You know I love a good side-scrolling shooter, and this one looks like it’s taking the bullet-hell genre and adding a genuinely clever twist. Schildmaid MX is launching digitally on November 26th across almost everything: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and the Microsoft Store for PC.
Developed by HitP Studio in cooperation with Eastasiasoft Limited, this game has been making the rounds at shows like Tokyo Game Show, and it’s easy to see why. It promises nostalgic pixel art combined with an innovative shield mechanic that flips the script on traditional shmups.
Turn bullets into power with the Schildmaid technology
The core mechanic here is fascinating. In a genre where touching a single pixel of enemy fire usually means instant death, Schildmaid MX wants you to absorb those bullets!
You utilize specialized Schildmaid technology to absorb enemy attacks and, crucially, charge your weapons. You are literally turning your enemies’ attacks into a power-up resource. This creates an immediate risk-vs-reward gameplay loop: do you hang back, or dive into the bullet pattern to supercharge your ship and maximize your score?
- Choose Your Ship: You can pick from 3 unique ships to match your preferred play style, which should change up the strategy significantly.
- The Danger Zone: This isn’t easy, though. When your shield runs out and “danger time” kicks in, you’ll need to rapidly switch up your strategy.
The best pilots will be rewarded by being immortalized on the online leaderboards, which is the perfect fuel for a great shmup.
Get ready for the launch—Physical copies are also available
The digital launch is set for November 26th at US$19.99/€19.99, with a limited-time 10% launch discount available on select platforms, although it doesn’t seem to be coming to Steam Deck yet.
For the collectors who want that sweet cartridge on their shelf, physical editions for Nintendo Switch are available to pre-order right now through their retail partner Playasia. They are expected to ship at the same time as the digital launch.
If you’re lucky enough to grab one, there’s a highly limited 1000 physical Limited Editions being produced for Nintendo Switch that includes the game card, a soundtrack CD, stickers, and a numbered certificate in a collector’s box.
This looks like an intense, unique take on the shmup genre, and I can’t wait to see how that shield mechanic feels under fire! I just hope it comes to Steam and Steam Deck, too…
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
