Highly unique SHMUP with lots of replayability
This game came out some time ago before I ever had a Switch so I never had a chance to pick it up here. Instead I had to buy it on the secondary market. Even so, I had to come back here to review this gem of a SHMUP because it's really that good. The soundtrack is overall really nice and can get you pumped up during heavy play. The art style used in the cut scenes for the story is that of a comic book and it's refreshing to see it used here. It gives the games look its own identity among other SHMUP titles. The story itself is nothing too spectacular or original, but it gets the job done combined with the art-style and gameplay elements. Speaking of which, the gameplay itself is Dimension Drives greatest strength and is unlike any other. It uses both sides of your screen to switch between dimensions in an almost puzzle-like fashion while attempting to destroy as many enemy ships and collect as many power ups as possible. Data cubes found in every level help unlock new shots to use against your foes and suit a wide variety of different strategies. The general challenge itself is considered easier than your traditional SHMUP and has nowhere near the same amount of shots being thrown at you like in a bullet hell, but the puzzle like nature of the dual screen gameplay helps balance out the games difficulty. Many levels require you to master dimension switching as obstacles can only be overcome by switching sides at times. It can take some time to get used to keeping track of two playing fields instead of one and the intensity does ramp up in the later levels, but there are visual ques during gameplay that help you out here. Even in a sea of excellent SHMUPs this console generation, Dimension Drive manages to stand its own ground with it's unique gameplay, cool visuals, great soundtrack and a frankly outstanding collectors edition with many goodies to adorn your shelf with. Highly recommended for any SHMUP fan looking for something new to challenge them.
