Macross -Shooting Insight- Review: Diverse Gameplay in PS5 Shmup

The Macross franchise has been around for decades, spanning a wide array of media including movies, video games, and anime series. Its latest installment on PlayStation 4 and 5 takes five beloved characters from different shows and throws them into a thrilling time-traveling adventure. While the storyline might be complex for newcomers, the overall feel of Macross -Shooting Insight- is undeniably captivating. Guiding sleek mechas to conquer massive bosses with energetic idol songs playing in the background makes for a memorable experience.

If you’re a die-hard fan, you’ll likely appreciate seeing characters from Macross Plus, Macross 7, Macross Zero, Macross Frontier, and Macross Delta embark on a new story. As someone not familiar with the series, I admittedly found the plot a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, the core of the game is a well-crafted bullet hell shooter that stands on its own. You have the chance to choose from five distinct characters, each with unique stats and attack styles, as you tackle a 10-stage narrative for each one.

The magic really unfolds in the gameplay. Macross -Shooting Insight- keeps players engaged by constantly mixing things up. From beginning as a vertical shooter, seamlessly transitioning into horizontal scroller segments, and even evolving into dual-stick shooting levels, the game offers full 360-degree firing control. Despite the rapid shifts, all these modes are immensely enjoyable. The thrilling cinematic camera angles capitalize on the game’s 3D mechanics, adding depth to the experience. However, the user interface can sometimes clutter the screen and obscure enemies with updates on what song is playing.

Naturally, as with any bullet hell shooter, cranking up the difficulty makes for a serious challenge. Luckily, the game includes options for easier play, including two easier difficulty settings and an auto-recovery mode that disables leaderboard functionality, allowing players to progress at their own pace. This flexibility is welcome, given the story itself isn’t lengthy; a single run through the 10 stages takes roughly an hour, assuming you’re not frequently restarting like I did on the hardest mode.

Outside of chasing high scores, the game offers multiple modes to mix up your experience. Apart from the main story, you can dive into an arcade mode, tackle a boss rush, or focus on particular areas to refine your skills. The Ace Battle mode, featuring one-on-one dogfights with other pilots, offers a thrilling challenge, although it requires unlocking opponents over time rather than giving access to all from the outset.

Macross -Shooting Insight- delivers a robust shoot ’em up experience whether you’re a longtime fan or someone curious about the series. Its dynamic gameplay ensures that each stage feels fresh and unpredictable. With numerous difficulty levels and five characters each sporting their own storylines, the game promises a rich variety and lots of replay value. If you’re ready for a bullet hell adventure infused with catchy idol tunes, this game is a standout choice.

Final Thoughts:

The game is highly replayable and features a range of difficulties, offering varied gameplay that succeeds in keeping players engaged. While new fans might find the plot mystifying, and the user interface sometimes hinders visibility, the overall experience still shines bright.

Note: We received a PlayStation 5 copy from the publisher for this review of Macross -Shooting Insight-, evaluated on version 1.000.000.