Vito Cassisi – Tech Blog Delving into technology

S.H.M.U.P Game Review

The upgrade system
S.H.M.U.P features a 'shop' where points gained can be used to purchase upgrades. These are vital to gameplay - it's impossible to complete the game without utilising this service. Upgrades include additional ships (you start with three), faster bullets/ships, more missiles, stronger missiles, a stronger wall, and several other nifty perks. I discovered during my time playing that its best to upgrade parts based on your style of gameplay. For instance, If you're conservative with your missile use, then perhaps more ships with faster bullets is the best option.

Even with your shiny new upgrades purchased between levels, there's little chance you'll get to the end of the game. To combat this (and to extend the longevity of the game, I presume), your upgrades are retained between games. Therefore, when you lose, you will still have your gear to take on the game for your second, third, fourth etc. time around. The idea is that you progress further every time you play.

This may sound tedious, but it works quite well. Going back to level one with 8 ships and more missiles than you know what to do with is quite satisfying. That being said, the oncoming enemies have constant paths and formations, so you can easily learn where and when they'll appear.

Those level one triangles don't stand a chance...