Jet Buster

Jet Buster is a top-down, 2D scrolling shoot ’em up (shmup) developed by Team Grybanser Fox and released in 2017. Set in a sci-fi/futuristic universe, the game features anthropomorphic characters, with the exception of one human protagonist, as players battle through waves of enemies using a combination of standard shots, sub-shots, and defensive bombs. The gameplay revolves around chaining coins and medals for high scores, with different characters offering unique shot types, speeds, and damage outputs. Players can unlock additional characters via an in-game shop and tackle varying difficulty modes, including Standard and Expert, which adjust enemy aggression and scoring opportunities.

Jet Buster: A Love Letter to 90s Anthro Shooters

Introduction

In an era where shoot ’em ups (shmups) are often dominated by hyper-polished bullet hells or retro throwbacks, Jet Buster stands out as a charming anomaly. Released in 2017 by Team Grybanser Fox, this game is a deliberate homage to the quirky, anthropomorphic shooters of the early 90s—a time when developers experimented with unconventional protagonists and vibrant aesthetics. Jet Buster is not just a nostalgia trip; it’s a meticulously crafted experience that blends accessibility with depth, wrapped in a delightfully absurd narrative. This review will dissect every facet of the game, from its development history to its lasting impact on the shmup community.

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Development History & Context

The Studio and Vision

Team Grybanser Fox is a small indie studio known for its passion for classic shmups. Jet Buster was developed using GameMaker, a tool that allowed the team to focus on gameplay and aesthetics without the overhead of more complex engines. The lead designer, Przemek Zimny (credited as Kaiser), and the artist James Alexander (Krimzon Kitzune) were instrumental in shaping the game’s identity. Their vision was clear: create a shmup that felt like a lost gem from the 90s, complete with pixel art, chiptune music, and a playful tone.

Technological Constraints and Design Choices

The game’s 2D scrolling shooter mechanics are intentionally simple, evoking the era of R-Type and Gradius. However, Jet Buster distinguishes itself with its scoring system, which revolves around collecting coins and converting them into medals—a mechanic that adds a layer of strategy beyond mere survival. The use of GameMaker also meant the game could be easily ported to modern platforms, ensuring accessibility for contemporary audiences.

The Gaming Landscape at Release

2017 was a year of resurgence for indie shmups, with titles like Crimzon Clover and Jamestown+ gaining traction. Jet Buster entered this space with a unique selling point: its anthropomorphic cast and lighthearted narrative. While many shmups of the time leaned into serious or abstract themes, Jet Buster embraced the whimsy of its 90s inspirations, making it a standout in the genre.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

The story of Jet Buster is as absurd as it is endearing. Set in 2182, the game follows Makoto Kitsune, a fox-girl J-Pop idol turned “crimesweeper” after her musical tours are sabotaged by mysterious forces. The narrative is minimal but effective, serving as a backdrop for the game’s action. The cast includes other anthropomorphic characters like Axel Steel (a nod to Guitar Hero) and Amelia Summers, each with distinct personalities and playstyles.

Themes and Tone

The game’s themes revolve around perseverance and vengeance, but its tone remains lighthearted. The dialogue is playful, and the premise—an idol fighting back against her haters—is a clever twist on the typical shmup narrative. The game doesn’t take itself too seriously, which aligns with its 90s inspirations, where games like Pocky & Rocky and Twinkle Star Sprites blended action with charm.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

Jet Buster is a horizontal scrolling shooter with a focus on scoring and survival. Players control one of five characters, each with unique shot types and speeds. The game’s scoring system is its most innovative feature:

• Coins and Medals: Enemies drop coins when hit with the main shot. These can be collected for points or converted into medals using the sub-shot. Medals are worth more and can be leveled up to a maximum of 10, encouraging players to chain combos.
• Bombs: Bombs provide invincibility frames but deal no damage, making them a defensive tool rather than an offensive one.

Character Progression and Unlockables

The game features a shop where players can spend medals to unlock new characters, additional game modes (like Boss Rush), and even wallpapers. This system adds replayability, as players are incentivized to master the scoring mechanics to unlock everything.

Difficulty Modes

• Standard Mode: A balanced experience with frequent extends and manageable enemy patterns.
• Expert Mode: A harder variant with more aggressive enemy fire and a True Last Boss (TLB) that unlocks an extended ending.

UI and Accessibility

The UI is clean and functional, with clear indicators for score, bombs, and health. The game’s accessibility is one of its strengths, with a “Normal” mode that genuinely feels fair, making it a great entry point for newcomers to the genre.

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World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

Jet Buster’s world is a vibrant, sci-fi universe populated by anthropomorphic characters. The stages are varied, from urban landscapes to space stations, each with distinct visual themes. The art style is a love letter to 90s pixel art, with bold colors and expressive sprites.

Visual Direction

The game’s visuals are heavily inspired by early 90s shmups, particularly those on the Sharp X68000 and arcade systems. The character designs are charming, with Makoto’s fox-girl aesthetic standing out as a unique protagonist in a genre often dominated by spaceships.

Sound Design and Music

The soundtrack, composed by Hal Binderman (Heavy Viper), is a standout feature. Using the YM2151 sound chip (famous for its use in Capcom’s CPS-1 arcade boards), the music is a perfect blend of retro synth and catchy melodies. The sound effects are crisp, with satisfying explosions and weapon sounds that enhance the gameplay experience.

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Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Jet Buster received positive reviews upon release, with critics praising its accessibility, charm, and faithful recreation of 90s shmup aesthetics. On Steam, it holds a “Very Positive” rating, with players highlighting its fun gameplay and unique scoring system. However, some critics noted its short length as a drawback.

Influence and Community Impact

While Jet Buster didn’t revolutionize the shmup genre, it carved out a niche for itself as a accessible, charming title. Its success helped solidify Team Grybanser Fox’s reputation in the indie shmup community, and its anthropomorphic cast has inspired similar projects. The game’s community remains active, with players sharing high scores and strategies on forums like Shmups Wiki and Steam.

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Conclusion

Jet Buster is a delightful throwback to the 90s shmup era, blending accessibility with depth and wrapping it all in a charming, anthropomorphic package. Its innovative scoring system, vibrant visuals, and catchy soundtrack make it a standout title in the genre. While its short length may deter some, its replayability and unlockable content ensure it has lasting appeal.

Final Verdict: Jet Buster is a must-play for fans of classic shmups and a fantastic entry point for newcomers. Its place in video game history is secure as a loving homage to a bygone era, and its legacy continues to inspire indie developers to this day.

Score: 8.5/10 – A charming, accessible shmup with heart and style.