{{Short description|2024 video game}} {{Infobox video game | title = Changeable Guardian Estique | image = Changeable Guardian Estique cover art.jpg | developer = Cat Hui Trading{{efn|Ported to Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S by AMATA Games.}} | publisher = Broke Studio{{efn|Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S ports will be published by AMATA Games.}} | director = Takayuki Komabayashi | producer = Takayuki Komabayashi | designer = {{ubl|Kenji Takayama|Takayuki Komabayashi}} | programmer = {{ubl|Satoshi Fujishima|Takayuki Hirono}} | artist = {{ubl|Hiroki Kodama|Kenji Takayama}} | writer = Hiroki Kodama | composer = {{ubl|Ayako Saso|Sakuoki Kudo|Shinichi Sakamoto|Shinji Hosoe}} | platforms = Nintendo Entertainment System/Family Computer, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S | released = '''NES/Famicom'''{{vgrelease|WW|December 16, 2024}} '''Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S'''{{vgrelease|WW|2026}} | genre = Horizontal-scrolling shooter | modes = Single-player }}
'''''Changeable Guardian Estique'''''{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|'''''Chouyoku Senki Estique'''''|{{ruby|超翼戦騎エスティーク|ちょうよくせんきエスティーク}}|''Chōyoku Senki Esutīku''|{{lit|''Super Winged Battle Knight Estique''}}|lead=yes}}.}} is a 2024 horizontal-scrolling shooter video game developed by Cat Hui Trading and published by Broke Studio for the Nintendo Entertainment System/Family Computer. The plot follows Estique, a transformable mecha piloted by Mary and Kanon from the planet Petelgeuse, sent to help Earth against the invading Van-De-Raus space pirates. The player can switch between a spaceship and a robot.
''Changeable Guardian Estique'' was directed by Takayuki Komabayashi, who previously worked at M2 as part of the Sega Genesis Mini and Game Gear Micro teams, before going independent and establishing Cat Hui Trading. Former Compile staffers participated in the game's production, while the soundtrack was composed by Ayako Saso, Sakuoki Kudo, Shinichi Sakamoto, and Shinji Hosoe.
''Changeable Guardian Estique'' received generally favorable reviews from critics, with praise for its graphics, music, gameplay, and near absence of sprite flickering. However, criticism focused on regional differences between the Japanese and English versions, misleading difficulty names, and limited weapon types.
== Gameplay == thumb|left|The Estique mecha in fighter mode battling against enemies in the fourth stage set in New York City ''Changeable Guardian Estique'' is a horizontal-scrolling shooter game.<ref name="TENEScge"/><ref name="CGEhg101"/><ref name="MG368">{{cite magazine|last=Nickel|first=Thomas|title=Extended: M! in Japan: Indie-Report|magazine={{ill|M! Games|lt=M! Games|de|M! Games}}|issue=368|publisher=Cybermedia|date=May 2024|pages=84–85|language=de}}</ref> The story takes place in 2413, when the Van-De-Raus space pirates invaded Earth, occupying five financial centers and seizing control of the global economy. A friendly planet, Petelgeuse, decided to help Earth against the space pirates by sending the Estique, a transformable mecha piloted by Mary and Kanon.<ref name="CGEhg101"/><ref name="RetroCGE"/><ref name="CGEmEn">{{cite book|title=Changeable Guardian Estique|date=2024|publisher=Broke Studio|edition=English|type=Manual}}</ref>
The player can switch the Estique between two modes: a horizontal spaceship fighter and a vertical robot. Fighter mode enhances its weapons with more powerful attacks. Robot mode has a larger hitbox, but can unleash a barrier that clears the path through bullets and is immune to environmental damage. Each mode determines Estique's health regeneration rate, with robot mode being faster than fighter mode. Health also regenerates if Estique does not take damage for a period of time.<ref name="TENEScge"/><ref name="CGEhg101"/><ref name="RetroCGE"/><ref name="MGNEScge"/>
