Jamestown attempts to reinvigorate the shmup genre with some good ideas and solid gameplay.
Yeah. Best just to go with it.
From a gameplay standpoint, it's a well built game. You have your regular shot, your special attack which varies depending upon your ship, and the vaunt option. The special attack ranges from producing a magic shield to launching explosive bullets or a charge shot. The specials are a lot of fun, but it's the vaunt option that stands as the most interesting innovation. After acquiring enough bolts (enemies drop them, they act as currency) you can activate your vaunt option. You get a temporary shield and your bullets do more damage for an amount of time that you have left in your bolt bar. it slowly dwindles but you can recharge by acquiring more bolts. The longer you keep this chain going, the better the score modification.
Another interesting feature is the multiplayer option. The game is 1-4 player which is a rare but welcome addition to the game. It goes well with the arcadey feel of the game and atmosphere and only by utilizing all 4 people can you rack up the highest combos and scores.
The music and atmosphere are suitably orchestral. The theme that comes across the most is a steampunk view of the past. (I hate that word, but it's very apt in this instance...) Overall I would say this game does a fine job of pushing the shmup genre further and I await more games that either expand upon it or refine it. The game is short but intense and offers no lack of challenge for you hardcore purists out there. Give it a shot.