Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted is the newest CityConnection reissue of a Saturn game for modern platforms. CityConnection has been working on games like Elevator Action Returns, Cleopatra Fortune, and even Akai Katana Shin in recent times, but Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted is the first in the developer’s boosted lineup. Boosted, in this case, is for additional enhancements done which are a new soundtrack option, M2 ShotTriggers-style gadgets, and more. In this Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted PC and Steam Deck review, I’m going to cover the port, how it runs on Steam Deck, and the game itself.
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted launched on PC a few months ago worldwide, but only recently hit console platforms in the West. I never played Batsugun before this release, and while it isn’t a perfect re-issue, I’m glad to have a version of the game with enhancements on every PC and console platform today. Batsugun is considered the first ever “bullet hell” game as well and I definitely see that after playing it, but Batsugun has a lot more going for it that makes it worth playing for any fan of the genre.
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted PC requirements
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Core i5-8500 3.0GHz
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630
- Storage: 600 MB available space
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted PC graphics and display options
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted’s screen settings include the only real visual options. You can toggle the window size (which lets you use full screen, 720p, or 1080p), toggle v-sync, and adjust the screen mode which lets you use things like Tate Mode. There are five wallpaper options, an anti-aliasing toggle which I immediately turned off, one scanline option, and screen size options.
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted PC control options
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted does not include keyboard and mouse support. It only works with a controller. I played it using the Steam Deck itself, my 8BitDo Arcade Stick, and my DualSense controller. All of those worked perfectly. It only seems to have Xbox button prompts.
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted PC performance — input lag, stability, load times, and more
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted’s input lag measurements by the reliable kimagre Gaming reveal not much of a difference between platforms. This input lag result itself might turn some people off, but I’m glad that it isn’t as bad as the Cotton releases were initially, though that might also have to do with how much input delay the original games had before CityConnection’s engine and wrapper were used on them. While I can’t measure these things myself yet, my feeling on Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted is that it isn’t terrible, but it isn’t amazing either. It is alright.
For stability, I had some crashes when selecting the game on Steam Deck, but I’ve not had issues with anything in Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted as of this writing with Proton 8.0-3. Other versions have issues in my testing. Load times are quick as well, and the game looks very nice on the Steam Deck’s screen and when played on my 1440p monitor over DisplayPort on the Docking Station.
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted on Steam Deck
My Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted review was actually delayed by a few weeks because the game would not run on Steam Deck after an update regardless of the Proton version I tried. I finally got it working again by using the aforementioned Proton 8.0-3. I’ve had no crashes or major issues since. I disabled v-sync and have been enjoying my time with Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted on Steam Deck.
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted PC review
Batsugun is a vertical scrolling shooter from Toaplan that has you selecting one of three aircrafts, progressing through stages, gaining experience, and defeating bosses. It was the first game of its kind to have bullet hell-style patterns or numbers of bullets you need to dodge.
I mentioned the Boosted part being used for CityConnection adding M2 ShotTriggers-style gadgets, and those are quite disappointing here. I like having the song name and version visible, but the other “gadgets” or boosted HUD in Batsugun are quite mediocre. It just displays a few things you’ve collected and your score. M2 does this a lot better. I hope CityConnection improves on this for its next Boosted release.
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted includes two versions of the game. The first is Batsugun, and one is Batsugun aiming to be like the arcade version, while the Special version has balance adjustments, assist options, and more. These include a smaller hitbox as well. In terms of options, you can adjust difficulty for both versions, the soundtrack (original, arrange, PCB version, and the new Boosted Remix), number of credits, collision, and more. There is an Extra Options menu that lets you also try out the other stages and ship types easily.
Barring those options, Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted lets you use a save state, rewind, and view the manual through the menu at any time. It also includes leaderboards which I haven’t been able to load on Steam Deck so I can’t comment on how they work.
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted might be my favorite City Connection release yet alongside Akai Katana Shin. It brings a Toaplan classic I didn’t even know about to modern platforms, and the overall package is better than expected. The gadgets included are lacking, but I’m glad to have a way to play this game that I now love on Steam Deck, and will be grabbing it on consoles when the physical release is out in the near future.
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted is out now on Steam, Switch, Xbox One, and PS4 worldwide.
