roots. For shmup devotees, Cygni earns its place among the storied titles of old with modern visuals and risk-taking innovations.
The Review
CYGNI: All Guns Blazing
Cygni: All Guns Blazing delivers an electrifying sensory experience for fans of the shoot-'em-up genre. Although the narrative is forgettable and certain challenges frustrate, improved customization options and a risk-filled energy mechanic keep gameplay engaging from start to finish. Repeated plays are encouraged through chasing high scores, co-op fun with friends, and honing mastery of the finely-tuned systems. While some balancing issues persist, Keelworks demonstrates strong potential to build upon this debut. Overall, Cygni earns its place among shmup greats with old-school bullet hell thrills complemented by modern visual splendor and innovations that broaden appeal.
PROS
- Stunning visual presentation with massive explosive showcases
- Risk-reward energy management mechanics add an engaging strategic layer.
- Satisfyingly optimized mechanics that reward improvement over time
- Accessible options and co-ops accommodate players of all skill levels.
- High replayability through chasing scores, optimizations, and skill mastery
CONS
- Forgetting story fails to immerse or invest in world/characters
- No checkpoints at lengthy levels frustrates failures.
- Unbalanced difficulty curves may discourage newcomers early on.
- A brief campaign may not satisfy without arcade obsession.
- Occasional performance issues despite demanding visuals
