A prediction is that before human civilization, there was once an advanced civilization on Mars. A sorceress destroyed the civilization and everything that was remembered of it, except a chip called "INFINITY". In 2100, millions of people were starving due to massive food shortages and has caused civil wars around the world. Centuries later, however, the world government had sent colonists to Mars which began to solve these problems. At a nearby farm, the Infinity chip was discovered and it revealed all the technology of the advanced civilization. In 2309, a Declaration of Independence has been sent to Earth. Large armies have been amassed on Mars, and a gigantic armada was waiting for any attack from Earth. The Earth government sends out a fleet of battleships followed by a special air raid unit called ACID; ACID is equipped with a new fighter ship known as the Mosquito. Their mission is to enter Mars, stop the rebel violence, locate and destroy the rebel leader, whoever... or whatever it may be...
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Why exactly Mars Matrix was the game that triggered this realization, I'll never know, but it really puts into perspective the global appeal of shmups. Having a game where your player expectations are strict and specific, yet there's still ambiguous elements that have to be identified and mastered, all the while with room for interpretation and creative expression. And on that point, the role of good music and sound design in shmups goes without saying: What good is a game designed around these rhythmic bouts without a score that gets you in the mood? (Though in saying that, Mars Matrix's actual sound design is pretty average: Lots of shots don't have ANY sfx to telegraph them, and the music - while tonally appropriate to its era and aesthetic, - is pretty forgettable)
Oh yeah uh anyway, Mars Matrix is a pretty good shmup. Very fast paced but the pre-rendered, stiff look keeps things focused. Always fond of Takumi's decision to use charge-based bombs instead of stock-based. It gets hard REAL fucking quick, spiking immediately once you get to the stage 2 boss. Would be very cool if that eventual Capcom Arcade Stadium DLC adds this game in - though it's also the kind of game that becomes hell with any added delay unless you're a god.