I generally find shmups frustrating, because it seems like I always get killed by the silliest things that I should have been able to avoid. But I guess that's what separates people who are good at the genre from people who are not.

Sol-Feace is no exception, but it is a gorgeous X68000 game. It is at least not very brutal at the beginning, I could get through the first level and kill the first boss. The types of obstacles they throw at you are fun, and the challenge doesn't arise from so-called bullet hell. At least not yet! The upgrades make a big difference in your ability to get through stuff, so when you die and lose it, better grab them as fast as possible!

This one comes with a full-color glossy manual and handsomely designed disk labels.