Apidya' Special

Apidya’ Special is probably best described Gradius with bugs, combining hectic projectile dodging, assistive power-ups, and lush stages that have plenty of personality. The busy scenery and unforgiving collisions occasionally sting, but this welcome revision gives Kaiko’s Amiga classic another chance to fly.

It isn't entirely perfect, and certain elements still feel clearly rooted in a different era, yet it manages the feat of evoking a strong longing for a bygone gaming era. For me, who doesn't share the same personal connection to the original as many Amiga gamers, that is perhaps the highest praise of all.