Analysis | CYGNI: All Guns Blazing

Ah, the good old ones vertical shooters. That genre that mixes the feeling of absolute power with the despair of being attacked by swarms of enemies. If you've already mastered classics like Dodonpachi (Arcade/Saturn), Mars Matrix (Dreamcast) or the legendary Ginga Fukei Densetsu Sapphire on the PC Engine, or I'll be a jerk and remember the old days HYPE (MSX) then you already know what to expect from CYGNI: All Guns Blazing. Or at least, you think you do. Because, my friends, this game is not here to be just another one on the shelf. It's here to challenge you, to destroy you, and to keep you coming back for more.

The plot is just the beginning of the suffering

Let's start with the story, which honestly isn't why you're playing. CYGNI. In the not-too-distant future, remnants of a lost civilization are discovered on the planet CYGNI. Earth, as usual, decides it would be a good idea to explore it, only to be attacked by a powerful alien force that wants to destroy everything. As the last pilot of the last fighter ship in the fleet, you are the last line of defense between this threat and the lost civilization. Yes, it's cliché, but let's face it, no one plays a vertical shooter for the narrative. What really grabs you here is the spectacular presentation and addictive gameplay.

If you've ever played shooters like Ikarugaknows that the story is just a pretext for the chaos that follows. And CYGNI is no different. It throws you straight into the middle of intense battles where the only thing that matters is surviving as long as you can. And yes, you will die. A lot. And in ways you didn't even know were possible.

The humiliation starts right at the beginning

What makes the difference CYGNI from other shooters is its system of shields and energy. Instead of collecting power-ups like in other games of the genre, here you collect energy that can be distributed between your shields and weapons. It's a delicate balance: strengthening your shields protects you for longer, but reduces your firepower. Focusing on weapons gives you more offensive power, but leaves you vulnerable. This system adds an extra layer of strategy that forces you to think quickly and make critical decisions in the heat of the moment.

If you've ever found yourself stuck between keeping your shield Halo or use the last energy charge in your plasma rifle, then you will perfectly understand the dilemma that CYGNI puts it in your hands. And that's just one of the many ways the game finds to keep you on your toes.

Stunning visuals, but be careful not to get distracted

One of the first things you will notice in CYGNI It’s the visuals. This game is a work of art in motion. The animations are so fluid and the environments so detailed that you’ll find yourself staring at the background when you should be focused on dodging a horde of missiles. I even took a few unnecessary hits just because I was mesmerized by the beauty of the game. But let’s face it, it’s worth it.

But it’s not all perfect. Amidst all this visual chaos, there are times when your little space fighter can feel a little too small. In later stages, with two players on screen and hundreds of projectiles flying in every direction, it’s easy to lose track of where you are. And believe me, losing sight of your character for even a second is all it takes for your enemies to take you down.

Speaking of chaos, the soundtrack is something that deserves to be highlighted. The powerful orchestral music, combined with the sound of gunshots and explosions, creates a total immersion. You feel like you're in a space war movie, with everything around you falling apart as you fight to survive. Even the small ambient sounds of the background animations contribute to this feeling, making it CYGNI a complete audiovisual experience.

A sweat-making difficulty

CYGNI makes no compromises when it comes to difficulty. Even on easy mode, the game is unforgiving. Enemies come from all sides, attacks are fast and brutal, and the chances of survival are slim. But that's what makes the game so addictive. Every victory, every progress made, is an achievement that fills you with pride. And when you finally defeat that seemingly impossible boss, the feeling of relief and satisfaction is indescribable.

But make no mistake, CYGNI is not for the faint of heart. The game requires quick reflexes, split-second decisions, and a mental toughness that few possess. If you're the type of person who gives up easily, you might want to look for another game. But if you're the type who enjoys a good challenge, CYGNI will test you to the limit — and you'll love every second of it.

Tutorial needed, but could be better

Before diving into the main action, it is highly recommended that you play through the tutorial. CYGNI has a steep learning curve for those new to this type of game. The tutorial does a good job of familiarizing you with the basic controls, but it still doesn’t explain everything you need to know. Many of the game’s systems, like energy management and shields, are learned more through practice than through the tutorial. So expect some frustrating deaths while you get used to the mechanics.

That said, once you get the hang of it, CYGNI becomes an incredibly rewarding experience. The missile system, the energy swapping between weapons and shields mid-combat, all of this adds a depth that is rare in vertical shooters. If you take the time to learn the nuances of the game, you’ll discover a gem that will keep you engaged for hours.

A new hope for the genre

CYGNI: All Guns Blazing is a surprising and welcome addition to the world of vertical shooters. With its insane difficulty, stunning visuals, and innovative gameplay, the game has everything it needs to become a modern classic. Konami was right on target to support this project, and if you're a fan of challenging games that reward you for every hard-earned victory, this is the game for you.

Even though the game has its moments of frustration, that's part of what makes it CYGNI so special. It doesn’t take you by the hand, it doesn’t give you an easy path, and it certainly doesn’t forgive mistakes. But it’s precisely this lack of compromise that makes each victory so sweet. If you think you have what it takes to survive this storm of bullets and enemies, then get ready for one of the most intense experiences you’ll find in gaming this year.

A summary of the franchise and what's next

Although CYGNI be the first game of KeelWorksit already shows that the studio has a deep understanding of what makes a vertical shooter great. With a mix of nostalgia and innovation, CYGNI promises to pave the way for a new generation of gamers who will rediscover their love for this genre. And who knows what the future holds? If CYGNI is any indication, we can expect great things from KeelWorks in the coming years.

Curiosity: The name CYGNI was inspired by the constellation Cygnus, known as the Swan. This constellation is often associated with myths of sacrifice and transformation — themes that, in some ways, reflect the experience of playing this brutally challenging game. After all, playing CYGNI is to sacrifice yourself repeatedly until you become a true master shooter.

Pros:

• Stunning Graphics: CYGNI is visually stunning, with fluid animations and detailed environments that keep your attention (sometimes too much so!).
• Epic Soundtrack: Orchestral music and immersive sound effects take the gameplay experience to a new level, making each battle even more intense.
• Challenging Gameplay: The shield and energy system adds an extra layer of strategy, making the game addictive and rewarding for those who enjoy a challenge.
• Memorable Boss Battles: Each boss in CYGNI offers a unique challenge, with clever design and mechanics that test your skills to the max.
• Immersive Atmosphere: From the ambient sounds to the chaos of battles, CYGNI creates an atmosphere that sucks you into the game, making you feel every moment of tension.

Cons:

• Steep Learning Curve: The tutorial doesn't cover all the important details, leaving players to learn many mechanics through trial and error.
• Lack of Variety in Enemies: While the level design is excellent, the repetition of some enemies can make the experience a bit repetitive.
• Confusing Purchasing System: The in-game store is clunky and poorly explained, which can result in mistaken purchases and unnecessary frustration.

CYGNI: All Guns Blazing is a surprising addition to the world of vertical shooters, brilliantly combining nostalgia with innovation. With its relentless difficulty and stunning visuals, the game is a true test of skill that rewards persistent players. Despite some issues with the interface and purchasing system, CYGNI stands out as one of the best titles in the genre in recent years. If you like a challenge and don’t mind being put to the test, this game is a must-have.