Mushihimesama

Mushihimesama is a vertical shooting game set in a fantasy world where giant insect-like creatures called Koju roam the forest outside Hoshifuri. When a mysterious sickness strikes Reco’s people, the young princess leaves the village to seek a cure from the God of the Koju. Riding her faithful Golden Beetle, Kiniro, she travels through the Shinju Forest, facing its hostile landscape and aggressive Koju.

The journey

Reco battles Koju across five stages, including a blazing desert, lush forests and a serene cave. The game uses HD sprite graphics and features bullet patterns that unfold during boss encounters. A smaller player hitbox lets you weave through dense volleys of bullets.

Game modes

Arcade mode aims to stay close to the original arcade game, while Novice mode offers similar play balanced for new players. Arrange mode starts you with maximum firepower and provides automatic defense. You can also choose from three weapon types and two option types, alongside several difficulty settings. Ultra mode is a particularly difficult challenge.

Music and stages

Composers Manabu Namiki and Masaharu Iwata provide two soundtracks, with a third available in V1.5. You can select a soundtrack for each stage and area. The optional V1.5 “Matsuri” Mode remixes the game with alternate music and mechanics: firing close to enemies raises your multiplier, but also increases bullet speed.

Optional features

• Training mode for practicing individual stages.
• Options to adjust the viewing window, screen size and position, and screen orientation, including vertical “tate” mode.
• Background images.
• Keyboard customization and support for multiple controllers.
• Online global leaderboards with replay sharing.
• Local co-op gameplay.
• Steam achievements.