Ikaruga

While I feel this game is massively overrated by the shmup community (seriously, say anything bad about this game on elitist shmup forums and you get bounced), I still feel it's a solid, intelligent shmup and doubles as a puzzle game due to it's easy to understand scoring mechanics (as opposed to the mish mash you get in most bullet hell shooters).

Excellent version. And it still runs very well in 2025 (Windows 11).
Yes, you totally should play Ikaruga on easy mode until you get used to it.

Lets get the first thing out of the way, the game is beautiful for a shmup. The bosses and the way things move are amazing. But this game is hard, as in hard in not a fun way. It's clear that the game is designed for a veteran of the series, but it managed to lure me in on the first stage which was give a lot of freedom on how you approach thing.

The next few stages literally restrict your movement space too much, like the 4th and 3rd boss of the game only give you a square for you to manuveur, but you also needed to move to another square as if this is a game of crossy road while also needing to be aware of the colored bullets. The colored bullets mechanic is interesting, but with how strict the game is it doesn't feel fun to LEARN to be good at this game. To even enjoy the basic destruction and pew pew of a shmup, you need to be perfect. It's like one of those games where it gets good after X amount of hours, which is just a big no in my book. A hard game should need to be fun, even if you are getting stomped.

The first game I ever ragequit as a kid.

Shoot. Be. Die, and surely die again. Oh, Piecimix ? I'm not exactly shure that means much, but... Buttsutekai ? Okay, I died insteantly. But...Okay, this is just now.

not my cup of tea, but this is a good bullet hell and the pc port is simply perfect.

Legendary shooter

Unmatched all-timer in the Games You Suck At bracket. I do not see myself getting so much as a single A++ on almost any stage (save for Chapter 1, maybe), let alone 1cc'ing or reasonably playing for score/chain, but that's fine. You probably shouldn't listen to me when it comes to difficulty, anyhow. That's not my main point here, and it's not what'll lead my review—besides, almost everyone else and their mother already touched on that. (Hell, the difficulty's probably what you know Ikaruga by to begin with.)

No, my main point is in the presentation, because good God, there's nowhere near enough superlatives in my lexicon to express just how much I adore, adore, ADORE Ikaruga as an audio-visual feast. It's such an immaculate piece of design on every last front; the punchy, echoey SFX, the robotic voice that leads you into the game and makes note of your chain, the enemy, popcorn, and boss design, the stages, almost every last damned bullet pattern past Chapter 2, and the music, which is absolutely to die for. Iuchi does in ten tracks what some composers try to do (and, not to come off as ignorant, sometimes succeed in doing) in a few dozen; throws you into the world and the atmosphere that surrounds it. Ideal and Butsutekkai alone are some of the absolute best tracks I've ever heard in the STG sphere, and they're in the background of the first bloody stage! It starts at a hundred and it does not go down!!

Honestly, for ten bucks - half that on sale - you owe it to yourself to have this in your library if for no reason other than to own a wonderful piece of gaming history. Best to ever do it, even if it's a game whose credits you may not see even after dozens upon dozens of hours of play-slash-toiling.



I wanted to shoehorn one piece or another from the Xoxak vid into this review but I can't really make it work I think. Just pretend that I did and chuckle or whatever.

Challenging, deep, gratifying and fun gameplay. If you are looking for something with those elements, i highly recommend Ikaruga for you sir!!!

After playing Ikaruga for a few hours, I can say that this game might just be my new favourite shoot 'em up, and one of my most favourite games ever despite the fact that I still can't beat mission 2 on a 1 credit run. This game manages to be insanely difficult whilst also still being very fun to play. The unique polarity system leads to very interesting level design and boss fights, and the chain combo mechanic is very fun too. The presentation, artstyle and music are all just the cherry on top of this very delicious cake... Besides the poorly translated text in the mission intros. This is definetley a must-play in the arcade shoot 'em up genre, and if you are into those sorts of games at all then I heavily suggest that you try this if you have not already.

Incredibly difficult, but it's seminal for its innovation. From a casual perspective, your ability to play offensively or defensively with the mode switch is immediately intuitive.

Also incidentally, the best concept art of any shmup -- even if it has "I'm not regret" printed on top.

Play with free play and have a fun time, your score is how few lives you lose. One of the best SHMUPS ever made.

This game is so fucking hard, but when you understand how it works, it gets addictive

Ikaruga is simply beautiful. Yes, it's unforgiving, relentless, resolutely old-school and even brutal at times - but for those who succumb to its bite, punishment never felt so good.

hard AF but amazing non the less

---Is this what we wished for?
---Don't worry. We'll understand each other some day.
---And the life is succeed into the distant future.

A more methodical approach to shmups which I am sure someone looking for something new in the shmup genre will appreciate, the game also inspired some of the sequences in NieR and if this game inspired a master piece like that then you already how good this game is!

Fantastic osts and backgrounds are a huge plus too!

fun to play when bored

90% of play time is going to be spent on the "continue?" screen. 10/10 would continue again

It's a little too difficult for its own good at times - I'm mostly talking about stage 4 to be honest lol - but Ikaruga holds up really well, despite how short it is!
It's got a fantastic sense of style, very polished presentation and fittingly bombastic music. But msot of all, (most of) its level design is actually very clever, and pushes you to think about your next move isntead of merely dodging the many bullets, making for some sort of puzzle/shmup hybrid that's honestly pretty addictive! That, coupled with the fun scoring system, makes Ikaruga fun to play, die to, and replay over and over!
Again, it only having four and a half stages and some of its design really bordering on unfair on Normal and above stops it from being one of my faves... but I'm glad I got around to beating it without unlimited continues <3 it was worth it :3

I will not die until I achieve something. Even though the ideal is high, I never give in. Therefore, I never die with regrets

Great on Steam Deck

ONE CHAIN TWO CHAIN THREE CHAIN FOUR CHAIN ENERGY MAX

Do you hate yourself? If yes, play this game.

