Rival Megagun

Rival Megagun deftly changes up the shmup formula while effortlessly nailing the basics. PVP is a game changer, and while more characters and stages would be welcome, what is here provides a compelling competitive challenge that places an emphasis on both defense and offense.

Rival Megagun may fall short of the standards set by genre masterworks like Cave's Ketsui, Seibu Kaihatsu's Raiden Fighters Jet or Raizing's Battle Garegga. But those are some of the finest pieces of game design of all time, and failing to meet their lofty standards doesn't stop Spacewave's creation being a tremendously fun and rather distinct shmup that really does offer something fresh, and serves as a great demonstration of the Switch's multiplayer prowess in the process.

Rival Megagun falls just a bit short of a total triumph, but it is nonetheless a great game with an innovative mechanics that works. Its gameplay is refreshing, its concept is intriguing, and its presentation is sharp.

Tired of just shooting at “the bad guys” in a shmup? How about pitting yourself against not only wave after wave of enemies but other players as well? That’s the concept of Rival Megagun from Spacewave Software. As someone who fairly regularly indulges in the shoot ’em up genre, this seems right up my alley.  So let’s find out what it’s all about.

Multiplayer shoot 'em ups are almost always cooperative but Rival Megagun is here to provide exciting competitive battles instead.

Rival Megagun isn’t a perfect package, but it offers a unique gameplay experience that nobody else is trying to create right now. Shoot ’em ups are blood-pumping adrenaline adventures, and adapting that into a competitive game is a feat that Rival Megagun does impressively well. While some gameplay balance issues and a bland story mode tarnish the final product, Rival Megagun is still an engaging title worth checking out if you and a loved one need a new way to settle your arguments.

A Mediocre vertical shooter with an unimpressive twist.