Super Hydorah

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}{{Distinguish|Hedorah|Hydra (disambiguation){{!}}Hydra}}

{{Infobox video game

| collapsible = yes

| state = expanded

| title = Super Hydorah

| image = Super Hydorah cover art.jpg

| caption = Super Hydorah official artwork

| developer = Locomalito

| publisher = Abylight Studios

| platforms = Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Nintendo Switch

| released = Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita
September 20, 2017
iOS
May 17, 2018
Nintendo Switch
November 15, 2018

| genre = Side-scrolling shoot 'em up

| modes = Single-player, multiplayer

| composer = Gryzor87

}}

Super Hydorah is a 2017 independent side-scrolling shoot 'em up video game developed by Locomalito and published by Abylight Studios. It features a 16-32 bit era look and feel as well as a CRT Monitor effect.{{Cite web|title=Super Hydorah announced: save the universe in the most intense shoot'em up! - Abylight|url=https://abylight.com/super-hydorah-announced-save-the-universe-in-the-most-intense-shootem-up/|access-date=2021-10-25|language=en-US}} The game was released for Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita on September 20, 2017, and later, in 2018, ported to iOS on May 17 and Nintendo Switch on November 15, respectively.{{Cite web|title=▷ Super Hydorah {{!}} Abylight Studios|url=https://abylightstudios.com/game/super-hydorah/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=abylightstudios.com|language=en-GB}} The game is an expanded and enhanced version of the developer's previous freeware game Hydorah.

The game follows the Delta Lance, a lone space fighter, as its pilot fights to defeat the evil Meroptian alien race and save humanity. Super Hydorah received positive reviews, praising its graphics, design and music, while criticizing its game balance and unforgiving difficulty.

Gameplay and synopsis

The old-school gameplay has been compared to Gradius and other classic side-scrolling shooters. The player controls the ship on a side-scrolling plane and can choose between several weapon classes that are divided into main, secondary and special weapon.{{Cite news|url=https://vandal.elespanol.com/analisis/xbone/super-hydorah/47070|title=Análisis Super Hydorah|work=Vandal|access-date=2018-04-09|language=es-ES|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409172201/https://vandal.elespanol.com/analisis/xbone/super-hydorah/47070|archive-date=2018-04-09|url-status=live}} Each level has a mid-boss and final boss. The game also has 3 game modes, including single-player, co-op multiplayer, and a robot control spin-off.{{Cite web|title=▷ The references of Super Hydorah {{!}} Abylight Studios|url=https://abylightstudios.com/the-references-of-super-hydorah/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=abylightstudios.com|language=en-GB}}

In Super Hydorah, the player will face hordes of Meroptians, the bio-mechanical creatures set in a ruthless war of conquest over the Omnios star. As the lone space pilot Delta Lance, the player will fight to defeat the evil of Hydorah that threatens the universe.{{Cite web|title=The hordes of Super Hydorah are coming to Xbox One! - Abylight|url=https://abylight.com/the-hordes-of-super-hydorah-are-coming-to-xbox-one/|access-date=2021-10-25|language=en-US}}

Super Hydorah features a non-linear level layout and requires the player to master the game to progress and choose their own path through the planets, hence offering alternative routes and multiple endings for better replayability.

There are 21 stages in Super Hydorah (up from 16 in Hydorah), divided into 35 sublevels and with 35 bosses and more than 100 enemies. The stages are connected with a map and can diverge at points with a second "true" ending available if the player completes all levels. While the original game limited the number of saves per playthrough to 5, the remaster allows infinite saves and continues.

Development and release

Both the developer and composer of the game reside in Andalusia, Spain.{{Cite web|url=http://www.indiegames.com/2010/07/gryzor87s_retroinspired_sound_1.html|title=IndieGames.com - The Weblog Gryzor87's Retro-Inspired Sound: Hydorah Music Q&A (Locomalito)|website=www.indiegames.com|access-date=2018-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112223151/http://www.indiegames.com/2010/07/gryzor87s_retroinspired_sound_1.html|archive-date=2019-01-12|url-status=live}} The development of the original game Hydorah took two and a half years, and was released for Microsoft Windows on June 3, 2010.{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2010/06/16bitstyle_indie_shmup_hydorah.php|title=GameSetWatch 16-bit-style Indie Shmup Hydorah Releases|website=www.gamesetwatch.com|access-date=2018-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111215217/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2010/06/16bitstyle_indie_shmup_hydorah.php|archive-date=2019-01-11|url-status=live}} The game's original soundtrack was composed by Gryzor87 and resembles that of 16-bit titles, and influenced by Konami classic games, the TV series Ulysses 31, and rock bands such as Camel, Judas Priest, and Symphony X.{{Cite web|title=▷ Super Hydorah has a release date on Nintendo Switch, finally! {{!}} Abylight Studios|url=https://abylightstudios.com/super-hydorah-has-a-release-date-on-nintendo-switch-finally/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=abylightstudios.com|language=en-GB}}

