Chouyoku Senki Estique, another impressive homebrew for the Famicom

[MintyTheCat]

My copy arrived yesterday, I ordered the famicom version back in December 2024 but arrived just shy of May.

I haven't had a chance to open it as yet but pleased that they released it.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Yes, Broke Studio has plenty of the NES Changeable Guardian Estique boxed carts in stock and ready for delivery with shipping from France to your final destination.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Homebrew Factory (aka "Broke Studio" themselves) currently has 75 copies of the Famicom version of "Chouyoku Senki Estique" in stock as of today Monday, 5-12-2025. If you want a copy, it's priced at the MSRP of 50 euros.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Fired up the Famicom version of "Chouyoku Senki Estique" on the FC Pocket handheld -- it's awesome to play it "on the go" with it's "slim form factor & overall diminutive size" and not be tethered to a dedicated FC console at home. I've seen such modded FC Pockets that play NES carts being sold on Etsy from "time to time."

Here's a portable NES handheld on Etsy right now: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4309276357 ... af6a7ac3f6

I've noticed that if you order either the FC or NES version of Estique, Broke Studio includes a cool Broke Studio cardboard mug holder & a couple of BS stickers free of charge with each order.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[PC Engine Fan X!]

If you score high enough to place on the "Top Six" high score list, both the FC & NES ports of Estique will allow you to enter up to three high score initials maximum along with your current high score -- how cool is that?

On the FC Pocket handheld, pressing the on-board "BB" button for instant autofire is a definite necessity with Estique if you want get further, gameplay-wise, that is.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[PC Engine Fan X!]

I've noticed on stage 2 of the FC/NES port of Estique, if you grab the stylized Cat Hui Trading "Cat" logo icon, it'll give you an extra bomb added to your overall bomb inventory. Makes me wonder if a proper sequel of Estique will be considered/done in the nearby future?

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[MintyTheCat]

I had some time to play it this week. I feel that it's really and good fun to play.

I began on "God of Game" mode of course.

[BulletMagnet]

Steam-bound.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

That's awesome that both the FC & NES ports of Chouyoko Senki Estique will be included in the upcoming Steam port of the same name for 2026. Honestly, it's cool to have both physical FC & NES carts of Estique to play on real gaming hardware, however expensive they may be.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[EmperorIng]

It looks like it might be kind of decent, though to be fair I am not big on compile-inspired games. I am glad it is coming to steam so I don't have to faff around looking for da romz.

Music didn't sound too great though.
Shmup devs, just start hiring me for your chiptune shit, I promise I'll treat you right!

[M.Knight]

I got to play this game at a convention some months ago and I initially felt meh about it because it kinda seemed like a Compile slog indeed except not as overly long. However, after cranking up the difficulty to God of Game, it became a lot more interesting to play and more challenging too. The special attack mechanic becomes more important especially thanks to the iframes it can provide, and you are encouraged to find the best spots to use it to score well and get the score-based items that also fully replenish these special attacks, on top of the regular pick ups that also give you more special attacks to use.

Also I think the music is actually pretty nice. It has a somewhat peppy and light-hearted vibe which might seem a bit unusual but I think it adds a lot of personality to the game. Even the visuals are a treat with the beautiful purples and pinks in most of the BGs.

Most NES shmups I tried felt like pointless disposable nothingburgers but this really hooked me, so I'm glad to see it being released on more platforms!