Why am I talking about Elemental Master in 2025?
I think the better question is: Why aren't you talking about Elemental Master in 2025?
Beyond the stars and in the outer reaches of existence, there lies another world. It's a lot like ours, except without all of the suck. In this amazing world, walking shmups are as common as raindrops. Look, I don't know the scientific term for them and I'm not going to bother seeking it out. All I'm saying is that the STGs where you walk or perhaps run to the boss while shooting everything in sight are a lost art. Off the top of my head there's: Undeadline, Guwange, Sisters Royale, Mamorukun Curse! and Mamorukun ReCurse! Wait. Do remasters count? I guess they'd have to. Wait! I almost completely forgot about Psycho Chaser and Atomic Runner. Hang on. Isn't Chelnov more of an auto-scrolling jump & shoot or whatever?
You know what? Just pretend I have a point and let's move on.
Elemental Master is a fun little adventure by Technosoft. I say little because seasoned vets will shoot through it like a flak cannon through wrapping paper. It is fun though, a testament to a developer that could make practically any idea into solid gold. You're Laden, a man with a mediocre hairdo. Your brother Roki has joined the side of evil, so you've got to straighten him out with some lasers to the face. To accomplish this important task, Laden must first survive seven stages of monsters & mayhem.
Upon starting the game, you're allowed to choose which stage to tackle first. Don't be like me and pick the first choice every single time, without fail, and then start complaining all wah-wah like because it's too hard. It's not Elemental Master's fault if you didn't follow the unwritten rule: "Never start with the fire stage.". Besides, it's not that bad. You've just chosen to get thrown into the deep end and have to paddle back to shore. The fire stage is filled with lava as well as waves of fire tearing through cracks in the ground. Enemies will also attack from above and below. Thankfully, your default weapon is strong enough to handle most everything. The coverage is lacking, so get used to moving around to keep adversaries in your line of fire. The faster you kill something, the less trouble it can potentially cause. Firing in one direction or the other is as simple as pressing a corresponding button. C switches weapons, but that won't be relevant until you've completed at least one stage.
Once the second stage hits, you'll have unlocked the rest of this game's mechanics. Each weapon you obtain has its own strengths. One is designed specifically to travel across walls, while another fires narrow yet ultra-powerful shots. There are five in all. Besides switching weapons, you can hold the fire button down to unleash a charged blast. It's a boss killer that is unlikely to see any other use beyond extreme circumstances. After all, having to stop firing just to charge up could place you in a disadvantageous position. You'll also team up with a friendly fairy who bashes nearby monsters. Not amazing damage, but you'll live.
"You'll live." might as well be the subtitle for most of Elemental Master. Once you understand the basics, dealing with all opposition is very simple. Power-ups are generously placed, and bosses aren't likely to live past a minute. Obstacles of all sizes and shapes give each stage a unique quality, except it won't translate to an actual challenge. Putting it bluntly, this is the easiest shmup with ice physics that I've ever played. Spinning flails and waist-high water might make you more mindful of where you step, but you'll still have to mess up several times in a row to even dream of seeing the Game Over screen.
Now I'm not going to say the game is a one and done affair. Be sure to check out the semi-hidden options menu that requires A+Start to enter. It's here that you're invited to kick the Game Level all the way to Expert. This setting gives enemies slightly more durability and a penchant for bullet-flinging. Bosses also receive a significant boost to their everything! It's actually got some sharp teeth, which I just learned the hard way. Maybe it's my fault for choosing the forest stage instead of the fire stage first. In any case, this isn't a game that can be written off after a single play-through on the default setting.
While it goes without saying, I feel like I have to mention it anyway. This shmup has the usual high level of quality we've come to expect from Technosoft. It looks good, sounds amazing, and the controls are spot-on. All of the innerworkings like hitboxes, hurtboxes, etc. are also on-point. Even if the difficulty levels remain untouched, you can still have a fun time with it. I'll also kick in a few bonus points because this game is on the "Boss Rushes I do not hate" list. It's a very short list. Maybe if more games gave me the super laser that slices through a Boss Rush in seconds I wouldn't despise them so much.
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