I actually had no intention of playing this game tbh. I knew it existed and how poorly it was received in Japan. I'm pretty sure it's like the 2nd worst rated shmup on the console over there. But I've seen a few people I follow play this game so alright I'll bite, I'll see how bad this truly is.

Curse reminds me a lot of that Heavy Unit game I played where it doesn't seem like it would be the worst thing ever made but it's more bad on just how incompetent it is. This was an early game for the console so maybe I should cut them some slack but Thunder Force II had already existed and was much better even if I have issues with it.

First off this game is easy. The only time I died was like those parts where you have to go inbetween meteors and I swear it's harder for me then it should. Even the bosses barely have any challenge to them. The 4th stage also just have the team say screw it just throw everything. It still somehow isn't a challenge and all it did was just make me question the design choices the game makes.

The framerate is also bad, like it just feels like it's going at a slow rate. I noticed as early as when I started playing, it's just not that good and none of the stage design or environments impresses me. They barely try to make any of it interesting. Stage 4 is the equivalent of looking at something like Gradius on the Famicom.

Now I will give it this, at least it ends quickly and doesn't make me suffer when playing. But it just goes to show how bad and low budget the game feels. I felt nothing once I beat the game, the most interesting thing was learning the cover art thing was actually the final boss.

I really wouldn't recommend it at all, the only reason you really should try it if you're persistant is the fact it won't take long at all. I honestly wonder how many people in Japan felt ripped off playing this. Its also never gotten a rerelease to my knowledge and it's probably for the best.

Before I go, some fun facts. Did you know this could have had a US release? It was featured in EGM and even got reviewed. Wait someone gave it an 8? Wasn't this the same magazine that hated Herzog Zwei? This is why old magazine reviews can never be trusted!

I also went to look at GameFAQs reviews for the lols and someone not only gave this a 9/10 but goes on to say it's better than Thunder Force and R-Type. Oh GameFAQs reviewers, never change. (wait I review stuff on gamefaqs I just insulted myself.)