• Play as three completely different classes: Fighter; Survivor; and Trickster. • Probably the only scrolling shooter where the scrolling speed of the screen is not fixed, but can be manipulated by the player, adding the possibility to do time trials besides the usual score hunting. • While mostly side-scrolling, the view occasionally switches to top-view to enable more interesting gameplay situations. • It’s not all about shooting, but also about maneuvering. The various environmental hazards underline this feature, which are not only deadly to you, but also to your enemies.
This isn't a typical SHMUP! The 3 different classes are WIDELY different and the focus is not entirely on blowing things up. The boost rings enable boosting the scrolling speed of the camera. I've never seen such a mechanic in another SHMUP before and it adds so much depth! Although your time does influence your score, going just for speed requires a very different approach. The game sure is highly versatile and also has a deep score system. QSD isn't easy, but still accessible. There's no lives-system. If you die, you return right where you lost. You do lose score points, which may prevent you from reaching the mission goal, but nevertheless, you get to continue until the end of the mission and thus see a bit more of it. You can pause by pressing almost ANY key. This makes pausing extremely easy, which can help you "breathe". Pressing ESC while paused takes you to the mission selection screen, so you can quickly restart a mission. Lastly, the score requirements for finishing most missions are challenging, but not punishing. You get ranked for your score and you accomplish a mission by getting at least rank C. This can easily be received with a little practice and rank B is also achievable. Warning: QSD is full of game mechanics that are explained via some not too long texts at the start of each mission. Reading these carefully is essential! If you don't pay attention, you won't learn the game! If you have difficulties with a mission, make sure to check out the texts at earlier missions, in case you may have overlooked a key mechanic. Just one example is that the game clearly states that your time influences your score and this is something to remember the entire game. Finally, you must be aware that some tutorials require thinking out of the box. Ultimately, there's a lot to this game that's not apparent at first glance and it has no doubt left me impressed. QSD is a fun, addicting, and absolutely unique game, if you're willing to pay attention!