Editing Bangai-O

{{Short description|1999 video game}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Bangai-O
|image = Bangai-ON64Box.jpg
|caption = Nintendo 64 box art
|developer = [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]]
|publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|[[Entertainment Software Publishing]]|EU|Swing! Entertainment Media|NA|[[Conspiracy Entertainment]]}}
|programmer=Mitsuru Yaida
|composer =
|released = '''Nintendo 64'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP|September 3, 1999}}'''Dreamcast'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP|December 9, 1999|EU|October 20, 2000|NA|March 21, 2001}}
|genre = [[Shoot 'em up]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
|platforms = [[Nintendo 64]], [[Dreamcast]]
}}

'''''Bangai-O'''''{{efn|name=fn1|Known in Japan as: {{nihongo|''Bakuretsu Muteki Bangaiō''|爆裂無敵 バンガイオー||lit. "Explosive Invincible Bangaioh"}}}} is a [[Shoot 'em up#Multidirectional shooter|multidirectional shooter]] developed by [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]] and released in 1999 on the [[Nintendo 64]] in Japan. It was ported to the [[Dreamcast]] worldwide shortly after with some gameplay changes and updated graphics and audio. The game places the player in control of a weaponized [[Mecha|mech]] that can hover across large stages and fire at enemies all around them. The player must reach the end of each stage and defeat the [[Boss (video gaming)|boss]], while avoiding hazards scattered across the map such as enemy mechs and gun turrets.

The initial ideas for ''Bangai-O'' came from Treasure [[Video game programmer|programmer]] Mitsuru Yaida who wanted to challenge himself by programming an extreme number of bullets on the screen at once. Journalists agree that Yaida was most likely inspired by the 1984 Japanese computer game ''Hover Attack''. The team developed the game with a focus on creating enjoyable gameplay, and opted for simple graphical effects to preserve the game's speed. ''Bangai-O'' was released on the Nintendo 64 and was limited to a run of 10,000 copies because of publisher [[Entertainment Software Publishing]]'s belief it had niche appeal. The team replaced most of the graphics and audio, changed some gameplay elements, and re-released it on the Dreamcast three months later, a version later released internationally.

''Bangai-O'' received positive reviews from game journalists. Many critics compared it to [[shoot 'em up]]s and [[Action game|action]] games of the past, praising its [[Retrogaming|retro]] gameplay and aesthetics. They also commended the level design for keeping the game interesting throughout. Some reviews, especially those for the Dreamcast version, were more critical of the graphics and believed the game's value was primarily in its nostalgic gameplay. The game received two sequels: ''[[Bangai-O Spirits]]'' (2008) for the [[Nintendo DS]] and ''[[Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury]]'' (2011) for the [[Xbox 360]].

== Gameplay ==
[[File:Bangaio_screenshot.png|thumb|left|A player in the center hovers through a stage while avoiding enemy shots (Nintendo 64).]]

''Bangai-O'' is a 2D [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] [[multidirectional shooter]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/bangai-o/|title=Bangai-O|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|date=January 22, 2009|work=Hardcore Gaming 101|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520180741/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/bangai-o/|archive-date=May 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The player controls a weaponized [[Mecha|mech]] that is piloted by the two main characters, Riki and his sister Mami. The story follows Riki and Mami in their efforts to stop criminals from smuggling fruit contraband to finance their evil deeds.<ref name=":3" /> The player can fly freely around each of the game's 44 stages, and must find and destroy the [[Boss (gaming)|boss]] in each stage to advance.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/11/bakuretsu-muteki-bangaio-import|title=Bakuretsu Muteki Bangaio (Import)|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=April 10, 2000|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116001743/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/11/bakuretsu-muteki-bangaio-import|archive-date=January 16, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/n64/bakuretsu_muteki_bangaioh|title=Bakuretsu Muteki Bangaioh Review|last=Watts|first=Martin|date=June 16, 2013|website=Nintendo Life|publisher=[[Gamer Network|Hookshot Media]]|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926134352/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/n64/bakuretsu_muteki_bangaioh|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The mech can shoot in eight directions, and the type of ammo is dependent on which character is piloting. The two pilots can be interchanged instantaneously, Riki fires homing missiles and Mami shoots reflecting projectiles which bounce off walls.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/bakuretsu-muteki-bangaioh-import-review/1900-2544085/|title=Bakuretsu Muteki Bangaioh (Import) Review|last=Bartholow|first=Peter|date=October 7, 1999|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[Fandom (website)|Fandom]]|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520181351/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/bakuretsu-muteki-bangaioh-import-review/1900-2544085/|archive-date=May 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The stages are populated with destroyable buildings and obstacles, as well as some walls that are opened by switches.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> There are also hazards such as gun turrets and enemy mechs which fire projectiles at the player. The player has a health meter but no brief invulnerability period after being hit, so can die instantly if hit with a barrage of fire.<ref name=":2" /> Destroyed enemies and objects yield fruit which replenishes a meter that is used to power the "scatter bomb" attack.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Sega_Dreamcast//Manual/formated/Bangai-O_-_2000_-_Virgin_Games,_Ltd..pdf|title=Bangai-O ''instruction manual''|publisher=Sega|year=2000|location=Dreamcast|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520180741/https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Sega_Dreamcast//Manual/formated/Bangai-O_-_2000_-_Virgin_Games,_Ltd..pdf|archive-date=May 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> This attack can be charged to release up to 100 shots scattered in all directions at once. Hitting all 100 shots on enemies will open a small portal to a shop where the player can get upgrades such as improved shot damage.<ref name=":2" />

