Praecantor Lila ~ Bell Spell

If you know Touhou, it's like UFO but on steroids. Which is to say, a solid shmup with a lot of depth added by the titular bells and how you can interact with them onscreen. Also some pretty patterns and unique characters

For anyone familiar with the Touhou Project, the challenge presented here is in no way a disappointment. To further the comparison, the patterns of the later levels lean more on the sheer speed and density of the bullets for their impact, which can be rationalized in the encouragement of clever usage of the bell mechanic on the part of the player. The bell mechanic itself is an innovative take on the death-bombing mechanic, one that takes precision to leverage to its fullest. One can draw a parallel to the collectible UFOs from the Touhou game of the same name, in which survivability and points are trade-offs when deciding how to make use of them. The stage backgrounds have a variety to them, each of which owes its ambience to an amount of details that rival the most ambient of Touhou stages. As far as the story goes, it is simple and easy to follow, yet one is given a sense that this is but a small glimpse of what seems to be an expansive universe that can definitely be further delved...

This is a very fun and inventive spin on the shmup witchy heroes formula. The style is danmaku nut what sets it apart imho is the bell mechanism employed in the game. The use of the bells is very multifacited, enabling a whole load of strategies and playstyles which can be implememnted to try and clear the game. Bells can be used as shields, screen clearing bombs, combining with other bells to give more score and replenishing lives. the best way of seeing this is to try the demo. An excellent , addictive game which has just recieved a large update.It's in early access but on well on the way to completion think it's worrth its money as it is now.