SHMUPVANIA An open-world platformer (Metroidvania) mixed with space-shooter mechanics (Shmup, STG). Defined by the unique ability to change between both gameplay freely and not forcefully through a linear or level-based game structure. Sporting handcrafted levels and lite rpg elements for both characters (for each mode). Forefathers of the genre include: “The Guardian Legend” (NES,1988), and “Blaster Master” (NES,1988). A.N.N.E (PC,2013~now) being the first full fledge Shmupvania.
Metroidvanias
“Metroidvania[a] is a sub-genre of action-adventure games and/or platformers focused on guided non-linearity and utility-gated exploration and progression. The term is a portmanteau of the names of the video game series Metroid and Castlevania, based on the template from Metroid from 1986, Castlevania II from 1987, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night from 1997. …” From Wikipedia.
Shmups
It all started with classic games like Space Invaders, Asteroids and Defenders to name a few, but quickly evolved on the Nintendo Famicom where the shmup/STG genre was quickly defined by the following elements: action, projectile-based, gameplay and great music. The most common and popular shmups often involve a spaceship or flying protagonist on scrolling backgrounds, challenging bosses, and requiring fast reflexes.
