Anyone who likes shooting games has probably experienced at least once that “their hands won't stop sweating just from dodging.” “Muchi Muchi Pork! & Pink Sweets Boosted” is a work where you can fully taste the true pleasure of such danmaku shooting. This title is a luxurious title that combines into one the two unique works created by Cave, and rather than a mere port, it is also packed with various additional elements so that modern players can immerse themselves into playing. Naturally for those who were passionate about it in arcades in the past, it has become an attractive title even for people who will experience danmaku shooting from now on. The interesting part is that the personalities of the two included works are completely different. “Muchi Muchi Pork!” features a unique worldview and exciting attack directions as its charm, characterized by the exhilarating feeling of collecting large amounts of score items while defeating enemies one after another. On the other hand, “Pink Sweets ~Ibara Sorekara~” possesses an extremely deep gameplay contrary to its cute appearance, with tactical elements shining through as you break through danmaku making full use of shields and special attacks. Even though they are the same shooting games, the feel of playing is significantly different, so being able to choose what to play according to your mood is also an appeal of this work.

Indispensable when talking about the volume of this work is the existence of game modes reaching a total of 11 types. Prepared widely are not only the Original Mode that faithfully reproduces the arcade version, but also versions with improved playability, Arrange Modes that incorporate new rules, and Challenge Modes with high-difficulty specifications. It doesn't end with simply aiming to clear it, but is finished as a work that can be enjoyed over a long period because it is structured in a way that makes you naturally want to keep playing, thinking “let's challenge it in this mode next.”

Speaking of “Muchi Muchi Pork!”, its charm is, above all, the exciting scoring system. The pleasure of the exact moment when activating the Lard Attack while defeating enemies and making score items appear all over the screen is exceptional. Because the tension of dodging enemy bullets and the excitement of aiming for a massive score rush in at the same time, you find yourself wanting to challenge it over and over before you know it. Furthermore, the high-difficulty MANPUKU Mode and the HARAHARA Mode that suddenly starts from a challenging stage are also included, providing a challenging response that even players confident in their skills cannot conquer easily.

On the other hand, “Pink Sweets ~Ibara Sorekara~” features a unique system that skillfully utilizes defense and attack alternatively as its charm. The Rose Cracker, unleashed by judging the timing while blocking enemy bullets, provides outstanding exhilaration, and the sense of achievement when overcoming a critical situation all at once is exceptional. Furthermore, in the Arrange Mode, a new weapon called the Hadou Gun is added, significantly strengthening the fun of score attacks as well. Contrary to its cute appearance, it boasts a high level of perfection as an authentic shooting game where the player's judgment and technique are tested.

Hearing that it is a Cave work, many people probably expect high difficulty. This work does not betray those expectations. Rich with content for advanced players are the HARDER Mode where large amounts of suicide bullets fly around, and the EXTENDED Mode challenged under even harsher conditions. The tension of surviving while slipping through the danmaku filling the screen is truly a masterpiece, and the joy when being able to clear it is irreplaceable by anything else. Because you can feel the improvement little by little every time you challenge it, it has an addictiveness that makes you naturally play it over and over. What cannot be missed as an element to liven up the gameplay is the newly arranged BGM. In “Muchi Muchi Pork!”, Daisuke Matsumoto, who was also involved in the original work, handles the entire soundtrack, and in “Pink Sweets”, a talented team of composers consisting of Yosuke Yasui, Hagane, and Sean Bialo works on the music. While retaining the charm of the original works, modern arrangements are added, further heightening the sense of elation during play. The music jumping into your ears while dodging danmaku can truly be called the best production that colors the battle.

Supporting online rankings is also a major characteristic of this work. The fun of honing your skills aiming for high scores and competing for rankings with players nationwide is a charm unique to home console games. Furthermore, because a replay saving function is also equipped, it is also possible to look back on your own play or study the movements of advanced players. The point that deep ways to play that don't end with a simple clear are prepared must be a very pleasing point for players who want to play for a long time.

“Muchi Muchi Pork! & Pink Sweets Boosted” is a work packed with a dense shooting experience characteristic of Cave to the point of saying “is this enough?”. The content featuring two unique titles, a variety of game modes, newly arranged BGM, and even online rankings is extremely substantial. Elements that can be enjoyed are prepared respectively for both people seeking exhilaration and people wanting to test their skills to the limit, making it a title where you can experience the charm of danmaku shooting anew. If you want to taste the sense of achievement beyond the danmaku that fills the screen, it is a work you should definitely try challenging.