I think where the game shines is variety. It's pretty endearing to have so many multi-phase boss fights with different attacks, different shapes, and interesting situations thrown at you: like the frogs turning into a slot machine, or an auto-scrolling fight against a bee that transforms itself into a fighter plane, or other weird occurrences. In that sense it takes the setting and theme of 30s cartoons and utilizes it very well - there's no reason for any of the transformations, other than for imagination's sake. While you do have fun with the shooting, it's clear that the real draw to the game is to enjoy all of the nods and references to classic cartoons and the animation on display. It combines that easy-on-the-eyes appeal with a more forgiving take on a difficult run-n-gun (you can always retry a boss; no credits), which I think is one of the driving factors in its success.
The game was designed as a boss rush in mind; however, fan reaction was not too keen on the idea, so 6 run-n-gun stages were added later into development. They do have the smack of filler and are kinda nondescript, although they are entirely optional. Some of them are RNG hell, especially if you try to get the "pacifist" achievement. Only one or two end with a "midboss" IIRC, with fairly simple attacks.TransatlanticFoe wrote:It's a bit disappointing to learn there are so few stages and it's almost entirely boss fights. I watched a video for the first run and gun stage - looked mundane and didn't end with a boss. Are they all like that?
Also do I spy regenerating health? Is there at least an arcade mode where you get a classic stage/boss cycle and no health regen?
There is no health regen. There is a special you can use that auto-fills your special attack meter, but that fills slowly. Your super also fills as you hit enemies or parry pink bullets. There are also upgrades that increase your base 3-hit lifebar, at the expense of your firepower. Your health is replenished once outside of the map, so you always have the three hitpoints with which to fight a boss.