Konami, known for iconic franchises like Silent Hill, Metal Gear, Bomberman, and Contra, has faced criticism for its handling of these properties in recent years. However, the Japanese game developer and publisher has been making strides with the revival of its classic titles, releasing collections, new entries like Contra: Operation Galuga and Super Bomberman R 2, and even supporting indie-level games like Skelattack and Super Crazy Rhythm Castle. Cygni: All Guns Blazing strikes a perfect balance between these approaches, becoming Konami’s most impressive game in years.
Developed by KeelWorks, a Scottish indie studio, Cygni is a flashy, top-down shoot-’em-up that evokes classic Konami sci-fi titles like Gradius. However, it also brings its own unique twists to the genre. Players take control of an ace pilot assisting Earth’s forces in battling biomechanical aliens awakened on the planet Cygni. While the narrative focuses on the environmental impact of war and colonization, it takes a backseat to the exhilarating gameplay. Each level unfolds as a visually captivating story in its own right, with distinct acts that keep the action fresh. Cygni excels at delivering intense, visually captivating shoot-’em-up action.
What truly sets Cygni apart is its depth. Players can adjust the angle of their forward-facing fire and utilize a secondary weapon to target the ground, adding a unique dimension to the gameplay. This clever design encourages players to engage with the beautifully animated backgrounds of each level. KeelWorks’ experience in 3D animation shines through, creating captivating battles between humanity and the robotic alien forces. In the 1980s, each level of Cygni would have been its own game, but here, it’s all bundled into one masterful package. Mastering Cygni requires dedication and skill. Even on the Easy difficulty, the game demands constant attention to your ship’s position and shield levels. Expect to die often, but this is part of the genre’s allure – the opportunity to replay levels and improve your score. While Cygni doesn’t offer the accessibility features found in retro throwbacks like Volgarr the Viking 2, it embraces the challenging approach of its inspirations. For those struggling, the game allows you to start on Easy and gradually increase the difficulty as you become more familiar with the levels.
Cygni is a textbook example of a classic gaming genre being revitalized for modern platforms. It’s a niche that aligns perfectly with Konami’s current focus on reviving, remastering, and remaking its past titles. However, Cygni takes a different approach, potentially creating a new franchise for Konami that harkens back to the company’s golden era. While eagerly awaited games like the Silent Hill 2 remake and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater hold the key to restoring Konami’s reputation, Cygni is a creative step in the right direction. Cygni: All Guns Blazing is currently available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.
