View source for Espgaluda

{{short description|2003 video game}}
{{cleanup rewrite|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox video game
|title         = Espgaluda
|image         = Espgaluda arcade flyer.jpg
|border        = yes
|developer     = [[Cave (company)|Cave]]
|publisher     = AMI
|director      = Tsuneki Ikeda
|producer      = Kenichi Takano
|designer      = Akira Wakabayashi<br />Hideki Nomura<br />Hiroyuki Tanaka<br />Kengo Arai
|programmer    = Takashi Ichimura<br />Tsuneki Ikeda
|artist        = Tsukasa Kado
|composer      = "SOU1"
|series        = ''Espgaluda''
|platforms     = [[Arcade game|Arcade]], [[EZweb]], [[i-mode]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Yahoo Mobile]]
|released      = {{vgrelease|JP|November 2003}}
|genre         = [[Shoot 'em up#Types|Bullet hell]]
|modes         = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Cooperative video game|co-op]]
|arcade system = [[PolyGame Master]]
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Espgaluda'''''|エスプガルーダ|''Esupugarūda''||lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2003 [[Shoot 'em up#Bullet hell|manic shooter]] by [[Cave (company)|Cave]] and published by AMI. It is the spiritual successor to ''[[ESP Ra.De.]]'' and is followed by ''[[Espgaluda II]]''.

==Gameplay==
[[File:PGM Espgaluda.png|thumb|left|Arcade version screenshot]]
''Espgaluda'' is an arcade game which involves firing bullets and lasers at enemies, with the ultimate goal being to gain points and make it through all of the game's levels. The player character has an energy gauge that can be depleted either by using a shield attack or being hit by a bullet, which activates an automatic guard barrier. When this barrier is activated, the player fires a laser and is momentarily invincible. If the gauge is depleted when the player character is hit by the bullet, the player loses a life. The player collects gems and, when they enter Kakusei mode, the gem counter drains. While draining, the enemies turn purple, and the bullets and enemies begin to move more slowly. When enemies are defeated, their bullets turn gold, which adds to the score multiplier. When it ends, the player goes into Kakusei Over mode, where bullets turn red and travel faster than normal.

== Development ==
{{Expand section|date=April 2021}}
''Espgaluda'' was produced by Kenichi Takano and directed by Tsuneki Ikeda, co-founders of [[Cave (company)|Cave]] whose previous works include the ''[[DonPachi]]'' series.<ref name="ESPgld"/><ref name="MA118"/><ref name="IGM8"/><ref name="CshH17yTyf15y4"/> Ikeda also served as co-programmer alongside Takashi Ichimura.<ref name="ESPgld"/><ref name="CshH17yTyf15y0"/> Akira Wakabayashi, Hideki Nomura, Hiroyuki Tanaka and Kengo Arai also acted as co-designers.<ref name="ESPgld"/><ref name="CshH17yTyf15y1"/><ref name="CshH17yTyf15y2"/><ref name="CshH17yTyf15y3"/> Artist Tsukasa Kado was responsible for both world building and character designs.<ref name="ESPgld"/> The soundtrack was composed by "SOU1" under supervision of Toshiaki Tomizawa, another co-founder of Cave.<ref name="MA118"/><ref name="IGM8"/><ref name="TheInterviews"/><ref name="VGM"/> The team recounted its creation process and history through various publications.<ref name="CshH17yTyf15y5"/><ref name="Shmuplations"/>

== Release ==
''Espgaluda'' was first released in arcades by AMI in November 2003.<ref name="ATVGL:JaO1971-2005"/> An soundtrack album containing music from the game was published in Japan by [[Cave (company)|Cave]] in March 2004.<ref name="VGM"/><ref name="VGMO"/> The same year in June, a conversion for the [[PlayStation 2]] was developed and published by [[Arika]] in Japan.<ref name="PSOSSC"/> This version included different modes such as arcade, simulation, arrange, and a walkthrough DVD video featuring high-level replays.<ref name="HG101"/><ref name="EdgePS2espgld"/><ref name="CPPS2espgld"/><ref name="GAMEWatch"/> In arcade mode, players can configure screen orientation and other settings. Simulation mode simulates an arcade mode stage where players can practice of sections under pre-defined conditions.<ref name="EdgePS2espgld"/><ref name="GAMEWatch"/> Arrange mode is a PlayStation 2-exclusive feature and introduces more aggressive enemy patterns, new playable characters, an arranged soundtrack, among other additions and gameplay changes.<ref name="HG101"/><ref name="EdgePS2espgld"/><ref name="GAMEWatch"/>

