Grind Stormer
Release date: Apr 8, 2024
Developers: Bitwave Games, Toaplan
Publishers: Clear River Games
Genres: Action
Categories: Single-player, Multi-player, Co-op, Shared/Split Screen Co-op, Shared/Split Screen, Steam Achievements, Full controller support, Steam Cloud, Stats, Steam Leaderboards, Remote Play Together, Family Sharing
Supported languages: English

ARE YOU SHARP ENOUGH TO DODGE ALL THE BULLETS AND BLAST THE ENEMIES INTO OBLIVION? Grind Stormer is a vertically scrolling space shoot ‘em up originally developed by Toaplan. The game is an early manic shooter with plenty of bullets coming at the player, a concept that was further developed in Batsugun and eventually led to the bullet hell shoot ‘em ups. The barrage of bullets makes Grind Stormer a very hard game even for the shmup veterans used to a challenge. Newcomers can utilize the new easy mode, rewind, and quick save to learn and progress. The Japanese version of the game, called V・V (pronounced V Five), features a selectable power-up system with gauges, providing a strategic gameplay element where the key to success is to use the appropriate weapon for each level and enemy encounter. By collecting rhombus items the player can choose between different weapons similar to the Toaplan classic Slap Fight. The international version of Grind Stormer simplifies gameplay by eliminating the selective power-up system and replacing it with instant power-ups based on item acquisition. Grind Stormer was created by an all-star team that would after their tenure at Toaplan continue their careers in the games industry. “The perfect hybrid between old school Toaplan and bullet hell.” – Shmup Junkie The Story of Grind Stormer: It’s a game within a game! As a dashing young secret agent in the year 2210, you’ve received an assignment by the government to enter a virtual reality simulator with the NA-00 space fighter craft. The simulator is considered as the ultimate arcade machine. Many players have fought back, but no one has ever cleared it and returned to the real world. When you start to investigate the real purpose, you ask the question “is this really just a game?” Pressing the start button, the speaker gives the start signal. “Showtime!” ORIGINAL GAME FEATURES: Both the international Grind Stormer and Japanese V・V are included, providing different gameplay approaches. The satellite helper WING is standard on the aircraft providing attack variations such as a forward barrage or a wide strike. Upbeat sci-fi FM soundtrack from composer Masahiro Yuge, known for his work on Truxton, Twin Cobra, and many others. QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENTS: Minimal Input Lag: Emulation, input processing, and rendering all complete on the same frame. Quick Save using F1-F10, Reload with Shift+ F1-F10 Online leaderboards for Single Credit, No Assist, and Assisted plays. Rewind the game between 10-18 minutes, depending on the action. Capture sharable replays to immortalize your interstellar victories (or funny moments). Assist Features such as auto-fire at multiple rates. Very Easy Mode: Lower the difficulty to breeze through the adventure. Pixel perfect or full-screen scaling in windowed or full-screen mode. Rotate the gameplay in 90-degree increments. Steam Achievements Choose between Raw Input on Windows or Steam Input. Hone your skills in the ultra-customizable practice mode! 

Press reviews: “While the visuals and music are excellent in Grind Stormer, the gameplay is the real star.” 4/5 – Touch Arcade