Droneswarm

Droneswarm is a side scrolling shooter which not only hearkens back - but actually embodies - the 2D sidescrolling games of the 80's. From is slick presentation down to its thumping soundtrack, Droneswarm is the best of this genre I've seen around in a long time.

Made for a SHMUP-DEV competition back in late 2007, you may recognize the head developer's name more recently as the creator of the runaway hit Harpooned.

Far away from the scientific research portrayed in his other offering, Droneswarm is a futuristic take-to-the-skies rumble featuring close-quarters battles with vicious but wonderfully timed and choreographed villains.

Interestingly, the game doesn't reward you with powerups randomly. Instead you are congratulated for accuracy. Shoot enough enemies directly, with less errant bullets, and you fill a meter. When it fills you are given a buddy who shoots along with you. Fill it twice and you have two buddies. It's a novel approach and I for one welcome it over the random power-up drops as seen in numerous games beforehand.

At just one level long (sadly development seems to have stalled since its last release) it isn't much of a challenge for hardened veterans of the genre. For beginners, however, the challenge is more than there. Either way, it's the presentation which shines almost blindingly in this game placing it head and shoulders above other similar offerings.