The BEST Shmup on Switch! Crimzon Clover World EXplosion Review! A Superplayer's Masterpiece!

[@100hundert]

I've been playing shmups since 2004 and I'm starting to realize that this might actually be my favorite shmup ever. It simply has everything I love about shmups. It has an incredible amount of variety with its many modes, it's very approachable for beginners and yet has an almost infinite skill ceiling. It has very imaginative bullet patterns, outstanding art direction that feels both traditional and oldschool in its themes while also being very polished and distinctive. It has elements of Cave, Raizing and even some moments that feel like Treasure in there. The arrange soundtrack reminds me a lot of classic 90s arcade games, Radiant Silvergun and Gradius V. Graphically it feels like a brilliant mix of Dodonpachi, Garegga/Ibara and Rayforce. It has a very intuitive yet deep scoring system, but you can also completely ignore scoring and focus on pure survival and don't feel like you're playing it in an inferior way. It has dense bullet patterns, while not relying on patterns alone - it also has these memorable moments like that crawling boss suddenly returning. Every single stage is distinctive and never drags on too much. The alternative Z ship skin might be one of my favorite ship sprites as well. And I also adore the large variety of bullet types and colors - so many early 2000s Cave titles rely on just blue or purple. I'm so blown away by this game. It really feels like I've been waiting for this game all these years. To me, it really is that one rare perfect game.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Yes crimzon clover is one of the greatest for sure! Excellent observations!

[@mrhobs]

Cool, what do you think about Guxt? 😅 (One of my favorites, lol)

[@ShmupJunkie]

The biggest compliment his game has received was from a friend of mine. He has little interest in bullet hell style shmups and rarely plays them, yet he played this and it became one of his favorite shmups of all time. That says a lot when a bullet hell can be made so accessible that even players who don't enjoy bullet hell still enjoy Crimson Clover. As good an endorsement as any. I'm glad you got to reviewing this as you're definitely the right person to do it. I will play it and thoroughly enjoy it, but not pick up on much of the nuance unique to Danamaku games. So getting your insight into the more technical aspects will get me to pay attention to them more when I do. I've been so incredibly busy trying to finish a video I still haven't had a chance to play the Switch version. So it was great to see your take on it as there is always a unique perspective I don't get anywhere else.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed the review! Yes among bullet hell games ccwe is a big stand out! You should check out the arrange mode it has a gradius power up system that s really fun

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@TheElectricUnderground I noticed that. I prefer the Japanese V-V to Grind Stormer because of that mechanic so I’m sure I’ll like it here too.

[@flottenheimer]

Man, finally bought CCWE yesterday on a Black Friday 20% discount. Been playing it for 6 hours now. What an amazing marvel of a STG. The gameplay is just so much fun. Fluid. Entertaining. Just wow. Why didn't you tell us it was this good, Mark! Oh wait, you did, didn't you. I freakin love this game! Thank you!

[@ianjacka469]

This game has it all, accessibility, the option to try and master it with plenty of depth, beuatiful to look at, and playability, playability playabilty. Fast becoming a poss No.1 on my schmup chart...and I normally prefer horizontals like Natsuki Chronicles. It's like a bullet hell but you get to kick some real ass back with the lock-on system, love it.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Ccwe is a beast, no doubt about it! Essential playing

[@ThomasNovosel]

Great video! I have the Steam game, but this 100% sells me that I should get it for my switch too :)

[@gcavrubio]

As a casual player, one of my favorite aspects of this game is having an extra boss if you reach the end of the game with one credit. It was a great incentive for me to 1cc the game (in novice mode)

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Yeah the tlb is really fun in crimzon clover! I can t remember if it s in novice mode or not

[@kaerithmallock]

@@TheElectricUnderground It is

[@kamadoma715]

Three weeks ago, I finally bought this for the Switch. My past issues about my personal taste not liking the ton of explosions and medals eventually disappeared and I have enjoyed getting 1CCs for all ships at Novice Original and Novice Boost modes. I've been doing a bit of Arrange mode as well lately, and I would not argue that this is probably the best shmup on Switch. And I love the tributes that Clover-TAC added in the game as a love letter to Cave shmups.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

I m really happy to hear that!! Yes once you get hooked it s very difficult not to want more ha

[@iraplikeyoubreathe]

Great review, i never put together, cave lover and clover. This game and its novice mode broke me into the genre. Ignition or explosion the game is amazing, and some of the best controls ive ever played in a shooter.