In 2005, ''Espgaluda'' was split into two separate parts and distributed by Cave through the Gaesen Yokocho service for [[EZweb]], [[i-mode]] and [[Yahoo Mobile]] phones.<ref name="HG101"/><ref name=":0"/> Both parts were later merged into a single release titled ''Espgaluda DX'', featuring enhanced graphics and a special mode.<ref name="HG101"/><ref name=":1"/>

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
|CP = (PS2) 14/20<ref name="CPPS2espgld"/>
|Edge = (PS2) 8/10<ref name="EdgePS2espgld"/>
|Fam = (PS2) 29/40<ref name="FamPS2espgld"/>
|rev1 = ''Game Fan''
|rev1Score = (PS2) 9.1/10<ref name="GameFanFRPS2espgld"/>
}}

''Espgaluda'' garnered positive reception from critics who reviewed it as an [[Parallel importing in video games|import title]],<ref name="GameFanFRPS2espgld"/> with the [[PlayStation 2]] conversion being regarded by outlets like ''[[Kotaku|Kotaku Australia]]'' and ''TheGamer'' as one of the best shoot 'em ups on the console.<ref name="KotakuAU"/><ref name="TGamer"/> According to ''[[Famitsu]]'', the PlayStation 2 version sold over 10,125 copies in its first week on the market and approximately 17,755 copies were sold during its lifetime in Japan.<ref name="GDR"/>

''Famitsu''{{'}}s four reviewers gave the PlayStation 2 conversion a positive outlook.<ref name="FamPS2espgld"/> ''Game Watch''{{'}}s Toyotomi Kazutaka praised the extra additions of the PlayStation 2 port such as arrange mode, as well as its "Kakusei" and guard barrier mechanics.<ref name="GAMEWatch"/> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' commended the PlayStation 2 release for its accessibility, "Kakusei" and guard barrier mechanics, scoring system and extra modes but criticized the loss of visual fidelity due to screen resolution differences.<ref name="EdgePS2espgld"/> ''Consoles +''{{'}}s Kael also gave positive remarks to the PlayStation 2 version for its gameplay and music but criticized the short length.<ref name="CPPS2espgld"/> ''[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]''{{'}}s Craig Gabrielson noted its scoring system and accessibility in a positive light but criticized the visual variety in terms of stages and soundtrack.<ref name="HG101"/>

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name="HG101">{{cite web|last=Gabrielson|first=Craig|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/espgaluda/|title=Espgaluda|work=Hardcore Gaming 101|date=March 14, 2014|access-date=2021-04-18|archive-date=2021-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404091418/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/espgaluda/|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ESPgld">{{cite video game|title=Espgaluda|developer=[[Cave (company)|Cave]]|publisher=AMI|date=2003|platform=[[PolyGame Master]]|level=Staff}}</ref>

<ref name="MA118">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/arcadia-118-march-2010#page/n47/mode/2up|title=CAVE 15th Anniversary ~Shoot'em All!!~|magazine=[[Monthly Arcadia]]|issue=118|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|date=March 2010|pages=46–55|lang=ja}} ([http://shmuplations.com/cave15th/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914174849/http://shmuplations.com/cave15th/|date=2019-09-14}}).</ref>

<ref name="IGM8">{{cite magazine|title=Dossier Shoot 'em up|magazine=[[:fr:IG Magazine|IG Magazine]]|issue=8|publisher=[[Ankama#Press|Ankama Presse]]|date=May–June 2010|lang=fr}} ([http://gaming.moe/?p=757 Translation] by Gaming.moe. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213003903/http://gaming.moe/?p=757|date=2019-02-13}}).</ref>

<ref name="CshH17yTyf15y4">{{cite book|chapter=池田 恒基|title=ケイブシューティング史 こんにちは17年 ありがとう16年|publisher=[[Cave (company)|Cave]]|date=24 August 2010|pages=199-202<!--|isbn=978-4571297324736-->|language=ja}} ([http://shmuplations.com/cave-ikeda/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028090055/http://shmuplations.com/cave-ikeda/|date=2020-10-28}}).</ref>

<ref name="CshH17yTyf15y0">{{cite book|chapter=市村 崇志|title=ケイブシューティング史 こんにちは17年 ありがとう16年|publisher=[[Cave (company)|Cave]]|date=24 August 2010|pages=180-182<!--|isbn=978-4571297324736-->|language=ja}} ([http://shmuplations.com/cave-ichimura/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102095133/http://shmuplations.com/cave-ichimura/|date=2020-01-02}}).</ref>