The Dreamcast version of ''Bangai-O'', released after the initial Nintendo 64 version, features significant differences in gameplay which results in a more streamlined experience. In the Dreamcast version, the bullets are stronger, and destroying objects and enemies refills the bomb attack meter instead of fruit which now only add to the player's score. The bomb attack also can no longer be charged to a specific number of missiles, but is dependent on the player's proximity to enemy projectiles.<ref name=":0" /> In the Dreamcast version, up to 400 missiles can be shot at once in comparison to 100 on the Nintendo 64.<ref name=":7" /> Also, the shop is removed. Instead, the game includes power-ups that can be found among environment wreckage. There are also other minor differences such as scoring differences and more structure and enemy types.<ref name=":0" />

== Development ==
[[File:Hover_Attack_screenshot.png|thumb|right|''Hover Attack'' (1984) is believed to be the inspiration for ''Bangai-O''.]]
The idea for ''Bangai-O'' came from [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]] employee Mitsuru Yaida (commonly known by the pseudonym "Yaiman"). He remembered playing an older shooting game that amazed him with the sheer number of bullets that could be rendered on the screen at once.<ref name=":13">{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/f/fe/DCM_JP_19991008_1999-31.pdf|title=爆裂無敵バンガイオー SPECIAL INTERVIEW|language=ja|magazine=[[Gemaga|Dreamcast Magazine (JP)]]|publisher=[[SB Creative]]|volume=31|date=October 8, 1999|pages=43–47|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520180741/https://retrocdn.net/images/f/fe/DCM_JP_19991008_1999-31.pdf|archive-date=May 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Even though Yaiman and other staff behind the game have not identified the game, industry analysts agree that the game is almost certainly ''Hover Attack'' (1984) for Japanese computers.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://diposit.ub.edu/dspace/bitstream/2445/119542/3/memoria.pdf|title=Simple Space: 2D game design and development|last=Danylenko|first=Oleksandr|date=June 21, 2017|publisher=University of Barcelona|page=18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520180741/https://diposit.ub.edu/dspace/bitstream/2445/119542/3/memoria.pdf|archive-date=May 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/24/the-leif-ericson-awards|title=The Leif Ericson Awards|last=Fahs|first=Travis|date=March 24, 2008|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=December 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903163134/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/24/the-leif-ericson-awards|archive-date=September 3, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/JPNcomputers/Japanesecomputers4.htm|title=Retro Japanese Computers: Gaming's Final Frontier (Part 4: Recommended Games)|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|year=2009|website=Hardcore Gaming 101|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110075724/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/JPNcomputers/Japanesecomputers4.htm|archive-date=November 10, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Yaiman began thinking about the programming challenges involved in detecting when the bullets collide with other objects, and started work on a prototype. He later received permission from company president Masato Maegawa to pull in other staff and work towards producing a full game.<ref name=":13" /> Yaiman served as the main programmer and "General Manager".<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite video game|title=Bangai-O|developer=Treasure|publisher=ESP|platform=Nintendo 64|scene=Credits|date=1999}}</ref> About ten people worked on ''Bangai-O''.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Treasure|magazine=Gamers' Republic|publisher=Millennium Publications|volume=2|issue=4|date=September 1999|pages=14–18, 124}}</ref>