[@realmiltonbradley8365]

Thank you man love your content 👌 I'm a new shmup player largely because of you (and the fun this genre brings as well). I've spent 1.3K in the last 2 weeks in digital and physical shmups 😅😅 This Crimzon Clover game is amazing and don't forget the music 🤌🤌..that music along with the colors and bullet patterns WHAT !!

[@TheElectricUnderground]

That s awesome my dude!!! I m really happy the channel is helping you connect with the genre :-)

[@importaku]

Pretty much the best shmup on switch bar none, i'm super happy it's finally getting a physical release on switch from firstpress games.

[@viewtifuljon8105]

I know this is a two year old comment but I just went to the first press website and it says coming soon. Have they already done a print run and are just waiting on more, it is a scam that always shows coming soon.

[@JuanRios-nh6vb]

Just got it a couple of days ago. It's a joy. Thanks again for uploading videos.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Absolutely!!

[@theremix54]

This game is so good, its almost unreal. I have literally no complaints about this game. Its so clean, beautiful,hype and fun. Im almost at a loss for words. Still havent 1cc'd arcade normal. but im trying my best.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Yeah it s fantastic!

[@lancebukkake]

World EXplosion needs a steam release like yesterday.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

For sure! I think it is getting one, hopefully soon!

[@docsavage4921]

Steam update was announced at the same time as Switch. Which was October 29, over six months ago. I have a feeling there's a clause in there giving Nintendo some form of limited exclusivity so they can get a clear lane without the more affordable Steam version cutting into them. Either that, or Steam is getting a completely separate product, like Jamestown did with their "Plus" version. If it's the first I can wait, if the second I'll probably stick wity World Ignition.

[@jaykelley103]

@@docsavage4921 updated graphics and a new arrange mode is more than enough to get me to buy a new version, but I too hope it comes in the form of a dlc

[@docsavage4921]

@@jaykelley103 I don't usually double dip, but to support them I may make an exception. If we ever get one. Starting to think they forgot about the Steam version.

[@soyanchd5439]

That’s the most nervous shmup I’ve ever seen! Can’t wrap my head around what’s happening ahah

[@Lowest_Levels]

Good to see it on the consoles and looking forward to the PC release. It is very similar to a Cave release with subtle nods to various other shoot em up classics as seen by the various level designs. Master class stuff.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Definetly!!! A gold standard release for sure!

[@BamdTheBamd]

can't wait for mark to make a game

[@TheElectricUnderground]

That will happen one day, and it will be crazy. I will say that much ha

[@shakesquire84]

I tested this with my Brook board and it came to 5f on my OLED C1 with lag reduction on. Go with the Steam release if you have the choice!

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Absolutely!

[@Eleriz]

Great game, still patiently waiting for the PC update. I wanna play CC again, but I'd rather wait until it comes out. I don't want to burn myself out too quickly again.

[@gianyrivera1082]

I first played Crimzon Clover at the NESiCA arcade machine, when I visited Japan last summer. I was at a Namco arcade in Kobe I believe, and this game was on here, and I had no idea it was a doujin PC shmup!y friend kinda scolded me for not being aware of it like he said "aren't you a fan of this genre, even I have this game, how did you not fucking know?!" Then I got it on steam for like $2 and it's so godlike, I'm so happy I have this game. As for World EXplosion,. it's basically a 10/10 game and amazing port. Thank you for covering it. EVERYONE BUY CRIMZON CLOVER It's actually thanks to Crimzon Clover that I got more into doujin PC shmups, like Refrain Prism Memories and some others, in general it makes me wanna play more shmups since before, I kinda only played Cave's 360 games and games like Rolling Gunner

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Yeah I had a similar experience with battle traverse and other doujin shmups because of ccwi as well :-)

[@lifeisyours8250]

3 best shumps on Switch are 1. Crimson Clover 2. Rolling Gunner 3. Ghost Blade HD

[@headman82]

This is absolutely a must own shmup on Switch. I’m having allot of fun with the arrange mode. It feels very well balanced with the difficulty. Although, I need to learn how the scoring works in this game

[@junker154]

This was my shmup and I almost felt that I had a seizure on my first playthrough.

