Schildmaid MX is an original Shoot ’em up that took me by surprise. Unlike its peers, this side-scrolling, retro game asks you to absorb bullets to increase your score. I’ve never known anything like it, and it took a serious mindset shift to maximise my potential and get on board with the madness.
This old-school Shmup was developed by HitP Studio B.V. and published by Eastasiasoft Limited. It is a single-player, 60+ FPS experience that will make your eyes water. Moreover, there is mind-bending action as the world, bosses, and alien spaceships are out to get you. Accordingly, you have to bring your A game if you wish to complete this hectic title.
Schildmaid MX tells a heroic tale.
Being outnumbered and outgunned is enough to make anyone quit. After all, why bother fighting your way out of a losing position? Thankfully, there is one hero who doesn’t believe in failure! Instead, this pilot will use the enemy’s weapons against them as they fly head-on into the hellish wave of projectiles. Determined to survive, the pilot absorbs bullets and unleashes hell on anything they face.
If you were to remove the bullet-absorbing mechanics, Schildmaid MX is your atypical shoot ’em up. Enemies approach you from all sides. Moreover, there are bosses, waves of projectiles, and plenty of destruction. Additionally, it is incredibly loud, as the vibrant colours, non-stop audio, and bloodthirsty aliens keep you on your toes.
3 ships and risk vs reward.
I love it when this genre adds in some tactical nuance. Schildmaid MX achieves this with three unique spaceships. Each vessel has special stats and a powerful ability to adjust the way you fight. Additionally, there are various game modes to up the ante and test your skills. If you are fresh to the genre, try the Jaeger mode. Alternatively, if you love to test yourself, the Krieger mode will break your resolve pretty quickly.
This genre is all about high scores and progressing as far as you can. However, you have to risk it all if you wish to get the highest score. Absorbing bullets to get to the ultimate golden projectile setting is no mean feat. Yet, if you can hold your bottle and push yourself all of the way, you’ll maximise your score and fly through the levels.
Schildmaid MX looks so retro.
I love how the developer has incorporated such a great retro approach. Schildmaid MX has vibrant colours, dated pixel art, and wonderfully smooth animation. Additionally, there is so much variety that you will not become bored. Alongside this, I was amazed at how well it ran. 60+ FPS and no stuttering, bugs, or glitches was an impressive feat for an indie studio.
The audio will hurt your ears. The never-ending noises and the up-tempo soundtrack were enough to drive you to distraction. However, this approach works perfectly, and it is exactly what fans of the genre have come to expect.
Trial and error.
I usually frown at trial and error. However, this is a key element of Schildmaid MX. As you play with your tactics, you must experiment with each of the ships at your disposal. Furthermore, mastering the reasonably simple controls was an easy and enjoyable experience.
If you love to hold the high score and keep moving forward, this is the game for you. The arcade edge is hard to ignore, and this keeps you coming back for more. Additionally, the unlockable game modes, in-game art, and other elements ensure that there is plenty of replay value and longevity.
Schildmaid MX is a refreshing indie title.
I’ve played many games in this genre. In fact, I recently reviewed R-Type Delta: HD Boosted. I have to say, Schildmaid MX has broken the mould with its unusual mechanics and brilliantly smooth gameplay. Moreover, it is unbelievably addictive and fun to play. Accordingly, it is great, and you should buy it here! Can you absorb the bullets and top the leaderboard? Pick your ship, plan your approach, and hope that luck and the projectiles are on your side.
