Even as a demo, this experience is more fun, satisfying and thrilling than Ikaruga or Radiant Silvergun.
This really could have been something great had you kept developing it.
The strict adherence to a minimal mindset keeps the game and its mechanics tight allowing you to focus on creating a truly satisfying experience rather than complex upgrades and weapon systems.
It’s really about mastering a simple set of skills. Simple, but far from easy. This feels like a love letter to the SHMUPs of old, back when they were limited in what they could do because of the hardware.
The design both mechanically and aesthetically shows a real love and understanding of what makes a SHMUP great.