Summary

Release Year: 2007
Genres: Arcade, Indie, Shooter
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Tennen-sozai
Publishers: Eye Studio, Nyu Media

eXceed 2nd: Vampire REX: A Vertical Shmup Masterpiece

Released in 2007, eXceed 2nd: Vampire REX is a vertical shoot-em-up (shmup) game developed by Taito and Aksys Games. It is the second game in the eXceed series, and it follows the story of Lia Fyle, a half-human, half-vampire girl who fights on the side of the deviants against an army of exorcists.

The game features an innovative dual-polarity gameplay system, which allows players to change the polarity and color of their character to absorb enemy bullets of the same polarity while charging the special weapon in the process and doing double damage to enemies of the opposite polarity. This system adds a layer of strategy to the game, as players must carefully consider which polarity to use in each situation.

eXceed 2nd: Vampire REX also features beautiful art, challenging stages, and an awesome soundtrack. It is a must-play for any fan of shmups.

Gameplay

eXceed 2nd: Vampire REX is a vertical shmup in which the player controls a ship that scrolls up the screen. The player must shoot down enemies and avoid their bullets. The game features a variety of different enemy types, each with its own unique attack patterns.

The game’s dual-polarity gameplay system is its most unique feature. Players can change the polarity and color of their character at any time by pressing the X button. This allows them to absorb enemy bullets of the same polarity while charging the special weapon in the process. When the special weapon is fully charged, the player can unleash a powerful attack that can clear the screen of enemies.

The dual-polarity system adds a layer of strategy to the game, as players must carefully consider which polarity to use in each situation. For example, if the player is facing a group of enemies that are all the same polarity, they can use the opposite polarity to absorb their bullets and charge their special weapon quickly. However, if the player is facing a group of enemies that are all different polarities, they may want to use the same polarity as the majority of the enemies to avoid taking damage.

In addition to the dual-polarity system, eXceed 2nd: Vampire REX also features a variety of other gameplay mechanics, such as:

Chain combos: Players can earn chain combos by defeating enemies in quick succession. Chain combos increase the player’s score and give them access to more powerful attacks.
Special weapons: Each character has their own unique special weapon that can be used to clear the screen of enemies. Special weapons are charged by absorbing enemy bullets of the same polarity.
Overdrive mode: Overdrive mode is a temporary power-up that increases the player’s speed and firepower. Overdrive mode is activated by collecting power-ups that drop from enemies.

Story

The story of eXceed 2nd: Vampire REX takes place in a world where humans have begun to purge vampires and “deviants” – those born of a mix of human and vampire. Lia Fyle is a half-human, half-vampire girl who fights on the side of the deviants as they embark upon a turnaround strategy, the “Siege on the Holy Land.” Their plan: to lay siege upon the humans’ “Holy Land” and to destroy the Holy Lady Anhel who is the source of the human military power. This is a battle in which defeat is an option for neither army.

The story of eXceed 2nd: Vampire REX is told through a series of cutscenes that are interspersed between the game’s stages. The cutscenes are well-animated and voice-acted, and they do a good job of conveying the game’s story and characters.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in eXceed 2nd: Vampire REX are beautiful. The game’s characters and backgrounds are all hand-drawn, and they are full of detail and color. The game’s special effects are also very impressive, and they help to create a sense of excitement and chaos.

The sound in eXceed 2nd: Vampire REX is also top-notch. The game’s soundtrack is composed of a mix of rock and electronic music, and it perfectly captures the game’s fast-paced and intense gameplay. The sound effects are also very well done, and they help to create a sense of immersion.

Overall

eXceed 2nd: Vampire REX is a masterpiece of the shmup genre. It features beautiful art, challenging stages, an awesome soundtrack, and an innovative dual-polarity gameplay system. It is a must-play for any fan of shmups.