Val

Overview

Val emerges as a curious artifact from ABA Games' Kenta Cho, offering a stripped-down shooter experience that embraces retro simplicity over modern flash. Initial impressions suggest a competent but unambitious entry in the developer's catalog, delivering straightforward arcade action that feels simultaneously nostalgic and overshadowed by its more polished sibling, Gunroar. While the core gameplay loop provides momentary thrills, the experience ultimately lands as a pleasant diversion rather than a standout title in the shmup genre.

Classic Shooting Action

The gameplay follows traditional shmup conventions with satisfying immediacy. Piloting a ship through enemy formations requires constant movement and precise dodging as adversaries fill the screen with projectiles. The controls respond reliably during these chaotic encounters, creating that essential tension between offense and evasion. Destroyed foes drop collectible orbs that gradually build toward the game's most distinctive feature: acquiring a mini-ship that triggers hyper-drive mode. This transformation locks the ship's orientation forward while intensifying firepower, creating rewarding moments of empowered destruction that punctuate the standard shooting action.

It's a fun game, though not as technically accomplished as Gunroar. It's still nice to know where things begin.

Gohst

Visual Simplicity

Val's presentation leans heavily into retro aesthetics with deliberately basic visuals that recall early arcade cabinets. The straightforward sprite work and uncomplicated backgrounds create a clean playing field where enemy patterns remain clearly readable during intense firefights. This no-frills approach stands in stark contrast to Gunroar's more striking laser-focused visuals, positioning Val as a purist's alternative for those who prefer functional clarity over graphical flair. While the visual simplicity serves gameplay effectively, it contributes to the overall impression of a modest passion project rather than a flagship release.