The player can collect an item that alternates between Wave (W) and B.I.T. (B). Wave produces a wide, three-directional shot, while B.I.T. forms two orbital barriers that fire at enemies and block enemy shots. Collecting an item replenishes the Estique's special attack reserve by one, or it is used automatically if full. There are six stages in total, each with a boss at the end. The game offers three difficulty levels: Normal, Hard, and God of Game.<ref name="TENEScge"/><ref name="CGEhg101"/><ref name="RetroCGE"/><ref name="MGNEScge"/>
== Development == {{Expand section|date=December 2025}} ''Changeable Guardian Estique'' was developed by Cat Hui Trading, a Japanese video game developer founded by Takayuki Komabayashi in 2021. He previously served as a sales manager at the Akihabara game store Beep Shop, and then joined M2 in 2017, working as part of the Sega Genesis Mini and Game Gear Micro teams, before going independent and establishing his own company. Komabayashi served as the game's director, producer, and planner.<ref name="TE:0">{{cite web|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|url=https://www.timeextension.com/features/zanac-aleste-and-gunhed-devs-join-forces-for-nes-shmup-chouyoku-senki-estique|title=Zanac, Aleste And Gunhed Devs Join Forces For NES Shmup 'Chouyoku Senki Estique'|work=Time Extension|publisher=Hookshot Media|date=November 16, 2023|access-date=2025-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116205208/https://www.timeextension.com/features/zanac-aleste-and-gunhed-devs-join-forces-for-nes-shmup-chouyoku-senki-estique|archive-date=2023-11-16|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="VGSage">{{cite web|author=Robinson, Sean (Scrobins)|url=https://www.videogamesage.com/blogs/entry/1207-episode-47-changeable-guardian-estique/|title=Episode 47: Changeable Guardian Estique - A Homebrew Draws Near!|website=Video Game Sage|date=September 30, 2024|access-date=2025-03-22|archive-url=https://archive.today/20251210224535/https://www.videogamesage.com/blogs/entry/1207-episode-47-changeable-guardian-estique/|archive-date=2025-12-10|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GameWatch:2">{{cite web|last=Inamoto|first=Tetsuya|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/interview/1645346.html|title=令和のFC用シューティング「超翼戦騎エスティーク」完成記念インタビュー。元コンパイルの開発陣など精鋭クリエイターによる'80年代テイスト満載のタイトル|work={{ill|Game Watch (website)|lt=Game Watch|ja|Impress Watch#サイト一覧}}|publisher={{ill|Impress Corporation|lt=Impress Corporation|ja|インプレス}}|date=December 6, 2024|pages=1–3|access-date=2025-03-22|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322000354/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/interview/1645346.html|archive-date=2025-03-22|url-status=live}}</ref> Former Compile staffers participated in the production.<ref name="AKIBAPCH!">{{cite web|url=https://akiba-pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/news/1653923.html|title=令和の新作FCシューティング「超翼戦騎エスティーク」の店頭予約が近日スタート|work={{ill|Akiba PC Hotline!|lt=Akiba PC Hotline!|ja|Impress Watch#サイト一覧}}|publisher={{ill|Impress Corporation|lt=Impress Corporation|ja|インプレス}}|date=January 14, 2025|access-date=2025-03-22|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114020201/https://akiba-pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/news/1653923.html|archive-date=2025-01-14|url-status=live}}</ref> Takayuki "Jemini" Hirono (of ''Zanac'', ''The Guardian Legend'', ''Aleste'', and ''Blazing Lazers'') was the game's lead programmer.<ref name="TE:0"/><ref name="VGSage"/><ref name="GameWatch:2"/><ref name="Retro268">{{cite magazine|last=Fisher|first=Andrew|title=The Homebrewer's Kit: Estique Excels|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=268|publisher=Future plc|date=January 16, 2025|pages=84–85}}</ref> Satoshi "Pac" Fujishima (of ''Golvellius'') assisted Hirono with programming and handled the sound effects.<ref name="TE:0"/><ref name="GameWatch:2"/><ref name="AKIBAPCH!"/><ref name="Retro268"/> Production designer Hiroki "Daigattai" Kodama (of ''Power Strike II'', and ''Spriggan Mark 2: Re-Terraform Project'') was responsible for the original story concept and various character designs.<ref name="MG368"/><ref name="TE:0"/><ref name="GameWatch:2"/><ref name="Retro268"/> Artist Kenji "Yamatan" Takayama worked on the stage design and in-game graphics.<ref name="VGSage"/><ref name="GameWatch:2"/><ref name="Retro268"/>