Locomalito and Abylight Studios announced the development of Super Hydorah, a new edition of the original Hydorah game. This is part of the agreement between the said developer and publisher to bring gaming titles, including Hydorah, to consoles.{{Cite web|title=Abylight is bringing to consoles the acclaimed games of Locomalito|url=https://abylight.com/abylight-is-bringing-to-consoles-the-acclaimed-games-of-locomalito-the-brilliant-homebrew-developer/|access-date=2021-10-25|language=en-US}}

Super Hydorah was released on September 20, 2017, for Steam and Xbox One. A new update for the Steam version was released in November 2018, including support for 9 languages, a new skill mode for inexperienced pilots, aesthetic changes, a new boss life bar, and more refinements.{{Cite web|title=The indie shoot'em up Super Hydorah releases on September 20th|url=https://abylight.com/the-indie-shmup-super-hydorah-releases-on-september-20th-for-xbox-one-and-steam/|access-date=2021-10-25|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=▷ New update for Super Hydorah on Steam. Check it out! {{!}} Abylight Studios|url=https://abylightstudios.com/new-update-for-super-hydorah-on-steam-check-it-out/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=abylightstudios.com|language=en-GB}}{{cite web|url=http://abylight.com/super-hydorah-has-a-release-date-on-nintendo-switch-finally/|title=Super Hydorah has a release date on Nintendo Switch, finally!|work=Abylight Studios|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130072956/http://abylight.com/super-hydorah-has-a-release-date-on-nintendo-switch-finally/|archive-date=November 30, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=November 29, 2018|df=mdy-all}}

On December 13, 2017, Super Hydorah was released for PlayStation 4 (3 game modes) and PlayStation Vita (single-player mode only), which both include trophies and a cross-buy option.{{Cite web|title=Super Hydorah announces release date for PS4 and PS Vita - Abylight|url=https://abylight.com/super-hydorah-lands-on-ps4-and-ps-vita-december-13th/|access-date=2021-10-25|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Super Hydorah lands today on PS4 and PS VITA! - Abylight|url=https://abylight.com/super-hydorah-lands-today-on-ps4-and-ps-vita/|access-date=2021-10-25|language=en-US}}

Abylight Studios teamed up with Limited Run Games to release a physical Collector's Edition and Standard Edition of Super Hydorah for PlayStation 4 on March 9, 2018, and for PS Vita on June 8, 2018.{{Cite web|title=Super Hydorah will have a physical edition for PS4! - Abylight|url=https://abylight.com/super-hydorah-physical-edition-for-ps4/|access-date=2021-10-25|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=▷ Super Hydorah's physical edition for PS Vita will arrive soon! {{!}} Abylight Studios|url=https://abylightstudios.com/super-hydorahs-physical-edition-for-ps-vita-will-arrive-soon/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=abylightstudios.com|language=en-GB}} A physical edition for PlayStation 4 in Spain was also released through the agreement between Abylight Studios and GAME Stores.{{Cite web|title=▷ Super Hydorah is available for pre-order at GAME stores {{!}} Abylight Studios|url=https://abylightstudios.com/super-hydorah-is-available-for-pre-order-at-game-stores/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=abylightstudios.com|language=en-GB}}

In February 2018, Abylight Studios announced a full version of Super Hydorah for the arcade platform exA-Arcadia and was officially showcased in JAEPO 2018. This arcade version features non-stop action, rebalancing of difficulty for experienced players, and instant 2-player mode.{{Cite web|title=Super Hydorah lands on arcade! - Abylight|url=https://abylight.com/super-hydorah-lands-arcade/|access-date=2021-10-25|language=en-US}}

Super Hydorah was ported to iOS and released on May 17, 2018.{{Cite web|title=▷ Super Hydorah will have an iOS version! {{!}} Abylight Studios|url=https://abylightstudios.com/super-hydorah-will-have-an-ios-version/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=abylightstudios.com|language=en-GB}} In order to achieve adequate levels of control, Abylight has developed a polished tactile system and tweaks such as adapting controls to touch screens and new difficulty levels to maintain the original essence of the game. This version also includes support for 9 languages, haptic vibration, MFI Joystick support, and Game Center integration.{{Cite web|title=▷ Super Hydorah iOS version is out now! {{!}} Abylight Studios|url=https://abylightstudios.com/super-hydorah-ios-version-is-out-now/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=abylightstudios.com|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|title=▷ Keep playing: Cursed Castilla and Super Hydorah now available on Apple TV {{!}} Abylight Studios|url=https://abylightstudios.com/keep-playing-cursed-castilla-and-super-hydorah-now-available-on-apple-tv/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=abylightstudios.com|language=en-GB}}

Yoyo Games, the developers of GameMaker Studio used by video game creators such as Locomalito, announced the option to export directly to Nintendo Switch in the summer of 2018. Abylgiht Studios released Super Hydorah for the Nintendo Switch through the Nintendo eShop on November 15, 2018. The Nintendo Switch version includes new features such as running at 60fps, selection skill mode, new boss life bar, new aesthetic changes and more refinements, and support for 9 languages.{{Cite web|title=▷ Abylight Studios will bring Super Hydorah and Cursed Castilla to Nintendo Switch {{!}} Abylight Studios|url=https://abylightstudios.com/abylight-studios-will-bring-super-hydorah-and-cursed-castilla-to-nintendo-switch/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=abylightstudios.com|language=en-GB}}

In January 2020, Super Hydorah became available on Apple TV with access for players who previously purchased the game on iOS. This version includes control compatibility with MFi, Xbox, and PS4 controllers and cloud support to save across Apple devices, among other features.

