Ikaruga Study #1

 Here we go again!

Gun play

A limit ammo system making it much more difficult for the given levels, however this is a prototype system.

The given system at hand being related to dodging but also changing to the correct type to be while being shot at so having it where you're in the correct form with the same kind of bullets hitting won't deal any damage.

This is a unique system in the fact it does add depth to gunplay, all though not much.

Different bullet hells have a different area of focus with some more focused on unique ship types and attack patterns while others have a focus on more unique mobility versus gunplay focus.

This game takes the focus on shooting and movement to be made simple but focused on when and how to take the hits. The gameplay not being as fast.

More defensive games slow down the gameplay it seems for bullet hells while faster games speed up the gameplay.

Depth

These kind of games lack any actual depth to their gameplay. The depth is put in the level design and how the enemies attack and act; not every genre needs depth, nor does it appeal to people of said genres.

Main appeal

The main appeal from what I guessed correctly is the use of attack patterns with little to no mention being on the more unique mechanics to bullet hells.

Also because of the focus on attack patterns that a lot of thought and care ends up being put on said attack patterns and how they interact with the player.

The hell part of the game focusing on how the game interacts with you rather than the other way around meaning you're given simple tools to deal with a reflex heavy problem or in this case block the correct hits.

What I learned

An ammo system can work but a lot of time and care needs to be put into said system for the player and choosing how to approach said system.

This system being unique in the fact it uses a bullet absorb system.

Sound design focused on things being interacted with; not being shot out.

Bullet hells are kept predictable and this isn't bad; it's so muscle memory can kick in for the next time around for the given level in question.

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