"I will not die until I achieve something.
Even though the ideal is high, I never give in.
Therefore, I never die with regrets."

good

Nothing screams “Brought to you by the creators of Wario World” like this game.

Ikaruga is a brilliant gem in the world of shoot 'em ups (shmups), masterfully blending tight gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and a deep, engaging narrative. Developed by Treasure, this 2001 title has carved out a significant place in gaming history and continues to captivate players with its innovative approach to the genre.

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
At the core of Ikaruga lies its unique polarity mechanic, which sets it apart from other shooters. Players control a spaceship that can switch between two polarities: black and white. This mechanic is not just a gimmick; it fundamentally changes how players approach combat and dodge enemy fire. Bullets of the same color as the player's ship can be absorbed to charge a special attack, while bullets of the opposite color cause damage. This simple yet profound system encourages strategic thinking and risk-taking, as players must constantly decide when to switch polarities to maximize their effectiveness and survivability.

The level design is meticulously crafted, offering a variety of challenges that test players' reflexes and decision-making skills. Each stage features intricately designed enemies and formidable bosses that require both skill and strategy to defeat. The game's difficulty curve is well-balanced, providing a rewarding experience for both newcomers and seasoned veterans of the genre.

Stunning Visual and Audio Presentation
Visually, Ikaruga is a masterpiece. The hand-drawn graphics are both striking and memorable, featuring a beautifully designed aesthetic that enhances the gameplay experience. The contrasting colors of the environments and enemies highlight the polarity mechanic, making it easy for players to distinguish between threats and opportunities.

The audio design is equally impressive, with a captivating soundtrack that complements the game's fast-paced action. The music sets the tone for each stage, immersing players in the experience and enhancing the emotional impact of key moments. Sound effects are crisp and satisfying, adding to the overall intensity of gameplay.

Engaging Story and Atmosphere
While Ikaruga is primarily focused on gameplay, its narrative provides a compelling backdrop for the action. Set in a war-torn world, the story explores themes of sacrifice, duty, and redemption. The minimalist storytelling is woven into the gameplay, allowing players to immerse themselves in the experience without feeling overwhelmed by exposition.

The atmosphere of Ikaruga is palpable, as the combination of visuals, audio, and narrative creates an emotional connection that resonates with players. Each playthrough feels like a journey, drawing players deeper into the game's world and making them invested in the outcome.

Replayability and Community
Ikaruga boasts exceptional replayability, thanks to its well-designed levels, multiple difficulty settings, and the challenge of mastering its mechanics. Players can strive for higher scores, complete challenges, or simply enjoy the thrill of refining their skills. The inclusion of local and online leaderboards adds a competitive edge, motivating players to improve and engage with the community.

The game's dedicated fanbase has kept the spirit of Ikaruga alive, fostering discussions and sharing strategies that enrich the experience. This sense of community enhances the game's longevity, ensuring that players can continue to find enjoyment long after their initial playthrough.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Ikaruga is a shining example of what makes the shoot 'em up genre so compelling. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and engaging narrative combine to create an unforgettable experience. The careful design and balance make it accessible for newcomers while providing enough depth and challenge for veterans.

For anyone seeking a beautifully crafted game that challenges the mind and reflexes, Ikaruga is a must-play. It not only stands as a testament to the creativity and skill of its developers but also as an enduring classic that continues to influence and inspire the genre today.

"Don't worry, we will understand each other someday."

I felt like this was the game talking to me, after dying for what felt like hundreds of times on my first playthrough.
I took this comment to heart. I thought, maybe, if I kept playing, the game and I would end up understanding each other.
Because we didn't really click at first, I misunderstood how the Energy gauge worked, I didn't even realize I could release it for an attack, I didn't interact with the chain system, I didn't bother reading about the story, didn't know the extent of the polarity mechanic; we were still strangers to each other, but I was intrigued.

I'm not exaggerating when I say that I became obsessed after that first playthrough and started learning everything I could about this game. I read the story, learned about the characters, I learned about the different buddhist themes and references this game has, read up about Treasure, the connection to Radiant Silvergun, watched superplays, looked at the beautiful art (really, look at it, it's some of the best video game art out there imo). I just became enamored with how much soul this game radiated.

Going from clueless to understanding the game inside and out was a transcendent experience.
I have a hard time thinking about gaming experiences that were as satisfying as realizing that I could, after a few attempts of failing miserably, /survive/ and get a bunch of chains in Chapter 4, when I thought beforehand that this was utterly impossible for me. I understood what the game wanted to tell me, I understood what it asked of me, and knowing that, I was able to give it what it wanted. I finally felt in sync with Ikaruga, as if the game and I were working together, rather than against each other.

I had never even enjoyed a shmup before playing this game, but it's quickly become one of my favorite games of all time. It's an infinitely replayable masterpiece, and I can't see myself getting tired of it anytime soon. It will always have a place in my heart.

full price

First shmup ever, Still trying for 1CC

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

"The stronger the will you have, the more you will face various trials.

Although you can choose to escape, "Trial" has a message for you to conquer yourself.."

Ikaruga is a challenging bullet hell game


Absolute classic, worth the buy.

man...