Shoot the Core-cast

In episode 094, MetalFRO and Addicted dig heavily into the mechanics, scoring, and complexities of a bullet hell shmup that might seem straightforward on the surface, but like an onion, has many layers underneath. HEY's Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo is approachable, but as you put a lot of time into it, you realize just how much game there is, despite its short length.

In episode 082, MetalFRO and Addicted dig into a game initially teased as an April Fool's joke. What the rest of the world didn't know, however, was that this was a real game actually being developed, not just an elaborate hoax. A year later, it was officially announced, and was out within less than a year after that. Platinum Games' Sol Cresta made waves, and we're here to talk about it!

In episode 080, MetalFRO and Addicted get into an updated Nintendo Switch release that retools an earlier game that originally released on the Neo Geo in 2015. Razion EX takes the original Neo Geo version and adds some quality of life improvements as well as some slight retooling of a few things. Is it worth your time? Hopefully we can help you determine that answer!

In episode 075, MetalFRO and Addicted look back just over a decade to the launch of the PlayStation 4. At a time when the shmup genre was not seeing very many releases, Housemarque helped keep the games alive in the minds of people and keeping that arcade spirit alive. They did so with their inclusion to the PS4 launch lineup with their Defender-inspired shooting game, Resogun.

In episode 075, MetalFRO and Addicted bring back Darius series expert Gojiguy for a thorough examination of the Dariusburst games, specifically focusing in on the original PSP release, as well as the later Dariusburst Another Chronicle arcade game and subsequent revisions. We explore the various modes, talk scoring and strategies, and touch on some of the unique aspects of this final entry into the Darius canon.

In episode 074, MetalFRO and Addicted take a closer look at a relatively recent indie shoot-em-up game from a new studio that features a long-time developer. Though he has worked on other games in the past, this is his first venture completely on his own handling programming, design, layouts, graphics, music, and more. This is all about Crisis Wing!

In episode 072, MetalFRO and Addicted welcome series super-fan Gojiguy from Control All Monsters to discuss the first in a legendary series of shooting games from also legendary developer and publisher, Taito. What made the original Darius so iconic, and does it still hold up today? We discuss that and more!

In episode 070, MetalFRO and Addicted delve into a DOS shooter classic that has lived on well past its original commercial lifespan with numerous re-releases and updates. Even years after having been released as freeware, it still has a fanbase that continues to enjoy the game - it's Tyrian!