Treasure developed the game with a focus on creating addictive and fast gameplay, with less focus on graphics. They opted for large and fast 2D graphical effects and anime artwork to preserve their style.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/07/03/treasure-unearthed|title=Treasure Unearthed|author=IGN staff|date=July 2, 1999|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715133105/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/07/03/treasure-unearthed|archive-date=July 15, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> One of the artists on the team, Koichi Kimura, had just finished working on ''[[Guardian Heroes]]'' (1996), another 2D game. With more powerful development hardware available, he wanted to challenge himself the possibilities and limits of 2D graphics. The story is based on typical Japanese [[yakuza]] [[revenge play]]s.<ref name=":13" />

== Release ==
Treasure announced ''Bangai-O'' for the Nintendo 64 in June 1999.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/06/24/unearthing-treasure-for-n64|title=Unearthing Treasure for N64|author=IGN staff|date=June 23, 1999|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508025910/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/06/24/unearthing-treasure-for-n64|archive-date=May 8, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> It was released on September 3 the same year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.treasure-inc.co.jp/products/products_main.html|title=Treasure Home Page - Products|language=ja|website=Treasure|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305222125/https://www.treasure-inc.co.jp/products/products_main.html|archive-date=March 5, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Because of the game's niche appeal, the publisher [[Entertainment Software Publishing]] (ESP) only shipped 10,000 units.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/28/bakuretsu-muteki-bangaio-import-2|title=Bakuretsu Muteki Bangaio (Import) (Preview)|author=IGN staff|date=August 27, 1999|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520180741/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/28/bakuretsu-muteki-bangaio-import-2|archive-date=May 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/N64_Magazine_Issue_036_1999_Future_Publishing_GB_christmas_edition|title=Import Arena: Bakuretsu Muteki Bangaio|last=Kitts|first=Martin|magazine=[[NGC Magazine|N64 Magazine]]|publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]]|issue=36|date=Christmas 1999|pages=86}}</ref>

