For many long-time fans of the Macross franchise in the West, the journey to get new official video game releases has been a long and often frustrating one. For me, the last time I piloted a transforming Veritech fighter was back on the Nintendo Gamecube with Robotech: Battlecry. Now, decades later, a new challenger has entered the atmosphere: MACROSS Shooting Insight. This latest entry offers a decidedly different, yet familiarly thrilling, experience that warrants a look back at how far we’ve come.

For those who may not remember, Robotech: Battlecry on the Gamecube was a 3D third-person shooter that put you in the pilot’s seat of the iconic VF-1 Valkyrie. It was a game that, for its time, did a remarkable job of capturing the essence of the “Macross” saga (even under the Robotech banner due to complex licensing). You could seamlessly transform your Veritech between its three modes: Fighter for high-speed aerial combat, Guardian for a versatile mix of agility and firepower, and Battloid for ground-based assaults. The cel-shaded art style gave it a distinct anime look that felt authentic to the source material.

However, nostalgia can be a rose-tinted lens. Revisiting reviews and gameplay footage of Battlecry reminds us of its shortcomings. The missions, while capturing key moments from the series, often felt repetitive. The controls, though ambitious in allowing for transformation, could be sluggish and clunky, and the vast environments sometimes felt empty. Despite these flaws, for many, it was the definitive Macross gaming experience available at the time.

Fast forward to today, and MACROSS Shooting Insight arrives on modern consoles, offering a completely different approach. This is not a 3D arena shooter, but a multi-perspective 2.5D shoot ’em up, a genre that has deep roots in the Macross gaming history in Japan. The game is a love letter to the entire franchise, featuring pilots, mecha, and, of course, the iconic music from across various Macross series, from the original Super Dimension Fortress Macross to Macross Frontier and Macross Delta.

The core gameplay of Shooting Insight is a vibrant and often chaotic dance of dodging bullet-hell-esque patterns while unleashing a storm of your own missiles and laser fire. The perspective shifts dynamically throughout stages, moving between horizontal and vertical scrolling sections, and even a more controversial behind-the-back 3D mode. This constant change of pace keeps the action engaging, though the 3D segments have drawn criticism for their clunky controls, a sentiment that ironically echoes some of the complaints about its Gamecube predecessor.

The visual presentation is a clear evolution. While Battlecry‘s cel-shading was impressive for its era, Shooting Insight boasts crisp, high-definition models and environments teeming with detail. However, this visual fidelity can sometimes be a double-edged sword, as the screen can become incredibly cluttered with enemy fire, explosions, and UI elements, making it difficult to track your own ship and incoming threats.

Perhaps the most significant difference lies in the narrative approach. Battlecry told a more focused story within the “Macross” universe, albeit with some liberties. Shooting Insight, on the other hand, embraces a crossover narrative that brings characters from different timelines together. While a treat for die-hard fans who will revel in the interactions between their favorite pilots, the story can feel a bit tacked on and may be confusing for newcomers.

So, how does MACROSS Shooting Insight stack up against the memory of its Gamecube ancestor? It’s a testament to the evolution of both gaming technology and the approach to adapting a beloved franchise. Where Robotech: Battlecry aimed to create an immersive 3D simulation of piloting a Valkyrie, MACROSS Shooting Insight is a celebration of the franchise’s arcade-style action and rich musical heritage.

For those whose last foray into the world of Macross gaming was on the Gamecube, Shooting Insight will be a significant departure. The shift from a 3D third-person perspective to a multi-faceted 2.5D shoot ’em up might be jarring for some. However, for those who appreciate the fast-paced, reflex-driven gameplay of classic arcade shooters and have a deep love for the Macross universe, this new entry is a welcome and long-overdue return to the digital battlefield. It may not be a direct successor to the gameplay style of Battlecry, but it carries the same spirit of high-flying mecha action and idol-driven space opera that has made Macross a cultural phenomenon for decades.