Stylish, original and fun

Clean Asia! is probably one of the most original games you'll ever play. Actually, I could say that about any of cactus' games and it would be true. This really is his masterpiece, though. So far.

The graphics in Clean Asia! are truly impressive. As with all of cactus' games, they have a stylistic element that you're not likely to find anywhere else. I could probably tell you if I played one of his games not knowing who made it that it was one of his. The graphics are mostly plain line-art, but in outlandish shapes and psychadelic colors, with some amazing particle effects thrown in. They're complimented by the excellent music (not made by cactus, though, which is why I knock off a point).

Briefly put, the gameplay is exceptional. Sure, it's just a shmup. It seems like so many shmups have been made that it'd be impossible to eke out any more originality from the genre, but cactus has managed to do it. It's pretty difficult to explain what makes the gameplay so great; just trust me on this one. Warning, though: it's extremely difficult. There are only three levels, but I still have yet to beat the game.

Then there's the storyline: basically, the eyes of everyone on earth have been stolen by some unknown entity, so two American fighter pilots with a sixth sense are sent to take care of the problem. That's the gist of it, but there's more that I don't even know how to explain.

I bumped down the interface because, as with many of cactus' games, things aren't really explained very well, so you've kind of got to figure them out yourself. Personally, I like that, which is why I don't bump down my overall rating. If it bothers you, though, you might want to think twice about playing this game.

In conclusion, it's worth a download almost no matter what - whether you like it or hate it, you can't deny it's unique.