[@kaizacorp]

So glad to hear it holds up to your high standards Mark! Can't wait for the Steam version!

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Hey my dude long time no see!!!! Yeah I m relieved as well, other wise the review would be one of those painful why technical performance matters reviews ha

[@kaizacorp]

@@TheElectricUnderground Yeah for sure! My dilettante ways have taken me away from shmups for the time being, but I'll be back! Hahah I was holding my breath for this one because I knew you'd pull no punches. Awesome to see you keep putting out quality and growing your community and shmups as a whole!

[@andrews4731]

Really happy to see this review make it on the channel. It's a fantastic game and coming to Switch should be really positive thing for its popularity. It's a perfect platform for Shmups, in terms of convenience especially.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Yeah I hope it boosts the game and genres visibility more!

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Yeah it brings a ton of eyes to the genre!

[@andrews4731]

@@TheElectricUnderground Wish more CAVE games made it over

[@andrews4731]

I would buy them all

[@MRrZero]

OMG the memory leak on WI... Ughhhh.... Needing to restart my pc everytime made me drop the game. And this is a shmup I absolutely love. I'm so glad I now have it on switch. Switch has become a powerhouse of awesome shmups. Maybe the best shmupping device if you consider the flip grip too. Glad I got an arcade stick for it. I know there's gonna continue to be more awesome releases for this system.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Yeah I think we will start to see cave ports soon, like deathsmiles

[@run1cc347]

I think the presence of the Arrange mode means we won’t see this on PC for some time. They also have to decide whether to make it DLC for owners of World Ignition

[@JuanRoosterbeard]

Genial! porque configurar el aspect ratio en Pc es un dolor de huevos . Estoy más tiempo tratando que funcione que jugándolo. En Switch eso no pasa por suerte.

[@scienceandmatter8739]

Man.....Love IS THE best salesman!!!! Wonder how Many PPL bought this because of you. First Here

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Yeah CCWE is a fantastic release, even though it is a fairly popular shmup, I still feel it is under-recognized (like so many games in the genre ha).

[@tokyobassist]

This needs to be on more platforms but at least it gives each platform a purpose.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

For sure! I want it on the Xbox 1 x as well! Poor xbone needs some more shmup 💘

[@neontetra1000]

I’m really salty that I have to buy a switch just for this game but I have to have it. Best game in years .

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Ha it 'll probably come to pc in the nearish future, but the switch is a solid investment if you are into handhelds like I am :-)

[@100hundert]

@@TheElectricUnderground what kind of control do you recommend? I'm really torn on whether I should get a regular switch and swap the joycons out with proper dpad ones (Hori seems to be great!), or get a cheaper Lite with its dpad, though I'm wondering how usable it is. I might also just wait for a "Switch Pro" to get this game plus Monster Hunter Rise 🤔

[@neontetra1000]

Well I finally got the game. It’s the most addictive scoring system I have ever played. Unfortunately I only have a switch lite but playing it in tate with the analogue sticks is not too bad when you get used to it but I think. I could be pretty good at it on a stick. Current pb on it is 424 billion. Arrange mode is godlike.

[@thomasthetrain3942]

not sure if you mentioned this, but any chance this gets a physical release for the Switch...that would be great....Great video, keep up the good work..

[@TheElectricUnderground]

I m confident there will be a physical version at some point :-)

[@LeeDT]

I'm loving this, completely agree on your review. My only issue is my scores not being on the official leaderboards even though my fps is always 60 or 59.9, anyone else having similar issues?

