Qute has quite a reputation for producing quality vertically-scrolling shmups that reproduce the traditional appeal of the genre while having a flair of more modern design conventions. Natsuki Chronicles is a change of pace for the developer being a horizontal shmup, but it's a pleasant surprise that they nailed the formula and produced a game that is everything a modern shmup should be.

Taking inspiration from other well-regarded horizontal shmups such as Gradius, Darius and Thunder Force, Natsuki Chronicles has fast-paced satisfying gameplay with varied level design, unique bosses and a simple but engaging scoring system based around destroying enemy formations quickly. The game also has in my opinion some of the most polished visuals of any 3D graphics shmup. Yousuke Yasui is back for the soundtrack and sound design and his work on Natsuki Chronicles is up there with his best, with my personal favourites being the stage 3, 4, 6 and boss fight themes.

Natsuki Chronicles increases its replay value by including a story mode which keeps track of your progress. While the story isn't anything special and is too rigidly stuck to the events of Ginga Force, the story mode is a more approachable format for beginners and offers a wide array of purchasable and upgradeable customisation options for your ship. Weapons range from homing lasers to multi-directional bombs and each sports their own strengths and weaknesses. There is also an arcade mode which removes most of the story and has a more traditional upgrade system for people going after the 1CC.