The Dreamcast version was first released in Japan on December 9, 1999.<ref name=dcm39/> This version had improved graphics and audio over the Nintendo 64 original.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/11/22/new-streaming-bangaioh-audio|title=New Streaming Bangaioh Audio|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=November 22, 1999|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020211050/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/11/22/new-streaming-bangaioh-audio|archive-date=October 20, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Many of the sprites were reworked, background animations were added, and the game now featured CD-quality music.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=1620&t=r|title=REVIEW for Bangaio [sic] (DC)|last=Van Stone|first=Matt "Kodomo"|date=March 14, 2000|magazine=[[GameFan]]|publisher=Shinno Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000621000026/http://www.gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=1620&t=r|archive-date=June 21, 2000|url-status=dead}}</ref> By February 2000, publishers were researching the possibility of localizing the Dreamcast version for Western audiences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/25/bangaioh-blasts-into-the-us-market|title=Bangaioh Blasts Into the US Market?|last=Justice|first=Brandon|date=February 25, 2000|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020211059/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/25/bangaioh-blasts-into-the-us-market|archive-date=October 20, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] (E3) in May that year, ''[[IGN]]'' reported that a company had begun localizing the game, and had given it English menus and renamed it ''Bangai-O'' from its obscure Japanese title, ''Bakuretsu Muteki Bangaioh''.{{efn|name=fn1}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/12/e32000-bangaioh-set-for-american-release|title=E32000: Bangaioh Set For American Release|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=May 12, 2000|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020211154/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/12/e32000-bangaioh-set-for-american-release|archive-date=October 20, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In December, industry newcomer [[Conspiracy Entertainment]] announced they were localizing ''Bangai-O'' along with another Dreamcast game, ''[[Record of Lodoss War: Advent of Cardice|Record of Lodoss War]]'' (2000).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/conspiracy-to-bring-esp-games-stateside/1100-2654539/|title=Conspiracy to Bring ESP Games Stateside|last=Ahmed|first=Shahed|date=December 14, 2000|website=GameSpot|publisher=Fandom|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520181351/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/conspiracy-to-bring-esp-games-stateside/1100-2654539/|archive-date=May 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/12/bangai-o|title=Bangai-O (Preview)|last=Chau|first=Anthony|date=December 11, 2000|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020211115/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/12/bangai-o|archive-date=October 20, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The Dreamcast version was planned for release on February 27, 2001, but was eventually released on March 21.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/07/the-games-of-february-a-the-us-edition|title=The Games of February: The U.S. Edition|author=IGN staff|date=February 6, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020211104/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/07/the-games-of-february-a-the-us-edition|archive-date=October 20, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| SDC = true
| N64 = true
| na = true
| MC_SDC = 87/100<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/bangai-o/|title=Bangai-O (DC)|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=Fandom|access-date=December 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110233751/https://www.metacritic.com/game/bangai-o/|archive-date=November 10, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
| CVG_SDC = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=":8">{{Cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/4/40/CVG_UK_231.pdf|title=Bangai-O (DC)|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|publisher=[[Ascential|EMAP]]|issue=231|date=February 2001|page=107|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401062238/https://retrocdn.net/images/4/40/CVG_UK_231.pdf|archive-date=April 1, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| EGM_SDC = 7.5/10<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/f/fe/EGM_US_140.pdf|title=Bangai-O|last=Mielke|first=James "Milkman"|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|publisher=Ziff Davis|issue=140|date=March 2001|page=110|access-date=December 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010309180211/http://www.zdnet.com/egm/stories/main/0,11589,2675796,00.html|archive-date=March 9, 2001|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Fam_SDC = 27/40<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/03/dreamcast-famitsu-scores|title=Dreamcast Famitsu Scores|last=Langan|first=Matthew|date=December 3, 1999|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720230330/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/03/dreamcast-famitsu-scores|archive-date=July 20, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Fam_N64 = 30/40<ref name=fam64>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=2780&redirect=no|script-title=ja:ニンテンドウ64 - 爆裂無敵バンガイオー|language=ja|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|volume=915|date=June 30, 2006|page=32|access-date=December 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210003048/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=2780&redirect=no|archive-date=December 10, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GameFan_SDC = 92%<ref name=":7" />
| GameFan_N64 = 92%<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_7_Issue_12/page/n19/mode/2up|title=Bangaio [sic] (N64) [JP Import]|last1=Ngo|first1=George "Eggo"|last2=Rodriguez|first2=Tyrone "Cerberus"|last3=Weitzner|first3=Jason "Fury"|magazine=GameFan|publisher=Shinno Media|volume=7|issue=12|date=December 1999|page=18|access-date=December 10, 2023}}</ref>{{efn|In ''[[GameFan]]''{{'}}s viewpoint of the Nintendo 64 version's Japanese import, three critics gave it each a score of 93, 90, and 92.}}<br />(E.M.) 91%<ref name="gfaniss12">{{Cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_7_Issue_12/page/n87/mode/2up|title=Bangai-O (N64) [JP Import]|last=Mylonas|first=Eric "ECM"|magazine=GameFan|publisher=Shinno Media|volume=7|issue=12|date=December 1999|pages=86–87|access-date=December 10, 2023}}</ref><br />(R.M.) 89%<ref name="gfanwebrev">{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=1331&t=r|title=REVIEW for Bangaio [sic] (DC; Import)|last=Mears|first=Rick|date=June 12, 2000|magazine=GameFan|publisher=Shinno Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000612043949/http://gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=1331&t=r|archive-date=June 12, 2000|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GSpot_SDC = 8.5/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/bangai-o-review/1900-2540046/|title=Bangai-O Review (DC) [JP Import]|last=Lopez|first=Miguel|date=January 7, 2000|website=GameSpot|publisher=Fandom|access-date=December 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515041014/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/bangai-o-review/1900-2540046/|archive-date=May 15, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot_N64 = 7.8/10<ref name=":3" />
| GSpy_SDC = 8.5/10<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|url=http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/bangai-o/|title=Bangai-O|author=digitaltaco|date=March 28, 2001|website=[[GameSpy|PlanetDreamcast]]|publisher=GameSpy Industries|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010619153714/http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/bangai-o/|archive-date=June 19, 2001|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| IGN_SDC = (JP) 9.3/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/21/bakuretsu-muteki-bangaioh-import|title=Bakuretsu Muteki Bangaioh (Import) (DC)|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=December 21, 1999|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020220121/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/21/bakuretsu-muteki-bangaioh-import|archive-date=October 20, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><br />(US) 9/10<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/01/18/bangai-o-2|title=Bangai-O (SDC)|last=Chau|first=Anthony|date=January 17, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=May 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020211130/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/01/18/bangai-o-2|archive-date=October 20, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN_N64 = 7.8/10<ref name=":1" />
| N64_N64 = 84%<ref name=":6" />
| NGen_SDC = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/NextGen77May2001/page/n83/mode/2up|title=Bangai-O (DC)|last=Barber|first=Chester "Chet"|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|NextGen]]|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|issue=77|date=May 2001|page=81|access-date=December 10, 2023}}</ref>
| NLife_N64 = 8/10<ref name=":2" />
| rev1 = ''Dreamcast Magazine'' (UK)
| rev1_SDC = 65%<ref name=":12">{{Cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/e/ef/DreamcastMagazine_UK_05.pdf|title=Import Reviews: Bakuretsu Muteki Bangaioh|magazine=Dreamcast Magazine UK|publisher=[[Paragon Publishing]]|issue=5|date=January 2000|page=78|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520180741/https://retrocdn.net/images/e/ef/DreamcastMagazine_UK_05.pdf|archive-date=May 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''Dreamcast Magazine'' (JP)
| rev2_SDC = 8.3/10<ref name=dcm39>{{Cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/a/a9/DCM_JP_19991217_1999-39.pdf|script-title=ja:爆裂無敵バンガイオー|language=ja|magazine=Dreamcast Magazine (JP)|publisher=SB Creative|volume=39|date=December 17, 1999|page=19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520180741/https://retrocdn.net/images/a/a9/DCM_JP_19991217_1999-39.pdf|archive-date=May 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|Average of three reviews: 7, 9, and 9.}}
}}

