| Sturmwind | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Duranik[a] |
| Publisher(s) | RedSpotGames[b] |
| Designer(s) | Johannes Graf |
| Programmer(s) | Roland Graf |
| Artist(s) | Johannes Graf |
| Composer(s) | Nils Feske Henrik Jakoby |
| Platform(s) | Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One |
| Release | Dreamcast
|
| Genre(s) | Scrolling shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Sturmwind is a 2013 scrolling shooter video game developed by German studio Duranik and originally published by RedSpotGames as an independent commercial release for the Dreamcast. It was re-released in 2016 and 2017, without the original RedSpotGames branding. A remastered version titled Sturmwind EX was also released for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. Controlling a space fighter craft, the player must fight endless waves of enemy forces while avoiding collision with their projectiles and other obstacles. The gameplay consist of vertical-scrolling and horizonal-scrolling stages, with players collecting three different weapon types in the vein of Thunder Force and Axelay.
Sturmwind garnered critical acclaim from reviewers since its release on Dreamcast; praise was given to its presentation, pre-rendered pseudo-3D visuals, responsive controls, accessible gameplay, balanced difficulty, boss encounters, weapon system, unlockable content and avoidance of European shoot 'em up tropes, but reviewers felt mixed regarding its Euro-style techno soundtrack, while criticism was geared towards its prolonged length in Normal Mode, sound design and difficulty to visually distinguish hazard elements on-screen. The EX remaster was also criticized for its lack of multiplayer mode and online leaderboards.
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