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Oh I'm not sure, since I tend to avoid the Switch online leaderboards ha

[@LeeDT]

@@TheElectricUnderground this is on the PC. The scores show but they're slightly transparent. No worries I'm sure it'll get patched out soon enough :)

[@gcavrubio]

This is my favorite shmup. So fun!

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Definelty up there for me too!

[@jenslorbeer5307]

Best shmup on switch so far indeed! Love it

[@D-A-K]

Feeling even more excited about my Switch purchase now

[@TheElectricUnderground]

For sure!!

[@REDLINE.FGC1]

deathtiny is actually a play on how the japanese struggle to pronounce "th" and pronounce it as "s" so it's (supposed to be) pronounced "destiny", but with "death" in the title cos it's edgier.

[@brightsuperstition]

I'm looking forward to seeing your review of the PC port of World EXplosion when it comes out on PC in December. Will its 4 frames of input lag from World Ignition get reduced down to 3 or maybe even 2 frames the way Blue Revolver is 2 frames of input lag?

[@TheElectricUnderground]

I m hoping so!!

[@retrogamesuperhyper9962]

Heh, I actually just got WI on Steam today because it was on sale for crazy cheap, and I really like it but that framerate is a real problem. At least I know it's not just me.

[@dr-gorgo]

Novice mode 1cc was not that hard, but arrange is a lot more difficult for me. I can only get to the level 5 midboss, in level 5 I loose all my ship upgrades and have no chance anymore

[@Eichhoernchenschreck]

Great review! Did they make any changes to the original games modes? (original, boost, unlimited)? Like changing bullet patterns or something like that. Are these modes still intact?

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Just visual changes to these modes as far as I am aware :-)

[@Eichhoernchenschreck]

@@TheElectricUnderground Thanks. :)

[@LSOK38]

Crimson & Clover Over &Over !!!!

[@TheElectricUnderground]

:-D needs a cover of the song somewhere ha

[@LSOK38]

@@TheElectricUnderground I was thinking the same thing! BTW thanks for the ❤️.

[@BushinRyuCat]

No no...the BEST shump they have on Switch, is the one with *Online Co-op!* .....oh wait

[@mishikomishiko9088]

Love this game! Play it a lot

[@SolCresta3405]

Definitely looks like the best shmup on the Switch since Rolling Gunner. A must have even if you have the game on Steam.

[@hooksnfangs6006]

As a big fan of Gradius, I love Arrange mode. I thought the powerup system wouldn't work for this game at first but it was handled really well. Also I love it because I can actually 1CC arranged on normal lol

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Yeah it s a nice difficulty balance!

[@Ishmokin]

I was planning on getting ketsui for ps4 next week but should I get this one first?

[@TheElectricUnderground]

It depends actually! Both are extremely well done and feature rich. I consider both essential purchases but yeah maybe go with ccwe first just because it a so visceral ! Can t go wrong either way though :-)

[@dominicng5783]

Thanks for posting this just a day after I asked about it :) Do you have any recommendations on arcade sticks for switch? I was looking at the 8bit-do stick that just came out, since it's relatively affordable and is getting good reviews, but wouldn't mind input from an expert. Thanks Mark!

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Hi there! Thanks for tuning in :-) so if you want to go all out I recommend this padhack mod: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqbLh59-i9Nqpq8 But if you re looking for a more simple solution I would definetly recommend the hori foghtstick for switch :-)

[@BillB808]

I'd give it a ding for the ost but generally its awesomesauce

[@TheElectricUnderground]

I enjoyed the new ost, and you can also revert to the ccwi ost which is cool!

[@trev1976]

Looks great. Physical version available?

[@TheElectricUnderground]

I don t think there is yet, but I m sure it will happen!

