Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Cloudphobia throws you into a relentless, side-scrolling shooter environment where every second counts. You pilot either the heavy‐hitting PLG-90 robot armed with a laser ignition rifle or the agile Núllpunktur equipped with a Vibroblade. Each mech handles distinctly: the PLG-90 trades speed for firepower, while the Núllpunktur’s blade attacks reward close engagement. Across five airborne stages, you must juggle regular fire, limited missiles, and an overdrive boost to intercept enemies before they overwhelm the mothership.

The core challenge comes from a strict three-minute timer per level. You can lose by depleting your shield, allowing too many enemy crafts to slip by, or simply running out of time. This triad of failure conditions keeps you constantly on edge: do you press forward with boost to finish before time runs out, or hang back to pick off stragglers and rack up bonuses? Missile pickups and command-unit kills offer strategic boosts, encouraging skilled play and risk-reward decisions.

Cloudphobia’s options menu lets you tailor difficulty, but note that any assists—like extra shields or slower enemies—will disable leaderboard submissions. That restriction preserves a hardcore spirit, rewarding those who master the mechanics. The game also lets you save runs and watch replays, making it easy to refine strategies, optimize routes, and engage in persistent score chasing.

Graphics

The visual presentation in Cloudphobia stands out among doujin shooters. Stages feature richly detailed cloudscapes, layered parallax backgrounds, and dynamic weather effects that heighten the sense of altitude. Foreground elements, including flak bursts and scattered debris, add depth without ever obscuring critical gameplay information.

Robots and enemy aircraft are rendered in clean, colorful sprites with smooth animations. Explosions and laser beams flash vividly on-screen, and the sheer volume of projectiles—without any noticeable slowdown—creates a satisfying bullet-hell spectacle. Missile trails and Vibroblade slashes pop against the sky, giving each weapon distinct visual feedback.

Performance remains rock-steady even during hectic encounters. Cloudphobia’s optimization ensures that dozens of on-screen elements, from homing drones to swirling particle effects, never cause stutter or frame drops. Whether you play on a modest desktop or a high-end rig, you’ll enjoy crisp visuals and fluid action throughout all five stages.

Story

Although primarily action-driven, Cloudphobia delivers a compelling backdrop: the mothership you guard was struck down by EG-04 Mist, the renegade pilot of the EAM-P Englar prototype. This experimental aircraft wields a beam capable of obliterating the entire ship and unleashes autonomous combat drones in its wake. As Mist readies a final devastating salvo, you’re the only line of defense with mere minutes to spare.

The narrative unfolds largely through brief mission intros and in-game urgency, but these concise story beats are enough to propel you into each encounter. Entering your name for online rankings adds another layer—your reputation in the fight against Mist matters. The leaderboard mechanic transforms your progress into a personal saga of redemption or ruin.

While Cloudphobia doesn’t rely on cutscenes or lengthy dialogue, the high-stakes premise underscores every clash. The ticking clock and looming threat of total annihilation infuse even routine skirmishes with dramatic tension. For fans of shooters that marry simple plots with intense gameplay, Cloudphobia strikes a satisfying balance.

Overall Experience

Cloudphobia excels as a tight, focused doujin shooter that respects your time and skill. Its five stages offer escalating challenges that reward mastery of boosting, weapon selection, and spatial awareness. The inclusion of replays and strict leaderboard rules caters to completionists and score-attack enthusiasts alike, fostering a thriving competitive scene.

However, the relentless time pressure can feel punishing for newcomers, and the lack of a more expansive narrative may leave story-seekers wanting. Limited missile ammo and a shield that depletes quickly mean that trial-and-error runs are part of the learning curve. If you prefer generous checkpoints or casual pacing, Cloudphobia’s intensity might prove overwhelming.

Ultimately, Cloudphobia is a must-try for fans of side-scrolling shooters, bullet-hell aficionados, and anyone eager for a fast-paced challenge. Its combination of distinct robot playstyles, vivid graphics, and tight time constraints creates a memorable shoot-’em-up experience. Step into the cockpit, brace for the onslaught, and see if you have what it takes to save the mothership before the clock runs out.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10