Apidya Special is out

This is a game that I was looking forward to trying out (based solely on the trailer). Now, I'm on the fence.

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Originally released on 20 April, 1992.

Apidya is a "damn weird" horizontal shooter. Upon release (on the Amiga), it was regarded as a competent game.

TheOne Magazine gave it a 79%:

Apidya's programmers have bust a gut to make their game as 'console like' as possible. Just about every thing that should be in a top shoot-'em-up is here, along with a few extras chucked in for good measure loadsaweapons, autofire, fast and frenetic action and, most importantly, a real arcade feel. In fact, Apidya is one of the best shoot-'em-up seen since Silkworm (my persor favourite), though the 'Blue Peter Garden' look might put hardened blasters off. Also, because the graphics are small, it can be difficult to see enemies and bullets, making frustrating 'unfair' deaths a little too common. Apidya lacks the graphic sophistication of, say. Project X, it packs a rock-hard sonic punch there's enough solid action to keep you going for a fair while.

Zero Magazine had some similar comments and comparisons, but awarded the game a 93%.

Games World gave it 84%.

CU Amiga had a lot to say about Apidya and gave it an 80%, noting that it feels like five games in one.

The whole thing if five levels, divided into three stages. It takes hints from many games of the time with a power-up system and even some levels that reminded reviewers of R-Type.

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The new Special version has been reviewed by Video Chums:

[T]he gameplay isn't nearly as enjoyable as many genre classics due to its tedious stage designs and annoying enemy patterns that rely far too heavily on hugging the bottom of the stage which you can't fly too close to or else you're exterminated. It's still rather fun, though.

3/5 stars

The gameplay footage they've shared makes it look a little dull.

Is anyone planning on picking this one up?