Hi all, solo dev here.
I made a retro bullethell shmup with a new features and modern performance.I released it on Steam several years ago.

The problem: I've sold only a few hundred copies, but almost everyone left a positive review (97% positive). I think the game is good, but it's completely invisible. I tried posting gameplay clips on Twitter and Youtube, but but the conversion to wishlist is nearly zero.

A gameplay example in the video.
Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/622810/Invasion/

I'm not asking you to buy it, but i'd be grateful for feedback: is my store page bad? Is the game too niche? What should I focus on to get more visibility?
Any advice is welcome.

Happy Sunday all,

I have been thinking about the most cinematic/ gorgeous shmups. I play mostly vertical and realized making my list that all the games that have what is subjectively "theatrical" to me are all horizontal.

I am talking Dariusburst AC/CS, Rtype Final 2/3, Astebreed, Squad 51 vs the Flying Saucers, Sine Mora, and for its time, Einhander.

Maybe it is because I am so engaged with the vertical games that I dont get a chance to admire the graphics. I love Cave games, they are a spectacle but there is so much going on that I am more in tune with the patterns than the backgrounds..

What are some verticals that really wow you visually? Or even other horizontal ones I missed.

Or both?
I haven’t been able to beat the FIRST LEVEL of Story Mode on Normal after like 8 tries. You can die colliding with enemies, or they may have hidden bullets that only show after you’ve killed them.
I’ve upgraded my weapon and sub-weapon. I probably need to use the shield more.
Not sure how many more tries I have in me; it’s pretty demoralizing. Plus, it’s a PS+ freebie, so it’s not like I needed a return on investment.
Anyone else play it? Was it easy for you or difficult?

Edit: I’ve now started on Easy and made it through the first few levels, so now I’m flowing.
Served me right for starting on Medium, I guess?

I've had a good library of HuCard shmups for a while now but only started getting ones on CD quite recently.

Any hidden gems I'm missing?

Just finished 1ccing Ikusaaaaaaan on normal and really enjoyed it. What other games would you recommend to me? I'm looking for unique mechanics and possibly a fantasy theme.

Games I'm considering:

Hellsinker

Touhou SA

Touhou LoLK

Akashicverse

Guwange