Review - Based on the original cave coin-op.

“Bullet hell” is back in its more fearsome form. Espgaluda (spiritual sequel of the so far arcade-only Esperade) has among the best 2D graphics seen in any shooter of this type. Backgrounds are colourful and very detailed although the amount of bullets on screen won't really leave you a whole lot of time for sight-seeing…

Gameplay is based on your ability to switch back and forth to an alternate mode called Kakusei, in which for a limited amount of time, bullets turn from green to red and they are slowed down considerably. Also, your firepower is beefed up and bullets turn into coins as you destroy enemy ships. But if you stay too long into Kakusei mode, bullets will suddenly go twice as fast, so don't abuse it!

For the rest, Espgaluda is a great shooter, given you don't mind aggressive bullet patterns…s from Esprade to play a harder version of the game which grants you no continues.

As an exclusive PS2 extra, a DVD featuring a godly player is bundled with the game. After watching it once (which is really more than enough), I understood a bit better the play mechanics of the game, although my self-esteem got a bit tarnished by what I witnessed…The guy playing never died, not even once to prove that he was human. I suspect he never blinked once too :)

Bottom line: another manic shooter converted faithfully from the arcades to PS2. For the fans. 8,5/10