1993 Shenandoah is an intriguing piece of work that has nearly thirty years between its creation and release. It embodies the indie spirit of a bygone era when games were made in garages instead of large studios. Those who experienced the 90s are likely to enjoy exploring this unexpected time capsule for insight into the evolution of the gaming industry. Its uniqueness makes it quite enjoyable as well.

• 1993 Shenandoah
• Platform: Switch, previously available on PC (as 1993 Space Machine)
• Developer: Limit Break
• Publisher: Limit Break
• Release date: July 9th, 2020
• Price: $12.99 via digital download
• Availability: Nintendo eShop

Shenandoah: Daughter of the Stars showcases the enduring appeal of the shoot ’em up genre. In 1992, Krister Karlsson and three friends aimed to create a game for the Commodore Amiga. After developing a demo and securing a publisher’s support, they were on track for a release. However, that never materialized. As the project neared completion, teenage drama caused the team to disband, halting progress and leaving the demo forgotten in a storage box.

Fortunately, Karlsson recently rediscovered the demo while preparing for home renovations. This sparked excitement among several like-minded developers, enabling them to finally bring the long-dormant game to market. Renamed 1993 Shenandoah to honor its remarkable hiatus, the game has been finished and is now available on Switch. But was the wait justified?

Celebrating the Nordic Demo Scene

When you dive into 1993 Shenandoah, you’ll be reminded of the industry’s golden days, before corporate decisions and focus groups turned our cherished pastime into a commodity. In the early 90s, the European demo scene was thriving. Small teams would create programs from their bedrooms and garages, pushing hardware to its limits. Similar to the boldness found in street art or hip hop, individuals could establish their reputations by coding impressive proofs-of-concept that showcased stunning visuals and captivating sounds.

While much of this coding was simply for show, some projects laid the groundwork for actual games. However, these creations often felt more like technical demonstrations than designs intended purely for enjoyment. Looking back, many of the creative concepts from that era may be more appealing than today’s overly cautious approaches.

An Unprecedented Amount of Weaponry

The experimental nature is evident throughout *1993 Shenandoah. While games like Gradius 3 offer players a wide range of weapons, the selection in Shenandoah is unmatched. At the game’s outset, you can choose from six different Class 1 ships and three Class 2 vessels. The Class 1 ships are small and agile, capable of carrying two weapons, whereas the Class 2 ships are larger and can hold four different types of armaments. Players can further upgrade their ships, enhancing the game’s replayability. Unlike many contemporary shooters that allow for single-credit completions, 1993 Shenandoahemphasizes persistence over practice, as players must invest currency into their weaponry to stand a chance in battles.

At the beginning of each of the game’s fifteen stages and subsequent sentinel battles (the term used for bosses), you have the opportunity to buy and enhance your weapons. Shenandoah features twenty-five distinct weapons across three categories, each of which can be upgraded up to three times. You’ll encounter various traditional weapon types, including those that fire homing projectiles, rapid-fire mini-gun rounds, and even rail guns that penetrate enemies. While some may critique the game for its lack of balance, others might appreciate this approach. Experimenting with different ships and configurations to defeat each enemy-filled stage is rewarding in itself. Additionally, you’ll need to learn to prioritize certain foes, as collisions with some will remove one of the regenerating orbs that shield your ship, while others can destroy your ship instantly.

An Abundance of Enemies, Yet Basic Attack Patterns

Shenandoah does show inconsistency in its stage design. With over a hundred enemy types, there is plenty of variety. Some levels feature dense minefields and asteroid belts, while others take players through interior sections filled with defense turrets that fire bullets or lightning bolts. Unique elements like magnetic barriers protecting channels filled with currency add to the game’s distinction. However, when compared to many modern shooters, the repetitive waves of enemies can feel somewhat generic, a feeling that is intensified by stages that may drag on too long. This is a minor issue, but Shenandoah does recycle its attack waves a bit too frequently.Fortunately, the sentinel showdown compensates for this. These encounters naturally increase the difficulty level, demanding quick reflexes when powerful projectiles are fired. Occasionally, these battles are more ambitious, requiring players to destroy a generator’s core. While Shenandoahlacks extensive exposition, the pop-up dialogue offering hints is a valuable addition. Another noteworthy aspect is the game’s capacity to support up to four cooperative players, which should alleviate the challenge of these confrontations.

Conclusion

Visually, the transition from Amiga to Switch is quite impressive. Players can anticipate a plethora of effects reminiscent of that era, including stages that conclude with a wavy transition and an array of particle effects. Those who have fond memories of 68000-based gaming will surely appreciate the sprite work, background tiling, and occasional visual treats, such as a massive animated dragon that stretches across multiple screens. In terms of sound, there are house beats and choral melodies that evoke the time period, but the music loops tend to be somewhat short. Another issue lies in the sound mixing, where certain explosions and alarms are excessively loud. However, there are some particularly gratifying sound effects; the satisfying crunch of breaking glass domes is just as rewarding as earning score bonuses.

Will those unfamiliar with Amiga gaming enjoy 1993 Shenandoah? The game’s departure from traditional shooters encourages players to enhance a ship that continuously fires bullets. Although Shenandoah does not hesitate to fill the screen with projectiles, it is much more forgiving than modern bullet-hell games. For seasoned players, the game may evoke thoughts of an industry dominated by independent projects, a time when aspiring teenagers could showcase their talents to the world.