The music for ''Changeable Guardian Estique'' was scored by Ayako Saso (of ''Ridge Racer''), Sakuoki "sdhizumi" Kudo, Shinichi Sakamoto (of ''Wonder Boy''), and Shinji Hosoe.<ref name="CGEhg101"/><ref name="AKIBAPCH!"/><ref name="Retro268"/><ref name="TE:1">{{cite web|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|url=https://www.timeextension.com/previews/hands-on-mind-blowing-nes-shmup-chouyoku-senki-estique-just-keeps-getting-better|title=Mind-Blowing NES Shmup Chouyoku Senki Estique Just Keeps Getting Better|work=Time Extension|publisher=Hookshot Media|date=December 9, 2024|access-date=2025-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212130052/https://www.timeextension.com/previews/hands-on-mind-blowing-nes-shmup-chouyoku-senki-estique-just-keeps-getting-better|archive-date=2024-12-12|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2025, SuperSweep released a CD album in Japan containing the game's original soundtrack, as well as bonus tracks.<ref name="VGMDB">{{cite web|url=https://vgmdb.net/album/145845|title=CHANGEABLE GUARDIAN ESTIQUE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK|publisher=VGMdb|access-date=2025-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250110002253/https://vgmdb.net/album/145845|archive-date=2025-01-10|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Release == ''Changeable Guardian Estique'' was first unveiled at Digital Games Expo 2023, a Japanese event dedicated to indie and doujin games, where the demo was sold as a ROM image.<ref name="MG368"/><ref name="TE:0"/><ref name="FGJ">{{cite web|last=C. K.|first=Johann|url=https://www.frontlinejp.net/2023/11/12/digital-games-expo-2023-a-glimpse-into-the-world-of-japanese-indie-developers/|title=Digital Games Expo 2023: A Glimpse into the World of Japanese Indie Developers|work=Frontline Gaming Japan|publisher=Value Architects|date=November 12, 2023|access-date=2025-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112115949/https://www.frontlinejp.net/2023/11/12/digital-games-expo-2023-a-glimpse-into-the-world-of-japanese-indie-developers/|archive-date=2023-11-12|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was showcased at other events such as Wonder Festival 2024 Winter, BitSummit Drift 2024, and the Taiwanese indie event G-Eight 2024.<ref name="GameWatch:2"/><ref name="GameWatch:0">{{cite web|last=Inamoto|first=Tetsuya|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1568163.html|title=元コンパイルの精鋭スタッフ陣による新作シューティングがFCで開発中!?「超翼戦騎エスティーク」が「ワンフェス2024冬」に出展|work={{ill|Game Watch (website)|lt=Game Watch|ja|Impress Watch#サイト一覧}}|publisher={{ill|Impress Corporation|lt=Impress Corporation|ja|インプレス}}|date=February 12, 2024|access-date=2025-03-22|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213025636/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1568163.html|archive-date=2024-02-13|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="4Gnet">{{cite web|last=Yanamoto|first=Shinichi|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/821/G082139/20240724026/|title=ファミコン向けの新作シューティング！ ロボットと飛行形態を使い分けて巨大なボスに挑む「超翼戦騎エスティーク」|work=4Gamer.net|publisher=Aetas Inc.|date=July 24, 2024|access-date=2025-03-22|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724125540/https://www.4gamer.net/games/821/G082139/20240724026/|archive-date=2024-07-24|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GNNGamer">{{cite web|last=Taku|first=Inu|url=https://gnn.gamer.com.tw/detail.php?sn=277485|title=紅白機新作《超翼戰騎 ESTIQUE》登台展出 預計 12 月率先發售實體卡匣|work={{ill|GNN Gamer|zh|巴哈姆特電玩資訊站}}|publisher=Oneup Network Corporation|date=December 1, 2024|access-date=2025-04-11|language=zh|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201111942/https://gnn.gamer.com.tw/detail.php?sn=277485|archive-date=2024-12-01|url-status=live}}</ref> It was also playtested at the Hey game center in Akihabara, and a demo was offered at the Kenchan Electronics store.