<ref name="CshH17yTyf15y1">{{cite book|chapter=田中 周幸|title=ケイブシューティング史 こんにちは17年 ありがとう16年|publisher=[[Cave (company)|Cave]]|date=24 August 2010|pages=183-186<!--|isbn=978-4571297324736-->|language=ja}} ([http://shmuplations.com/cave-tanaka/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510040742/http://shmuplations.com/cave-tanaka/|date=2020-05-10}}).</ref>

<ref name="CshH17yTyf15y2">{{cite book|chapter=野村秀樹|title=ケイブシューティング史 こんにちは17年 ありがとう16年|publisher=[[Cave (company)|Cave]]|date=24 August 2010|pages=191-194<!--|isbn=978-4571297324736-->|language=ja}} ([http://shmuplations.com/cave-nomura/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105073658/http://shmuplations.com/cave-nomura/|date=2020-11-05}}).</ref>

<ref name="CshH17yTyf15y3">{{cite book|chapter=若林 明|title=ケイブシューティング史 こんにちは17年 ありがとう16年|publisher=[[Cave (company)|Cave]]|date=24 August 2010|pages=195-198<!--|isbn=978-4571297324736-->|language=ja}} ([http://shmuplations.com/cave-wakabayashi/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510040751/http://shmuplations.com/cave-wakabayashi/|date=2020-05-10}}).</ref>

<ref name="TheInterviews">{{cite web|url=http://theinterviews.jp/sou1|title=エログラサンとか言うな - SOU1インタビュー|work=The Interviews|publisher=paperboy&co.|date=2012|language=ja|archive-date=2012-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121032017/http://theinterviews.jp/sou1|url-status=live}} ([http://shmuplations.com/espgaluda/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219034957/http://shmuplations.com/espgaluda/|date=2020-12-19}}.)</ref>

<ref name="VGM">{{cite web|last=Fuentes|first=Edgar S.|url=https://vandal.elespanol.com/vandalgamemusic/cave-un-ritmico-despliegue-balistico|title=Vandal Game Music: CAVE. Un rítmico despliegue balístico — Repasamos la amplia carrera musical de una las compañías más importantes en shooters de nave|work=[[:es:Vandal|Vandal]]|publisher=[[El Español]]|date=June 10, 2020|access-date=2021-04-18|language=es|archive-date=2020-06-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615190557/https://vandal.elespanol.com/vandalgamemusic/cave-un-ritmico-despliegue-balistico|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Shmuplations">{{cite web|url=http://shmuplations.com/espgaluda/|title=Espgaluda – Developer Interviews|website=Shmuplations|date=August 20, 2015|access-date=2021-04-18|archive-date=2020-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219034957/http://shmuplations.com/espgaluda/|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CshH17yTyf15y5">{{cite book|chapter=ボーナス！ケイブ事実！ - 怒首領蜂|title=ケイブシューティング史 こんにちは17年 ありがとう16年|publisher=[[Cave (company)|Cave]]|date=24 August 2010|pages=203-224<!--|isbn=978-4571297324736-->|language=ja}} ([http://shmuplations.com/cave-facts/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230192448/http://shmuplations.com/cave-facts/|date=2019-12-30}}).</ref>

<ref name="ATVGL:JaO1971-2005">{{cite book|last=Akagi|first=Masumi|chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/ArcadeGameList1971-2005#page/n15/mode/1up|chapter=AMI; ケイブ Cave|title=アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内•海外編 (1971-2005)|trans-title=Arcade TV Game List Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971-2005)|edition=1st|publisher=Amusement News Agency|date=13 October 2006|pages=17, 26|isbn=978-4990251215|language=ja}}</ref>