''Bangai-O'' received positive reviews for its initial Nintendo 64 release. Critics enjoyed the manic and unique gameplay that they believed was characteristic of Treasure's video games.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=gfanwebrev /> Most compared it to older [[shoot 'em up]]s and [[Action game|action]] games.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=gfaniss12/><ref name="gfanwebrev" /> Eric Mylonas of ''[[GameFan]]'' called it a mix between the free-floating gameplay of ''[[Sub-Terrania]]'' (1994) and the rotating shooting action of ''[[Omega Boost]]'' (1999). He appreciated it as one of the few shooters on the Nintendo 64, and compared its aesthetic missile shooting style to ''[[Macross]]''.<ref name="gfaniss12" /> Peter Bartholow (''[[GameSpot]]'') wrote that the game was "in typical Treasure fashion...an addictive and original hodgepodge of genres and game mechanics that defy easy explanation".<ref name=":3" /> Journalists commended the variety in the game's design that kept it feeling fresh throughout.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":6" /> Anoop Gantayat (''IGN'') wrote that the level design made good use of each character's shooting mode.<ref name=":1" /> Bartholow and Martin Kitts (''[[NGC Magazine|N64 Magazine]]'') both praised the level design for forcing the player to change their tactics level to level.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /> Bartholow called the building elements for the levels "versatile", and went on to say some levels were puzzles, others had racing aspects, and others were "insane blastfests".<ref name=":3" /> Gantayat argued that ''Bangai-O'' is "a game that you either love, or just don't understand yet".<ref name=":1" />

''Bangai-O'' was praised for its [[Retrogaming|retro]] gameplay and aesthetics.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name="gfaniss12" /><ref name="gfanwebrev" /> Kitts and Mylonas wrote that it looked and played like a [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]] game and pointed out how some effects were reminiscent of the [[16-bit]] system's [[Mode 7]] rotation effects.<ref name=":6" /><ref name="gfaniss12" /><ref name="gfanwebrev" /> Mylonas explained further that it looked like a Super NES game with less slowdown, a higher resolution, and more color.<ref name="gfaniss12" /> Rick Mears (''GameFan'') wrote that it felt like ''[[Robotron: 2084|Robotron]]'' (1982) with its unique control style, and called it an "old school 2D treat".<ref name="gfanwebrev" /> Although the game was not in 3D like most other games at the time, critics felt the 2D graphics were satisfactory enough.<ref name=":3" /><ref name="gfanwebrev" /> Gantayat pointed out the scatter bomb attack that fills the screen with bullets "a momentous occasion...one of the main parts of the ''Bangai-O'' experience".<ref name=":1" /> Mears praised the game for not slowing down when rendering scenes like this.<ref name="gfanwebrev" />

