MiSTer FPGA – Mars Matrix (マーズマトリックス) / Capcom CPS-2 Arcade [BETA]

Mars Matrix is yet another CPS-2 gem I missed out on until it came to MiSTer. This is a really fun and unique shooter that challenges you to mix up some pretty cool attack options including a close melee-type plasma burst attack, temporary invincibility shield and black hole bombs. All of this is intuitively bound to the same attack button depending on if you tap or hold it. I found this to be a really quick one to learn the weapons system, and this helped to focus on the challenge more when first learning the game. Something to take note of are certain enemies that clear nearby bullets when you destroy them. In successive playthroughs it helps to identify those enemies to use that bullet-clear in tight situations when your main shield is on cooldown.

I tried a couple runs before this, with the first time I played the game being in double speed because of an issue with the first beta release for it. Was actually kind of fun this way; entertainingly chaotic. Now that things are patched up, I’ll be revisiting this one to maybe try for a 1cc in the future. I definitely feel it within reach with the powerful set of tools they give you in the game.

Artwork and sound design is excellent, with solid choices in background/bullet contrast that never leaves you wondering what killed you. Everything has that pre-rendered look to it, which is *very* hit or miss in 2D games, but I feel was done exceptionally well here. Prehistoric Isle 2 on Neo Geo is another SHMUP that uses this style well, IMO. (well.. besides the intro/title screen for that one which can look pretty jank)

The devs behind this (Takumi Corporation) also made Giga Wing, another favorite shooter on CPS-2. It’s got the familiar vertical-yet-hori layout, but isn’t quite as flashy as Giga Wing, which again helps with gameplay because it seems easier to identify threats and avoid deaths without all the flashy stuff constantly going on. Both are great games and I highly recommend trying Giga Wing as well if you haven’t yet!
Here’s a recent playthrough I did for Giga Wing: https://youtu.be/Mo7QBLC8vHY

CPS-2 beta core by Jotego. Public release is out NOW. Support his patreon for future arcade awesomeness:
https://www.patreon.com/topapate

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CPS-2 beta core 06-18-2021 build – Mars Matrix
A.K.A: マーズマトリックス , Mars Matrix: Hyper Solid Shooting

Filter: Gaussian Sharp 06 // Gamma: Poly 2.3

Played using a Hori Real Arcade Pro VX-SA arcade stick w/ Seimitsu LS-62 lever & 1000hz USB polling.

Video: Integer scaled to 1080p // HDMI to Datapath e1s capture card

Volume reduced 29%

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|:=-Timestamps-=:|
00:00​​ – Boot
00:23​​ – Title / Intro / Demo / Instruction
02:54 – Full Game (Mosquito 02)

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Occasional livestreams on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/WalrusFPGA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WalrusFPGA

=—————CONTRIBUTE—————=

None of this would be possible without the constant hard work of Sorgelig. It cannot be overstated how much he has done and continues to do for this project, since its beginning. You can support him either at his Patreon in the link below, or on Paypal, depending on your preference. MiSTer is a paradigm shift in how we can experience these classic games. This is a long-term preservation project that will continue to grow so that gamers today and in the future can experience these excellent systems as accurately and lag-free as possible. Donating what you can will help keep the updates coming. Thank you.

Patreon: https://patreon.com/FPGAMiSTer

PayPal: https://paypal.me/FPGAMiSTer

NOTE: I am not affiliated with Sorgelig and am only sharing these links as a fan of the project who wishes to see it continue to grow rapidly.

=—————–INFORM—————–=

Github link for this core: https://github.com/jotego/jtcps1

MiSTer Forum/Wiki/Github (source, guides and info): http://MiSTerFPGA.org

Official MiSTer Discord for live chat/help: https://discord.gg/4xKVg4XVYn
(Be respectful; this server is moderated. New users must be verified.)

=——————BUILD——————=

Worldwide list of sellers for MiSTer expansion boards: https://misterfpga.org/viewforum.php?f=34&sid=74e1c5e7dae1b99284789d93194cfa0b

I have personally ordered all my parts from https://www.MiSTerAddons.com and have been 100% satisfied with the quality and service there. (North American seller. If in a different region, check list linked above for best local shipping rates.)

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