[@Chinopolis]

Odd question but does it support 2 player? The Steam release actually does but it's semi hidden. I know 2 player modes are an afterthought but I've managed to get the wife to try a few out with me and have spent quite a while agonizing over ones that won't immediately put off someone with next to no experience in the genre. I think the secret is shields and autobombs. WIth those in co-op mode, I can act as the "Force bit" taking out high priority enemies from close range, while she can play full defensive with shields taking up the slack, tons of fun. This is something I've spent a good time thinking about. For those of us that love shmups, the hours spent honing skills and memorizing routes IS the experience, but it's not really fair to say to someone who isn't super into shmups or doesn't really get them to say, "Oh yeah dying 1000 times for hours on end is half the fun." I think shield and autobombs, in addition to novice modes, are the perfect training wheels to get someone going, or at the very least let them enjoy a game way more than just have 99 lives or credit feeding. You actually feel when you make a mistake but are not punished quite as severely. Mushi Futari is the pefect example, the arrange mode on novice has autobombing and we were able to get a 2 player 1cc (2cc?) after a couple tries and she loved it. I already have the gears spinning to turn up the heat with DDP DFK novice and eventually try a normal mode if all goes well.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Let me double check that for you, I m not sure.

[@JustAnOldGuyGaming]

What controller do people use on switch?

[@TheElectricUnderground]

This is my controller setup for the switch, it s the lowest lag solution I could find kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqbLh59-i9Nqpq8

[@JustAnOldGuyGaming]

@@TheElectricUnderground cheers for the reply, not really up for diy pads just fancy the best I can afford on the market 😂

[@glizzdawiz]

MY GOTO SHMUP IN 2023!

[@RasLion]

No i see what they are getting at with the title: ignition..... explosion ... world extinction

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Ha yeah I just had some fun teasing the title a bit, but I think it still works fine as a title :-)

[@JuanRios-nh6vb]

Right now I'm kinda broke, but I'd like to become a Patreon. Maybe not just now. And I am a teacher, so my salary is not the best, but I'd like to at least support the project with some bucks. Greetings for Mexico.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

I would really appreciate that a lot my dude!!? And no worries I understand being on a tight budget

[@farizavianto4990]

Based from the Microsoft Windows 10 Shoot'em up named world ignition

[@padokageek8111]

Why xbox one dont have this game?

[@TheElectricUnderground]

I'm not sure, would be great to have on xbox and ps4!

[@jackburton2680]

I hear nothing but great things about this game but the footage makes me think it prob isn't for me. I can't even tell what the hell is supposed to be happening when i see footage of it. It's just an endless onslaught of explosions and coins and score numbers, entire screen is full of em. It's hard to decipher what the enemy or enemy projectiles are. Looks kinda goofy

[@eintopfmitschinken1596]

I really hate Shmups like this one. The enemies don't really fire at you but in stupid patterns, it just feels so wrong for me. But that is only my opinion.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

I d give it some time and a 2nd chance, the style of gameplay will open up and the game is truly amazing

[@eintopfmitschinken1596]

@@TheElectricUnderground No doubt that it is a good game - maybe I will try it out. I grew up with Raptor, Tyrian, Battle Squadron and stuff like that. Maybe I should start from scratch when it comes to Shmups.

[@Extracredittttt]

Some of them just fire in patterns but a bunch of them fire directly at you for sure

[@Azazel5021]

big

[@kaerithmallock]

Just imagine if you have only easy and lunatic in touhou if you are a normal player, it would be really frustrating right ? That's how CC is, undoable, and the dev still doesn't give a fuck. "he's a superplayer so he knows what people are looking for right ?" Apparently no. We are not all superplayers. If this new version is ported to PC and still has this disrespect ignition have for non superplayers and no intermediate (doable) difficulty then I will do the same I did before, crack the game. And a reference, I'm not alone to think this is a problem: steamcommunity.com/app/285440/discussions/0/35219681683185238/

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Check out the arrange though my dude! It is an intermediate between arcade and novice so it sounds like it is what you are looking for :-)

[@kaerithmallock]

@@TheElectricUnderground I hope so, I will wait for it, I have retried and: novice= all+tlb clear and 5 lives arcade= died at stage 2 boss (meh) I definitely want that arrange mode to be in between.