Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Psikyo Shooting Collection Vol. 2 delivers two of Psikyo’s most celebrated arcade shooters, Sengoku Ace and its direct sequel, Sengoku Blade. The core gameplay in both titles is fast-paced and unforgiving, demanding razor-sharp reflexes and mastery of each ship’s unique weapon set. Players will weave through dense bullet patterns, combining bombs, power-ups, and sword slashes to clear screens in spectacular fashion. The tight hitboxes and responsive controls make every dodging maneuver feel precise, while the risk‐reward loop of collecting higher weapon levels keeps you on the edge of your seat.

In Sengoku Ace, you’ll select from four distinct characters—each with their own primary shot and special attack—that dramatically alter the way you approach every stage. This variety encourages multiple playthroughs, as you’ll want to experience how each heroine’s firepower and aerial maneuvers interact with the colorful enemy waves. The sequel, Sengoku Blade, builds on that foundation by introducing a fuller cast of pilots and refined weapon systems, including more generous power-up drops and an enhanced charge shot that adds a strategic dimension to boss encounters.

Both games feature branching paths and hidden items tucked away in secret alcoves, rewarding players who dare to explore the edges of the playfield. The difficulty curve is steep but fair: early stages serve as a warm-up before you’re thrust into bullet hell scenarios that demand split-second decisions. Newcomers can tweak DIP switch settings to lower the challenge, while seasoned veterans can chase the coveted 1‐credit clears and leaderboard glory. Overall, the gameplay is a masterclass in arcade shoot ’em up design, blending old-school toughness with modern accessibility options.

Graphics

Despite their mid-’90s arcade origins, Sengoku Ace and Sengoku Blade look sharper than ever on modern displays. The pixel art sprites are vibrant and richly detailed, from the ornate costumes of each pilot to the intricately designed enemy mecha and mythical beasts. Backgrounds scroll smoothly, revealing lush forests, fiery volcanoes, and floating temples that evoke a fantastical take on feudal Japan. Even on large screens, the sprite work holds up remarkably well, with no noticeable pixelation or motion blur.

Sparks fly and explosions bloom in satisfying bursts, and the color palette remains bold throughout every level. Boss designs in both games deserve special praise: these multi-segment nightmares rotate, split, and unleash devastating bullet patterns, all while maintaining fluid animation. In Sengoku Blade, animation frames have been refined to showcase more elaborate attack sequences, such as flaming sword slashes and energy pillars that light up the stage. The compilation’s built-in display filters let you choose between a crisp pixel-perfect look or a subtle CRT simulation, catering to purists and retro enthusiasts alike.

The user interface is clean and unobtrusive, displaying lives, bombs, and score without cluttering the playfield. Menus and option screens retain the arcade aesthetic, complete with authentic sound effects when toggling settings. Overall, the graphics in this collection honor the original cabinet releases while benefiting from modern scaling options and performance improvements, ensuring a smooth 60 FPS experience.

Story

While Psikyo shooters are best known for their bullet patterns rather than narrative depth, both Sengoku Ace and Sengoku Blade weave a charming, high-fantasy yarn inspired by Japanese folklore. In the original Sengoku Ace, four pilots from different countries come together to thwart an evil warlord who seeks to harness the power of a mystical dragon. The story unfolds through brief, often humorous cutscenes between stages, providing context for each rescue mission and mid-boss showdown.

Sengoku Blade amps up the drama with a more focused plot and fully voiced introductions for each character. Here you follow Princess Kahoko, a warrior princess disguised as her own bodyguard, and a rogue samurai named Tengai as they navigate shifting alliances in a land torn by magic and mechanized armies. Dialogue boxes appear between action-packed levels, offering glimpses of betrayal, honor, and redemption. Although the narrative ultimately exists to bridge one stage to the next, it adds enough personality to turn each playthrough into a memorable adventure.

The inclusion of multiple endings encourages players to meet specific conditions—such as rescuing certain allies or achieving high scores—to unlock character-specific epilogues. These varied conclusions lend additional replay value and give a satisfying payoff to those who invest time in mastering both shooters. While the story elements may not rival a full-blown RPG, they provide just the right amount of lore and character motivation to complement the intense arcade action.

Overall Experience

Psikyo Shooting Collection Vol. 2: Sengoku Ace & Sengoku Blade is a must-have package for fans of classic arcade shooters and newcomers seeking a genuine taste of Psikyo’s signature design. The compilation’s faithful emulation ensures that every bullet, explosion, and loss of life feels just as it did in the ’90s arcade. With adjustable difficulty settings, screen options, and a museum mode showcasing original promotional art, this collection respects both seasoned veterans and curious rookies.

Each game strikes a balance between challenge and fairness, offering a steep but rewarding learning curve. The branching stage routes, hidden items, and multiple endings provide strong incentives to revisit the titles long after your first credit runs out. In co-op mode, the chaotic screen fills with friend-or-foe bomb blasts and crossover special attacks, delivering a cooperative experience that’s just as thrilling as the solo run.

Between its polished presentation, robust options menu, and timeless gameplay, Psikyo Shooting Collection Vol. 2 stands out as a definitive way to experience two of the developer’s finest works. Whether you’re chasing high scores, hunting secret paths, or simply marveling at the artful sprite work, this compilation offers hours of pulse-pounding action and arcade nostalgia. It’s an excellent value for any shoot ’em up enthusiast looking to delve into Psikyo’s storied legacy.