Reviews for the Dreamcast version carried the same sentiments as the Nintendo 64 version in regards to the frantic and unique gameplay.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.coremagazine.com/reviews/385.php3|title=Bangai-O Review|last=Miller|first=Scott|date=August 4, 2001|website=Core Magazine|publisher=Borealis Communications|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010804065432/http://www.coremagazine.com/reviews/385.php3|archive-date=August 4, 2001|url-status=dead}}</ref> Gantayat (''IGN'') and Matt van Stone (''GameFan'') preferred this new version because of the updated graphics, new CD-quality soundtrack, and more streamlined gameplay.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":7" /> With this release, journalists were more critical of the graphics and audio, commenting more heavily on the game's appeal primarily as a nostalgic shooter.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" /> The staff at ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' wrote that it was a fun in a nostalgic way, but will not hold a player's attention for very long.<ref name=":8" /> A critic of ''[[GameSpy|PlanetDreamcast]]'' wrote that the graphics were bland and lacked polish, and the focus was on the gameplay. They argued that ''Bangai-O'' is a game designed for "hardcore" gamers and commented: "Are games coming out today missing something from the glory days of twitch gameplay...Or am I just too jaded by the 3-D graphics, complex mission objectives, and controls of most modern games[?]"<ref name=":9" /> In a brief but critical review, ''Dreamcast Magazine UK'' argued that it was a nearly direct port of the Nintendo 64 version, and called it "unimaginative".<ref name=":12" /> Human Tornado of ''[[GamePro]]'' said, "This well-designed 2D shooter will satisfy fans of old-school arcade ation games, but ''Bangai-O'' doesn't break any new ground. Still, it's a very challenging game that action gamers can groove to."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/c/cc/GamePro_US_152.pdf|title=Bangai-O|author=Human Tornado|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|issue=152|date=May 2001|page=78|access-date=December 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725112240/https://retrocdn.net/images/c/cc/GamePro_US_152.pdf|archive-date=July 25, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|''[[GamePro]]'' gave the Dreamcast version three 3/5 scores for graphics, sound, and fun factor, and 4/5 for control.}}

Despite never having been reviewed, the Dreamcast version was nominated at ''[[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]]''{{'}}s 2001 Blister Awards for "Best Console Shooter Game", but lost to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elecplay.com/feature.html?id=8152&page=5|title=Blister Awards 2001 (Console Games 2)|author=EP staff|year=2002|website=[[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]]|publisher=Greedy Productions Ltd.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030713062025/http://www.elecplay.com/feature.html?id=8152&page=5|archive-date=July 13, 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{clear}}

== Sequels ==
''Bangai-O'' received two sequels. The first, ''[[Bangai-O Spirits]]'', was released for the [[Nintendo DS]] in 2008, and the second, ''[[Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury]]'', was released exclusively on the [[Xbox 360]] via [[Xbox Live Arcade]] in 2011. The games feature most of the same core gameplay ideas as the first game, but evolve on them with more weapons and gameplay elements. Both games included level editors, and the latter features multiplayer modes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/bangai-o-spirits/|title=Bangai-O Spirits|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|date=January 25, 2009|website=Hardcore Gaming 101|access-date=May 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520180741/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/bangai-o-spirits/|archive-date=May 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/bangai-o-hd-missile-fury-review/1900-6312791/|title=Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury Review|last=Peele|first=Britton|date=May 9, 2011|website=GameSpot|publisher=Fandom|access-date=May 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520181351/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/bangai-o-hd-missile-fury-review/1900-6312791/|archive-date=May 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{official|http://www.treasure-inc.co.jp/products/lp/bangaio/bang_top.html}} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{moby game|id=/6485/bangai-o/}}

{{Treasure video games}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1999 video games]]
[[Category:Conspiracy Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Dreamcast games]]
[[Category:Entertainment Software Publishing games]]
[[Category:Multidirectional shooters]]
[[Category:Nintendo 64 games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Swing! Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Treasure (company) games]]
[[Category:Video games about mecha]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Aki Hata]]