Thunderforce meets GM...I like it!

This is a nice little horizontal shmup. I don't think I'm far off calling this a tribute to the Thunderforce series... not just because of the borrowed music- which fits quite well, the game is very fast and intense.

The explosion effects are positively epic (some of the best I've seen made in GM, period!) and the weapons are (mostly) all a blast to use. Blowing up buildings in the background piece by piece is simply awesome, too!

Sounds effects are good; but a little difficult to hear over the music. I'm just glad they're there this time.

The graphics are very good overall, with nice ship and enemy designs. As for the backgrounds, the buildings look quite good; but the trees look somewhat crude in comparison. Overall, a very solid improvement over previous games, though.

My main complaint, again, is the bullet patterns. I get the feeling some were not meant to be dodged at all; but absorbed by your shield, which doesn't sit with me too well. Dodging as much as you're able to is *usually* enough to keep you alive, at least.

Specific problems:
-The multiple-spread pattern used by several enemies. Coming at you from the side, this pattern is not too difficult because of the (proper) shape and orientation of the shots. However, when a tank directly below you fires one, the narrowly spaced beams become much, much more difficult to deal with. I'd recommend wider patterns and a better shaped (ie round) shot for enemies that will be firing at you from multiple angles.

I also don't like the fact that you can't lower your altitude beyond a certain point; but I know that's there to make you use your secondary weapon. If you want to keep it this way (I wouldn't), how about one that automatically fires along with your main shot?

Problems aside, this is very cool little shooter. Keep it up, y'all... you clearly have a lot of potential!

P.S. Keyboard (WASD/arrows) control next time? Pretty please?