Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Yūkyū Gensōkyoku Hozonban: Perpetual Collection delivers a diverse array of gameplay styles, spanning from classic side-scrolling shoot ’em up action to experimental bonus modes. The original Yūkyū Gensōkyoku greets players with tight controls and balanced level design, offering a perfect introduction to the franchise’s signature blend of precision shooting and strategic power-up management. Enemy patterns are initially predictable, giving newcomers room to learn before the difficulty ramps up.

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In Yūkyū Gensōkyoku: 2nd Album, the series evolves by introducing branching paths and collectible power modules. This non-linear structure encourages multiple playthroughs, rewarding players who explore hidden routes with unique weapons and secret stages. The pacing remains engaging, alternating between frantic combat and moments of tactical positioning, making each level feel fresh.

Yūkyū Gensōkyoku ensemble and ensemble 2 represent the franchise’s bullet-hell apex. These entries bombard you with intricate projectile patterns that demand split-second reflexes and keen memorization. Boss battles in particular stand out as true tests of skill—you’ll need to learn each attack telegraph and develop a steady hand to survive. Thankfully, well-placed checkpoints ensure that frustration never overwhelms enjoyment.

Rounding out the set is Yūkyū no Kobako: Official Collection, a charming assortment of mini-games, sound tests, and developmental sketches. Though not a full shooter like its siblings, Kobako adds a welcome dose of variety and context, allowing fans to appreciate prototypes, discarded concepts, and hidden Easter eggs that enrich the overall package.

Graphics

Running on Saturn hardware, this compilation showcases a crisp presentation that honors the original pixel art. Sprites remain sharp and colorful, with no noticeable dithering or color banding—even during the most chaotic bullet storms. Menus and HUD elements receive subtle polish, improving readability on contemporary displays while retaining their retro aesthetic.

Backgrounds in the early titles feature beautifully illustrated scenery that scrolls smoothly behind the action, offering just enough environmental detail to set the mood without distracting from incoming enemy waves. In ensemble 2, parallax layers and more elaborate sprite animations add depth, making each stage feel more immersive. Boss designs are particularly striking, with clear silhouettes that help you anticipate dangerous attacks.

The physical packaging doubles as an art exhibit: the hardcover gatefold opens to reveal high-resolution scans of character concept art, level sketches, and promotional illustrations. Even the included mini-poster and telephone card sport exclusive artwork, turning this release into a true collector’s display piece.

Story

At its core, the Yūkyū Gensōkyoku series weaves a mythic tale of lost civilizations, ethereal realms, and the quest for an enigmatic artifact known as the “Eternal Melody.” Each game unfolds a new chapter in this sprawling saga, introducing fresh heroes, villains, and locales. Although story segments are delivered in brief text interludes and cutscenes, they’re effective at lending purpose to the high-octane action.

2nd Album deepens character motivations by exploring each protagonist’s backstory and the personal stakes they carry. Ensemble titles expand the lore further, guiding players through ancient ruins, futuristic metropolises, and eerie sanctuaries. Dialogue is sparse but atmospheric, letting the series’ haunting soundtrack underscore key narrative beats.

The Yūkyū no Kobako insert enriches the lore even more by offering developer notes, unused scenario drafts, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. This archival content turns the manual into a companion piece, inviting fans to peer into the creative process and appreciate the evolution of the series’ world-building.

Overall Experience

Yūkyū Gensōkyoku Hozonban: Perpetual Collection is a must-have for series veterans and an ideal starting point for newcomers. A unified menu makes it effortless to jump between titles, and save-state support ensures you can tackle a single stage or binge the entire saga without friction. Load times are minimal, preserving the flow of frantic gameplay.

The collector’s edition presentation is nothing short of exemplary. The sturdy hardcover gatefold feels luxurious in hand, while the thick user manual doubles as an artbook and lore compendium. The inclusion of a mini-poster, a telephone card, and a numbered certificate of authenticity elevates this release beyond a mere reissue—it’s a shrine to a beloved franchise.

One small caveat is the absence of a preview disc for Yūkyū Gensōkyoku 3: Perpetual Blue, a feature carried over from the PlayStation release. While its omission is understandable—Perpetual Blue never officially appeared on Saturn—some collectors may find themselves wishing for that additional tease of the next chapter.

Despite that minor shortcoming, Perpetual Collection delivers across every front: polished graphics, refined gameplay, a captivating mythos, and top-notch physical extras. It’s a definitive edition that preserves and celebrates one of shoot ’em up history’s most underappreciated series.

Retro Replay Score

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