Rotschwert

I bought this purely on a whim when combing through games with very few reviews. Not a mistake, fun little shmup with some unique mechanical choices (namely, nonexistent I-frames and rather than a discrete life count, health) and some meta shenanigans. I'm probably never going to finish AlterEgo, though. Asking me to do a pacifist run through a game with melee contact damage is a big ask. Looking forward to Nullschwert's full version whenever that comes out.

Just wrapped up Relaxed Reverie (aka easy mode), feeling good—until I got completely whooped in Ordinary Dream (Normal Mode)! Rotschwert has totally hooked me, and now I’m obsessed with uncovering all the strange little mysteries tucked away in its world. The minimalist art style is clean, striking, and pairs beautifully with the eerie, dreamy vibe. Add in the soundtrack, and you’ve got an atmosphere that really pulls you in. There are four different modes to explore, so whether you’re new to the genre or a bullet-hell veteran, there’s something here for you. I also really appreciate the segment select feature—it’s such a nice touch to be able to jump back into specific challenges without replaying everything from the beginning. Combat-wise, it’s fast, fluid, and super satisfying. The blend of stylish swordplay and bullet-dodging chaos keeps things intense and immersive from start to finish. If you're into games that combine challenging gameplay with a surreal, abstract story, Rotschwert is 100% worth checking out.