Oh man I loved this all the way through. The whip controller is fun (even if calibration is really difficult) and the sub-items serving as more traditional light-gun fire means you feel well equipped. The boss designs are ferally powerful. Every one is ripped right off a metal album cover and it's a blessing.

But the biggest bonus here is the defensive playstyle the machine encourages. Whip slashes during specific boss attack frames deal critical damage, meaning that playing patient and timing well can kill a boss in just a few minutes. It feels powerful when you can pull it off and really makes the experience.

Also oh my god the SOUNDTRACK. Please check this soundtrack out it's astonishingly heavy.