In spite of this game's many flaws with balancing, (which, as a filthy fighting game casual, doesn't affect me much,) I've come to absolutely adore nearly everything about this game.

PvP shmups are very few and far between, I believe only 6 games exist (of 4 franchises,) in which this was #4 (#2,) though it's predecessor was #2 - point being, is that this is a very unique type of game, and boy oh boy does it land. It's beyond fun, with others or by yourself (for the most part, some story mode mashups are fucker motherfuckers,) and it keeps you on your toes through and through. The only thing withholding this from a higher score is due to aforementioned complaints - every pro at this game will tell you how bad some mashups are, and story mode is absolutely brutal for those with an unfavorable matchup with the final boss.

Bit of a word salad review, i'm aware (might revisit it later,) but point is, I'd recommend this to just about everyone.

edit 2022-12-15: i don't think i'll be revisiting this review--game is lovably jank and unique, as i've said, and it's a blast. maybe an 8 is a tad high but i think it's deserved, though that could be the orange_juice soft spot talking. still good in any case