<ref name="VGMO">{{cite web|last=Greening|first=Chris|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/espgaluda/|title=ESPGaluda Original Soundtrack|website=vgmonline.net|publisher=Video Game Music Online|date=August 1, 2012|access-date=2021-04-29|archive-date=2020-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809080444/http://www.vgmonline.net/espgaluda/|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PSOSSC">{{cite web|url=https://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps25352.html|title=エスプガルーダ (PS2)|work=PlayStation Official Site Software Catalog|publisher=[[Sony Interactive Entertainment]]|date=2021|access-date=2021-04-28|language=ja|archive-date=2021-04-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420121524/https://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps25352.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.itmedia.co.jp/mobile/articles/0502/25/news108.html|title=iモードシューティング「エスプガルーダ 前編」|work=ITmedia Mobile|publisher={{ill|ITmedia|lt=ITmedia|ja|ITmedia}}|date=February 25, 2005|access-date=2021-04-29|language=ja|archive-date=2020-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805231453/https://www.itmedia.co.jp/mobile/articles/0502/25/news108.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name=":1">{{cite web|last=Tsuda|first=Keimu|url=https://k-tai.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/article/news_toppage/23883.html|title=ケイブ、256KB Vアプリ対応シューティング「エスプガルーダDX」|work=K-Tai Watch|publisher=Impress Corporation|date=May 18, 2005|access-date=2021-04-29|language=ja|archive-date=2021-04-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429224434/https://k-tai.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/article/news_toppage/23883.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CPPS2espgld">{{cite magazine|author=Kael|url=http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Consoles%20Plus/consoleplus_numero151/Consoles%20%2B%20151%20-%20Page%20100%20%28ao%C3%BBt%20-%20septembre%202004%29.jpg|title=Test (Import): Espgaluda - Vole, Petit Papillon... (PS2)|magazine={{ill|Consoles +|lt=Consoles +|fr|Consoles +}}|issue=151|publisher={{ill|M.E.R.7|lt=M.E.R.7|fr|M.E.R.7}}|date=August–September 2004|page=100|lang=fr}}</ref>

<ref name="EdgePS2espgld">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/edgeuk139#page/n85/mode/1up|title=Testscreen - Espgaluda (PS2)|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|issue=139|publisher=[[Future plc]]|date=August 2004|page=104}}</ref>

<ref name="FamPS2espgld">{{cite magazine|title=NEW GAMES CROSS REVIEW: エスプガルーダ|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|issue=810|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|date=June 11, 2004|lang=ja}}</ref>

<ref name="GameFanFRPS2espgld">{{cite magazine|title=Espgaluda (PS2)|magazine={{ill|GameFan (French magazine|lt=Game Fan|fr|GameFan (magazine français)}}|issue=2|publisher=Japan Culture Press|date=July–August 2004|lang=fr}}</ref>

<ref name="KotakuAU">{{cite web|last=Vas|first=Gergo|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2013/04/the-coolest-japanese-video-games-with-over-the-top-action/|title=The Coolest Japanese Video Games With Over-The-Top Action|work=[[Kotaku Australia]]|publisher=[[G/O Media]]|date=April 18, 2013|access-date=2021-04-29|archive-date=2021-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125203510/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2013/04/the-coolest-japanese-video-games-with-over-the-top-action/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="TGamer">{{cite web|last=Cheeseman|first=Ian|url=https://www.thegamer.com/playstation-2-best-shoot-em-ups/|title=10 Of The Best Shoot Em' Ups For The Playstation 2 - There were a lot of great shoot em' ups present on the Playstation 2 over the years. Here's a look at 10 of the all-time best|work=TheGamer|date=July 25, 2020|access-date=2021-04-29|archive-date=2021-04-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428160042/https://www.thegamer.com/playstation-2-best-shoot-em-ups/|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GDR">{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search|title=Game Search|website=Game Data Library|access-date=2021-04-29|archive-date=2019-04-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424035430/https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GAMEWatch">{{cite web|last=Kazutaka|first=Toyotomi|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20040630/esp.htm|title=★PS2ゲームレビュー★: 弾幕シューティングの登竜門 -「エスプガルーダ」|work=GAME Watch|publisher=Impress Corporation|date=June 30, 2004|access-date=2021-04-18|language=ja|archive-date=2017-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808211938/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20040630/esp.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

== External links ==
{{Portal|Japan|Video games}}
* {{Official website|https://www.cave.co.jp/gameonline/espgaluda/}} at [[Cave (company)|Cave]]
* {{Official website|http://www.arika.co.jp/product/esp_hp/esp_index.html}} at [[Arika]]
* {{KLOV game|id=13188}}
* {{moby game|id=/espgaluda}}

{{CAVE games}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Espgaluda}}
[[Category:2003 video games]]
[[Category:Arcade video games]]
[[Category:Bullet hell video games]]
[[Category:Cave (company) games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:I-mode games]]
[[Category:Japan-exclusive video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:PolyGame Master games]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Shoot 'em ups]]
[[Category:Vertically scrolling shooters]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]