Downwell...?

[kid aphex]

Is Downwell a shmup?

I originally bought it for iOS and got REALLY addicted.
The touch controls were functional enough to feel engaging.
When it launched on Switch I got addicted all over again.

But would you all consider this game a shmup?
I definitely would... and I'm hoping for a sequel.

Any other fans?

[kid aphex]

I know the random, rogue-like nature and lack of score will turn off a lot of die-hard STG fans...
But high-level Downwell play is actually pretty impressive.

Check out this speed run: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsTRako9C-M

[reckon luck]

It's a pretty good game but it has one baffling design choice: once your combo hits 25, breaking it is optimal play.

[Special World]

I really enjoy it. It has an excellent play feel. I consider it a shmup and don't much care whether anyone else does!

[BIL]

Looks like Mr Driller X Baraduke, I like it.

[kid aphex]

It's a pretty good game but it has one baffling design choice: once your combo hits 25, breaking it is optimal play.

I know... it is bizarre. I imagine it’s because the only reward in the game is the gems and increasing them as the reward for a higher combo would break the upgrade system for skilled players.

Adding a scoring system would be a great way to fix this.

[MathU]

Wow, looks like Viriax in reverse. Wonder if the author was inspired by it at all.

[kid aphex]

Wow, looks like Viriax in reverse. Wonder if the author was inspired by it at all.

Truth.
I also loved Viriax...

[Marc]

Brilliant game, put more hours into it than I care to think on Android, and picked it up for both Switch and PS4. Never finished it though much to my shame.

[Buffi]

Is Downwell a shmup?

Nha, it's a shmdown

It really is a great game.