Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Star Waspir

Jun 20, 2025
Jay Ma, the brilliant mind behind Into the Breach, Steve Gillham, an aspiring game developer and UFO 50 aficionado, and Adam Dolin, an acclaimed writer from God of War: Ragnarok, join the conversation. They dive into the frenetic world of 'Star Waspir,' sharing insights on its challenging gameplay and unique mechanics. Personal anecdotes sprinkle humor throughout, as they discuss the balance of nostalgia and frustration in tough games. Listeners will enjoy tales of community collaboration and the creative spark that fuels indie game development.
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ADVICE

Carefully Combo Power-Up Letters

  • Manage your picking order of power-up letters E, G, and combo carefully to maintain your multiplier and survive.
  • Avoid typing wrong combinations as they reset progress and impact survival chances.
ANECDOTE

Zatoichi's Shmup Learning Journey

  • Zatoichi shared his journey from almost immediately dying to finally entering a flow state after 30 hours of play.
  • He described the intense focus shmups demand, comparing it to unfocusing eyes like "magic eyes" to see the full game picture.
ADVICE

Use Bombs Strategically for Survival

  • Power-ups and bombs are critical for tackling tough waves and bosses quickly to boost score and lives.
  • Learn specific ship abilities to blast through difficult enemies and avoid being overwhelmed.
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