Reception

{{Video game reviews

| MC = PC: 82/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/super-hydorah/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Super Hydorah for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=2018-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327055921/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/super-hydorah |archive-date=2018-03-27 |url-status=live }}
XONE: 82/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/super-hydorah/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Super Hydorah for Xbox One Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=2018-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114060149/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/super-hydorah |archive-date=2018-11-14 |url-status=live }}
iOS: 82/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/super-hydorah/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Super Hydorah for iPhone/iPad Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=2018-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118152613/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/super-hydorah |archive-date=2018-11-18 |url-status=live }}

| rev1 = TouchArcade

| rev1Score = iOS: {{rating|4|5}}{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2018/05/17/super-hydorah-review/ |title='Super Hydorah' Review – A Shoot 'Em Up Worthy of Sore Thumbs |last=Duraj (Lata) |first=Maciej (Mike) |date=2018-05-17 |website=TouchArcade |access-date=2018-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210050549/https://toucharcade.com/2018/05/17/super-hydorah-review/ |archive-date=2019-02-10 |url-status=live }}

}}

Super Hydorah received positive reviews, with an aggregate score of 82/100 on Metacritic.

Tim W. of Indiegames.com called the original Hydorah a "gem of a game" that would "more than delight" SHMUP fans, but criticized the lack of a difficulty setting.{{Cite web|url=http://www.indiegames.com/2010/06/freeware_game_pick_hydorah_loc.html|title=IndieGames.com - The Weblog Freeware Game Pick: Hydorah (Locomalito)|website=www.indiegames.com|access-date=2018-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112063838/http://www.indiegames.com/2010/06/freeware_game_pick_hydorah_loc.html|archive-date=2019-01-12|url-status=live}}

Jose A. Rodriguez of IGN Spain rated Super Hydorah 7/10 and said that it was fun, addictive and intense, but called it too difficult and repetitive.{{Cite news|url=http://es.ign.com/super-hydorah-pc/123713/review/super-hydorah-analisis-para-pc|title=Super Hydorah. Análisis para PC|date=2017-09-25|work=IGN España|access-date=2018-04-09|language=es-ES|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409172010/http://es.ign.com/super-hydorah-pc/123713/review/super-hydorah-analisis-para-pc|archive-date=2018-04-09|url-status=live}} IGN Italy gave it a score of 8.2 out of 10.{{Cite web|url=https://it.ign.com/super-hydorah-xbox-one/131008/review/super-hydorah-la-recensione|title=Super Hydorah - La Recensione|date=2017-09-18|website=IGN Italia|language=it|access-date=2019-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430140535/https://it.ign.com/super-hydorah-xbox-one/131008/review/super-hydorah-la-recensione|archive-date=2019-04-30|url-status=live}}

Hobby Consolas gave it an 85.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reviews/analisis-super-hydorah-shooter-espanol-xbox-one-pc-166332|title=Análisis de Super Hydorah el shooter español para Xbox One y PC|last=Consolas|first=Redacción Hobby|date=2017-09-22|website=HobbyConsolas|language=es|access-date=2019-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108033357/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reviews/analisis-super-hydorah-shooter-espanol-xbox-one-pc-166332|archive-date=2018-01-08|url-status=live}}

The Games Machine gave it a 9 out of 10.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamesmachine.it/super-hydorah/super-hydorah-recensione-pc-xbox-one/|title=Super Hydorah Recensione PC Xbox One|website=The Games Machine|date=19 July 2017 |language=it-IT|access-date=2019-05-06}}

Maniac Games gave it a score of 74.{{Cite web|url=https://www.maniac.de/tests/super-hydorah-im-test-xone/|title=Super Hydorah - im Test (Xbox One)|last=Schmid|first=Matthias|date=2017-09-26|website=MANIAC.de|language=de-DE|access-date=2019-05-06}}

Nintendo Life reviewed the Switch version of the game giving it a score of 8/10.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/super_hydorah|title=Review: Super Hydorah - New Ideas Meet Old-School Gameplay In This Superb Indie Effort|date=2018-12-01|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203193503/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/super_hydorah|archive-date=2018-12-03|url-status=live}}

Eurogamer recommended the game.{{Cite news|url=https://www.eurogamer.pt/articles/2017-12-27-super-hydorah-analise|title=Super Hydorah - Análise|last=Alexandre|first=Vítor|date=2017-12-27|website=Eurogamer.pt|language=pt-PT|access-date=2019-06-26}}