ALLTYNEX Second

Amazing doujin shmup. In my opinion, it's the best of the Alltynex Trilogy.

Shoot for multiplier, then cash out with your sword. Like any good shooter, just a couple of mechanics... But the depth is staggering.

Great PS1-esque graphics, awesome soundtrack, and a built in replay feature give it a ton bang for your buck.

This is another game that need a sideways thumb. The gameplay is phenomenal. The soundtrack is phenomenal.
But the game suffers from the cardinal sin of shmups, a problem that a lot of 3D shmups have really; There is not enough distinction made between background elements and bullets and other collidable elements.
It's apparent from the very beginning of the game. In the background there is a massive space battle going on with explosions and missile trails and so on. The problem is, aside from the ships in the background being a slightly darker shade of grey (I personally don't have an issue immediately distinguishing them from enemies on the playfield), the explosions and missile trails are the same color as most of the bullets that you're dodging. At a glance in the heat of the battle it's very difficult for me to tell what I'm supposed to be dodging and what is an ambient animation in the background. Then you have asteroids, which are a slightly lighter brown if they're on your plane vs the slightly darker shade of brown if they're just ambient object flittering across the background. My first few attempts I flew directly into the huge asteroids because I was concentrating on enemies and my brain didn't immediately recognize that the humongous brown thing between my ship and the popcorn enemies was something I could collide with. Then there's issues later in the level with the rotating space stations, and some of the arms occasionally and seemingly at random entering the player's plane and not offering a path to get past them without a collision.
These issues suck, because the actual mechanics of the game are amazing. I've never played a shmup where bouncing between shot, lock on, melee, and laser was so quick and intuitive and just felt so right. It has a great rhythm to it and the enemy placement usually plays really well into this. But I constantly find myself taking damage and not knowing why, and that's just not something that's acceptable in an STG.
If this were ever remade or remastered with the visibility issues fixed, it would probably be in my top 50 shmups of all time.

Is it fun? Yes
Could it be better? Yes
But it is good enough to recommend but not for me to bother saying more than this.

This is as fun as Kamui. Everthing is chunkier, you have a sword that deletes bullets, the stages are well paced and there are several mid level bosses that will retreat if you dont kill them fast enough. Music wasnt as good as Kamui, but it was still very nice.
TLDR: Out of the other two in the triology: Kamui and RefleX, ALLtynex is just as good.

ALLTYNEX Second is a compelling arcade shoot-'em-up developed by SITER SKAIN and published by Henteko Doujin that successfully combines old-school action with an unexpectedly rich science-fiction storyline. Set in a future where humanity has been nearly annihilated by the rogue supercomputer ALLTYNEX, the game places players in the role of a pilot participating in a desperate campaign to reclaim Earth. While narrative is often secondary in the shoot-'em-up genre, ALLTYNEX Second uses its story effectively to create context for the action, giving each mission a sense of purpose and making the conflict feel larger than a simple battle against waves of enemies.
At its core, the game stands out because of its aggressive approach to combat. Unlike many traditional vertical shooters that encourage players to remain at a safe distance while avoiding enemy fire, ALLTYNEX Second rewards bold and calculated offense. The defining feature is its powerful Blade weapon, which allows players to destroy enemies at close range. This melee-focused mechanic introduces a unique layer of risk and reward, forcing players to balance survival with offensive opportunities. Alongside the Blade are homing lasers and a powerful rifle attack, creating a combat system that feels versatile and satisfying. Mastering when to switch between these weapons becomes essential as the difficulty escalates.
The level design demonstrates a strong understanding of arcade pacing. Across five carefully crafted stages, the game continuously introduces new enemy formations, attack patterns, and environmental scenarios that prevent the experience from becoming repetitive. Each stage culminates in memorable boss encounters that require both quick reflexes and strategic use of the game's weapon systems. The bosses are visually impressive and mechanically diverse, often demanding multiple attempts before players fully understand their patterns. This challenge contributes significantly to the game's replay value and encourages players to improve with every run.
One of the most impressive aspects of ALLTYNEX Second is its scoring system. Beyond simply surviving to the end, players are incentivized to maximize their performance through efficient enemy destruction and intelligent weapon usage. The scoring mechanics add considerable depth, transforming the game from a straightforward shooter into a title that rewards mastery and experimentation. Veterans of the genre will appreciate the numerous opportunities to optimize routes and strategies, while newcomers can enjoy the satisfaction of gradually improving their scores over repeated playthroughs.
Visually, the game embraces a style that reflects its roots as a doujin shooter. While it lacks the graphical sophistication of major studio productions, it compensates with clean presentation, strong visual clarity, and energetic effects. Enemy designs are distinct enough to remain recognizable during intense combat, and the explosions and weapon effects create a satisfying sense of impact. The game occasionally employs dynamic camera angles and cinematic sequences that enhance the scale of the action, making major battles feel dramatic without distracting too heavily from gameplay.
The soundtrack is another highlight. Fast-paced electronic tracks accompany the action and perfectly complement the game's futuristic atmosphere. The music maintains a high level of intensity throughout the campaign and helps elevate many encounters into memorable set pieces. Combined with effective sound effects and dramatic boss themes, the audio presentation reinforces the feeling that players are participating in a desperate war against overwhelming odds.
Despite its strengths, the game may not appeal equally to all audiences. Its difficulty can be demanding, particularly for players unfamiliar with arcade shooters. The emphasis on close-range combat requires a level of confidence and precision that may initially feel intimidating. Additionally, the campaign can be completed relatively quickly by experienced players. However, this shorter length is consistent with classic arcade design philosophy, where replayability, score chasing, and skill improvement are intended to provide long-term value.
ALLTYNEX Second succeeds by offering far more than a nostalgic homage to classic shooters. Its blend of strategic weapon mechanics, intense action, rewarding scoring systems, and engaging science-fiction setting creates a distinctive experience that remains enjoyable long after the first completion. The game respects the traditions of the genre while introducing enough originality to establish its own identity. For fans of challenging shoot-'em-ups, it represents one of the stronger independent entries available, delivering a satisfying balance of accessibility, depth, and excitement.
Rating: 8/10

what more can you ask from a game about a single ship going up against an entire army

We need the original version on steam asap