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Vertical-scrolling shooters are a video game genre that seems like everyone has forgotten about, and when some developers decide to make such a game, it is always commendable and generally well-accepted among gamers.
And to be completely honest, it isn't just the case with this genre but with all genres that marked old video game eras. Cygni is bringing us a very interesting mix of vertical-scrolling shooters reminiscent of the ones we used to play a long time ago and modern games with all the benefits modern gaming has to offer.
Cygni: All Guns Blazing will evoke nostalgic memories for older gamers like myself. However, younger gamers needn't worry; Cygni: All Guns Blazing offers plenty of excitement, even without relying on nostalgia.
Games like this typically don’t need a story—you can have a blast shooting down planes without one. However, Cygni: All Guns Blazing does include a story. While it may not be particularly engaging, it’s still there.
As an army pilot, you board a small plane at the start of the game to combat an overwhelming invasion of armies attacking Earth. As the planet's last hope, your mission is to shoot down as many enemy aircraft as possible to stop the invasion.
The story's premise is straightforward, without any twists or turns. What did surprise me, however, was the high quality of the cutscenes—they are clearly well-made. Despite this, the overly simplistic storyline feels like a missed opportunity.
However, the lack of a quality story will definitely not affect the overall rating because if such games lack the story completely, it still wouldn't be a problem or a drawback. Having any kind of story is a bonus.
When it comes to the gameplay, it's a different story. The heart of Cygni lies in its gameplay. As a vertical-scrolling shooter, you navigate a plane from a two-dimensional perspective, dodging enemy fire while targeting enemies around you, and that would be the simplest explanation of the game.
The more precise explanation would be that Cygni: All Guns Blazing is a chaotic vertical-scrolling shooter where you won't be able to recognise what is what due to the flashy projectiles flying all over the screen, fast-moving enemy ships, and explosions that will blind you so bad that strategising or making any sort of decision simply won't be an option any more.
The game is divided into seven different stages, where each stage makes you fight hordes of enemy planes and other aircraft, and at the end of each stage, a boss battle awaits. After you beat one stage, the next one unlocks, all the way to the last one. Apart from this stage mode, you can play arcade mode with different challenges, and each stage can be played solo or in co-op.
One very significant letdown of this system is the lack of any checkpoints inside levels, meaning if you die close to the end of a stage, you'll have to start over. To be honest, it wouldn't be a problem if the fighting system isn't that chaotic and with no room for strategy. For example, not getting hit isn't an option in Cygni. The only thing you'll worry about is how much to get hit.
This calculation will inevitably lead to the loss of a limited number of lives you have, and if you make one mistake too many, it is more than possible that you'll end up without lives just before the end of the stage, especially because the enemies become tougher as the stage progresses. This means that you'll have to do everything all over again, and if patience is not your strongest suit, then I guarantee you, you'll drop the game before things become serious.
And this all will be if you play the game on the easiest difficulty. If you, by any chance, aim for a bigger challenge and choose the medium or high difficulty, then may God help you. You'll die a lot. I can say I'm no stranger to difficult games, I played a lot of them, but this one made me lower the difficulty, it's just unplayable on medium, I didn't even dare to try hard mode.
I know there are always people who can overcome even the hardest of challenges, but for us casual gamers, it is simply too difficult. The main problem is that the bigger difficulty means more chaos on the screen, more projectiles, faster enemies, and faster gameplay in general, and while it was extremely difficult to avoid all the hits in easy mode, in normal and hard mode it becomes almost impossible.
The only game up until now that gave me this much hard time was Armored Core: Fires of Rubicon I played last year. I said back then when I was reviewing this game that it is probably one of the hardest games I ever played, and I dare to say that Cygni: All Guns Blazing is at the same level if not harder.
Though very challenging, Cygni: All Guns Blazing is incredibly fun. I guarantee you'll enjoy playing it, especially on the easiest difficulty, where it becomes more manageable.
In terms of graphics, Cygni: All Guns Blazing is quite an appealing game. While it may not feature breathtaking visuals, its beauty lies in its flashy, well-executed graphic effects, such as shootings, explosions, and everything else that accompanies such games.
The second aspect of the graphics that stands out is the incredibly well-done cutscenes between missions. These cutscenes are superbly executed, making you think you're about to play a high-budget action game—until the large aircraft transitions into a small one, barely visible on the screen. Despite this, the transition is smooth and looks impressive, I must admit.
The sound effects and soundtrack are outstanding. I was especially impressed by the opening track that plays as the soldiers, including our heroine, enter the battle. The song is quite catchy, and I must admit, I’ve listened to it several times. Additionally, the sounds of gunfire and explosions are very well executed.
Conclusion
Cygni: All Guns Blazing is a game that brings back nostalgia for some long-forgotten gaming genres. It primarily aims to deliver good old-fashioned fun, filled with frustration and chaotic gameplay.
This game will provide loads of fun, but only if you enjoy chaotic and generally difficult games. Cygni: All Guns Blazing is extremely challenging, especially on higher difficulties. However, if you’re up for the challenge, definitely give this game a try—you might really like it.
The Good
Engaging and chaotic gameplay- Appealing graphics with well-executed effects
- Outstanding sound effects and soundtrack
- Option to play solo or co-op in different modes
The Bad
No checkpoints within levels- Extremely difficult gameplay, especially on higher difficulties
- Chaotic screen with hard-to-recognize elements
