The Sega Genesis is quite popular with independent developers and for good reasons. Sega basically built it with off-the-shelf parts which were well documented then, even more so now. This has allowed independent game developers to create some interesting Sega Genesis releases. Such as porting F-Zero over or porting more arcade games to the Sega 16-Bit console. Then there are the independent developers like MXRetroDev, creating new classic style games with new innovative ideas.
Not Bullet Hell but Enemy Hell
Bullet hell games became popular around the early 2000’s, long after the Sega Genesis was done. I am sure someone has made one or two of them for the classic Sega console but how many enemy hell games are there?
Bullet Rhythm seems to set out to put as many enemies onscreen at one time as possible. It does a good job of it, based on the gameplay video that was released.
Adding Features to a Retro Genre
Overhead scrolling shooters are nothing new. We have seen these almost from the beginning of gaming, if not scrolling they were overhead single screen affairs. What is new here is the focus of rhythm.
Pressing the C button with the beat keeps your rhythm flow high and equals more points.
This is an interesting mix of overhead scrolling shooters and those musical instrument games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero among others. It is a combination I would have never thought of or thought it could work if you just described it.
The YouTube video shown does feature some great music, an area that the Sega Genesis was weak in. Some companies could pull out amazing soundtracks while others seemingly used fingernails and a chalkboard to create their “music”. MXRetroDev has recreated some iconic tunes here for your blasting pleasure.
Currently there is no demo available, only the YouTube video, embedded above. MXRetroDev does mention that when done, it will be available for free but there is a lot of work left to do.