Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4.6/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 38,171

Mobile Support: No

About Bootleg Soldier Azure: ASTRAL RAVE

Leap into an electrifying swirl of color and chaos with Bootleg Soldier Azure: ASTRAL RAVE, the celebrated indie browser shooter that has enchanted the online gaming community! Step into the spellbinding shoes of Yuuto Ichika, a rookie magician with a flair for the dramatic and a deep love of magical recipes. When her prized cookbook is snatched away, Yuuto blasts into action, dodging torrents of bullets and unleashing dazzling spells against quirky and relentless foes.

Designed as a heartfelt fan game inspired by LAME Dimension's whimsical universe, ASTRAL RAVE fuses retro arcade shoot 'em up energy with modern indie creativity. This award-winning gem, crafted in just a month for Magical Girl Game Jam #9, mixes classic bullet hell intensity with fresh mechanics that reward reflexes, strategy, and daredevil risk-taking. Speedkill enemies to boost your score, weave in close for tense pointblank shots, unleash screen-clearing bombs in a pinch, or even self-destruct for game-changing moments. Every run is a heart-racing rollercoaster, demanding split-second decisions and bullet-dodging mastery.

Vivid pixel graphics and trippy backgrounds create a euphoric rave aesthetic, amplified by a pulsing indie soundtrack that keeps adrenaline—and nostalgia—running high. Each stage overflows with personality, whether you're weaving past impossible bullet patterns or battling delightfully eccentric bosses. The scoring system rewards aggressive plays, making every second and every shot matter for leaderboard supremacy. Whether you're a die-hard STG veteran or a curious newcomer after some magical mayhem, ASTRAL RAVE's medium difficulty ensures a fair but thrilling challenge.

With no downloads required, just hop on your browser and lose yourself in a magical world where anime energy and arcade action collide. Push your skills, chase high scores, and help Yuuto reclaim her cookbook—from the first frantic level to the jaw-dropping final boss fight. Every playthrough offers a new opportunity to master the mayhem, perfect your run, and join the ranks of magical legends. Start your astral rave—Yuuto's cookbook (and destiny) depends on you!

How to Play

Get ready to take control of Yuuto Ichika in a classic top-down shoot 'em up experience, reimagined with magical girl flair! Your mission: dodge a relentless hail of bullets and defeat waves of inventive enemies to retrieve your lost cookbook.

Controls are simple, yet mastery takes practice. Use your keyboard's arrow keys to move Yuuto in all directions. The Z key fires your main shot—tap or hold for rapid magical blasts. When chaos erupts, press X to unleash a powerful bomb that wipes the screen and clears incoming projectiles—perfect for dodging impossible bullet patterns or clutch boss attacks. For a daring strategy, try the self-destruct option with the C key; sacrificing a life at the right moment can be a tactical advantage, damaging enemies and gaining score bonuses!

Each level is packed with unique enemies, intense boss battles, and increasingly tough bullet patterns. Focus on speedkilling foes (defeating them quickly) and pointblanking (taking out enemies at close range) to rack up your score and rewards. Watch for visual cues before bosses unleash their powerful attacks, and don’t be afraid to use your bombs—timing is everything in ASTRAL RAVE!

For newcomers, start by prioritizing survival: learn the enemy patterns and practice dodging tight bullet curtains. As you gain confidence, experiment with score-optimizing spins, getting dangerously close for maximum points. Remember, the game is pure browser-based action—no downloads, no mobile compatibility, just raw skill and instant fun on desktop.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Memorize enemy attack patterns to anticipate and dodge the most complex barrages.
Use bombs strategically—save them for boss attacks or when you're cornered by bullets.
Pointblanking gives you a major score bonus, but it's risky! Only attempt when you’re comfortable.
Speedkill enemies to add to your score and reduce incoming bullet density.
Self-destruct (C key) during crowded screens for a last-resort enemy wipe and unique chained scoring opportunities.
Keep an eye on visual cues before boss patterns shift—adapt fast to new bullet types.
Replay stages to master timing and optimize score routes for leaderboard dominance.

Game Features

Fast-paced bullet hell action inspired by classic arcade shooters
Award-winning indie design, made for Magical Girl Game Jam #9
Innovative scoring based on speedkilling, pointblanking, bombing, and self-destructs
Vibrant retro pixel art and psychedelic backgrounds
Eclectic boss battles with unique personalities and attack patterns
Adrenaline-pumping original chiptune soundtrack
Accessible browser gameplay—no downloads, instant play

Frequently Asked Questions

What platforms can I play Bootleg Soldier Azure: ASTRAL RAVE on?

ASTRAL RAVE is a browser-based game designed for desktops and laptops. It is not mobile compatible, so you'll need to play with a keyboard on a PC or Mac.

What makes the scoring system unique in this shooter?

The game rewards rapid enemy elimination (speedkilling), close-range attacks (pointblanking), bombing during tough moments, and even self-destructing. Each mechanic pushes you to play more aggressively and creatively, maximizing your score and replay value.

Is there a way to continue after losing all my lives?

Like classic arcade shooters, ASTRAL RAVE emphasizes skillful play and careful use of lives. Once your lives run out, you'll need to restart from the beginning—perfect for speedrunners and players chasing high scores.

Do I need to download anything or create an account to play?

No downloads or accounts are required! Just access the game on itch.io in your browser and start playing immediately.

Can I pause or save my progress partway through a level?

ASTRAL RAVE is designed for intense, unbroken action runs and doesn't feature a mid-level save or pause. Be sure to play when you have time for a full magical assault!