ALLTYNEX Second is a vertical scrolling shoot 'em up developed by SITER SKAIN as part of the Tale of ALLTYNEX series. This action indie title for PC places players in control of a Tactical Melee Craft called the Armed Saboteur during a mission to reclaim Earth from a rogue supercomputer. The game emphasizes precise movement, weapon switching, and a deep scoring system built around chaining kills and multipliers rather than pure survival.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around navigating five stages filled with waves of enemies, midbosses, and large bosses while managing an energy gauge that influences shot power. The main shot grows stronger and gains spread as the gauge fills over time or through collected energy chips. Special attacks drain this gauge quickly, forcing players to balance aggressive use against maintaining offensive strength. A single defensive layer allows survival of one hit before destruction, after which the gauge resets to a lower level.
Energy chips drop from defeated foes and are automatically collected in one form but must be manually gathered in the other. This mechanic encourages frequent form changes during intense sections. Bullet patterns include destructible projectiles that certain attacks can clear, adding layers to positioning and timing. The scoring system rewards rapid successive kills in the faster form to build chains and a multiplier that peaks at sixteen times base value, then cashes out higher rewards by striking larger targets with the alternate form's weapons.
Stages feature dynamic camera angles during key moments such as boss entrances and environmental shifts, though the core perspective remains top-down. Difficulty options range from Easy to Hard, with an additional unlockable variant that introduces suicide bullets for greater challenge. An alternate ship becomes available after clearing the game on Normal or higher, featuring altered weapon behaviors including a forward-only special and manual blade control.
Game Modes
Combat centers on two interchangeable forms that define every encounter. Fighter form prioritizes speed and ranged output with a gatling-style normal shot and homing lasers as the special attack. Armor form reduces speed but equips dual blades capable of canceling many incoming bullets while dealing heavy damage up to bosses, paired with a powerful directional beam special.
Switching between forms happens instantly via dedicated inputs, and specials activate through combined button holds. The advanced ship variant modifies these tools, replacing homing lasers with a straight beam and adding homing missiles in the slower form while requiring manual aiming for blades. Beyond the main five-stage campaign, players access stage select after progress, replay saving up to one hundred recordings, and the return shot option unlocked on Hard clears that causes destroyed enemies to fire final bullet curtains.
Sound and Presentation
The original soundtrack comprises twenty-nine tracks that underscore the fast-paced action with electronic and orchestral elements suited to the sci-fi setting. Stages incorporate varied environments from planetary approaches to massive orbital structures, supported by 2.5D polygon graphics that allow for fluid enemy movements and large-scale boss designs. Visual feedback during blade strikes and beam discharges reinforces the impact of close-range decisions.
Is It Worth Playing?
ALLTYNEX Second delivers a focused singleplayer experience centered on mechanical depth and scoring mastery. Its reception among players remains very positive, with praise directed at the rewarding interplay between forms and the tension created by the shared energy resource. The game suits those who appreciate shmups that reward observation and deliberate risk-taking over endless continues or power-up collection.
With leaderboards tracking high scores and multiple difficulty layers plus ship variants to explore, it offers substantial replay value for genre enthusiasts. The compact length of five stages keeps sessions manageable while the unlock progression and scoring complexity provide long-term goals. Availability on PC includes features such as achievements and cloud saves that support repeated attempts at personal bests.
- Strong emphasis on form switching and energy management creates distinct playstyles within a single campaign.
- Scoring chains and multipliers add a competitive layer that extends beyond basic completion.
- Unlockable content and difficulty options extend engagement for dedicated players.
