Overview
Reezlischar offers a competent take on the Japanese side-scrolling shoot 'em up genre with an intriguing ship selection mechanic that significantly impacts gameplay. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of genre classics, this free title delivers satisfying arcade action with well-crafted audiovisual elements that respect its retro inspirations. The core tension between speed and firepower creates meaningful choices, though some design limitations prevent it from achieving true greatness.
Meaningful Ship Selection
The game's standout feature is its dual-ship system that fundamentally alters playstyles. Opting for the nimble vessel means trading raw destructive power for evasion capabilities, forcing players to rely on precision movement and rapid bullet sprays. Conversely, choosing the heavy-hitting laser ship introduces strategic movement limitations - firing slows your advance, creating tense moments where survival depends on carefully timed bursts of offense.
Choosing between the two will alter the game play... It's only a shame you can't switch ships or use the other one when you die in one ship, but on the whole it's a very exciting game.
Gohst
This permanent choice adds weight to every run, though the inability to experiment with both ships in a single session feels like a missed opportunity. The locked-in decision creates satisfying mastery challenges but reduces flexibility compared to genre staples with mid-game loadout changes.
Retro Presentation with Polish
Visually, Reezlischar embraces its Japanese shoot 'em up heritage with appropriately vibrant sprite work and enemy designs. While the graphics don't push boundaries, they maintain clean readability during chaotic firefights - an essential quality in any bullet hell experience. The aesthetic successfully channels arcade-era charm without feeling overly derivative.
The audio design shines through well-paced compositions that complement the on-screen action without overwhelming it. Sound effects provide satisfying auditory feedback for every destroyed enemy and collected power-up, creating that essential arcade rhythm where audio cues become part of your tactical awareness.
Verdict
Solid retro shooter with meaningful ship choices