I love me some old school shoot’em ups! Gradius, R-Type, the 19XX series, all of these series are favorites of mine. There’s just something wonderful about the simplicity of flying right (or up) and shooting stuff. And it’s even better when you can share the experience with a friend.

I just had the chance to review an indie video game release that tickles my shmup fancy and allows for no less than four couch co-op players. It’s called Stardust Galaxy Warriors Stellar Climax, and it’s pretty great.

I really enjoyed playing Stardust Galaxy Warriors. It looks good, plays great, and is definite throwback to a simpler, sweeter time when filling a living room with friends and playing a video game together was the norm. The soundtrack is particularly great, as well, and makes the whole experience that much more enjoyable. Any fan of shoot’em ups, whether casual or hardcore, will find something to like here. I’d even recommend it to shmup newbies, purely on the strength of the four player couch co-op. It’s definitely worth a look!

Check out the entire review over at Co-Optimus!