Easy Mode Shmups - Operation S.T.E.E.L. - 1st Try Normal 1cc - No Commentary
1So the Caravan mode is listed as a beginner Shmup challenge, but to acess it you have to play (maybe beat) the normal mode... which I did anyway. And this is later down the line in terms of beginner Shmup challenges and I was a bit surprised.
I was also a bit surprised that it took me this long to play this game. I got it as part of the Ukraine for Itch bundle early in 2022, and this is a lot of fun. I'm not entirely sure on the mechanics of it, apparently it's a roguelike with randomisation of the patterns within the stage and a selection of the bosses is done from a pool rather than being set per stage, but I wasn't that concerned as I blasted my way through it.
The tutorial speaks of a charge shot but I kept with the vanilla spread option that seemingly had none and just shot in front like it should do. I tried not to deal with the options, I never deal well with rotating options depending on what direction you're facing so in the end I had them locked in front. And I mostly ignored the roguelike elements beyond taking every opportunity to strengthen my weapon.
I wish I could say what happened when you died, if there is a credit system or if it's game over. But alas, it was done first try. But... as per the ending, it's very much a Darius game in its selection so it's something I may have to go back to at some point.
Once beating it, Caravan or Time Attack opened up, as did an actual novice mode (guessing that is more appropriate for a beginner) and a hard mode.
I had more fun than I was expecting and am a bit disappointed it took me this long to find it. It's on Itch and Steam from what I can see.