Angel at Dusk

The game's lore is very interesting to read, which is unexpected for this type of game, but you'll need to read it in your log collection, because it goes by very fast during gameplay.

And lastly, the art style and music will nourish your soul and bones.

If you're a veteran, this can be a relaxing break from the demanding arcade difficulty and a subversive, refreshing take on shmups made by someone who loves them and understands them like you do (in contrast to the likes of Cygni).

The story of the game is actually interesting and expansive since every stage you clear will give you more context, but your first run through the game gives you these essential bullet points anyway.

The soundtrack isn't gonna land in my favorites, but it feels incredibly fitting and thematic, so it's not getting muted either.

I've been playing on Steam Deck and the game runs flawlessly there - it's perfect for pick-up-and-play sessions of 20 minutes at a time.