<ref name="GameWatch:2"/><ref name="AKIBAPCH!"/><ref name="GameWatch:1">{{cite web|last=Yashiki|first=Yuta|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1585503.html|title=シューティング「超翼戦騎エスティーク」体験会が秋葉原「Hey」にて4月27日～実施！ 一部サウンドを坂本慎一氏が担当＆藤岡建機氏のビジュアル使用アイテム頒布も|work={{ill|Game Watch (website)|lt=Game Watch|ja|Impress Watch#サイト一覧}}|publisher={{ill|Impress Corporation|lt=Impress Corporation|ja|インプレス}}|date=April 19, 2024|access-date=2025-03-22|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526153021/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1585503.html|archive-date=2024-05-26|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System/Family Computer (NES/Famicom) on December 16, 2024, by Broke Studio, a French video game publisher founded by Antoine Gohin in 2017.<ref name="GameWatch:2"/><ref name="Retro275">{{cite magazine|last=Fisher|first=Andrew|title=The Homebrewer's Kit: Let's Get Physical|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=271|publisher=Future plc|date=July 31, 2025|pages=96–97}}</ref><ref name="Gematsu:0">{{cite news|last=Romano|first=Sal|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2025/11/robot-shoot-em-up-changeable-guardian-estique-coming-to-ps5-xbox-series-switch-and-pc-in-2026|title=Robot shoot 'em up Changeable Guardian ESTIQUE coming to PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC in 2026|work=Gematsu|date=November 5, 2025|access-date=2025-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251106121808/https://www.gematsu.com/2025/11/robot-shoot-em-up-changeable-guardian-estique-coming-to-ps5-xbox-series-switch-and-pc-in-2026|archive-date=2025-11-06|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TE:2">{{cite web|last=Yarwood|first=Jack|url=https://www.timeextension.com/news/2025/11/one-of-last-years-most-impressive-nes-famicom-games-is-coming-to-steam-and-consoles|title=One Of Last Year's Most Impressive NES / Famicom Games Is Coming To Steam & Consoles|work=Time Extension|publisher=Hookshot Media|date=November 6, 2025|access-date=2025-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251107160220/https://www.timeextension.com/news/2025/11/one-of-last-years-most-impressive-nes-famicom-games-is-coming-to-steam-and-consoles|archive-date=2025-11-07|url-status=live}}</ref> The English and Japanese versions feature different storylines and graphics for the opening and closing sequences.<ref name="CGEhg101"/><ref name="Gematsu:0"/><ref name="TE:2"/>
In 2025, AMATA Games announced that ''Changeable Guardian Estique'' would be ported and released for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam in 2026.<ref name="Gematsu:0"/><ref name="TE:2"/> It will feature both the English and Japanese versions, a score attack variant, and a gallery mode.<ref name="CGEhg101"/><ref name="Gematsu:0"/><ref name="GameSpark">{{cite web|author=Mr. Katoh|url=https://www.gamespark.jp/article/2026/01/15/161630.html|title=ファミコン/NES向け新作STG『超翼戦騎エスティーク』コンソール移植版に「スコアアタック」収録決定！オンラインランキングにも対応|work=Game*Spark|publisher=IID, Inc.|date=January 15, 2026|access-date=2026-01-15|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260115232420/https://www.gamespark.jp/article/2026/01/15/161630.html|archive-date=2026-01-15|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Reception == ''Changeable Guardian Estique'' received generally favorable reviews.<ref name="TENEScge"/><ref name="MGNEScge"/><ref name="RetroCGE"/> ''Time Extension''{{'}}s John Szczepaniak lauded the game for its refined gameplay, exquisite visuals, near absence of sprite flickering, and great depth when played on the highest difficulty level, but considered the regional differences between the Famicom and NES versions and the misleading difficulty names to be negative aspects.<ref name="TENEScge">{{cite web|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|url=https://www.timeextension.com/reviews/nes/changeable-guardian-estique|title=Changeable Guardian Estique Review (NES)|work=Time Extension|publisher=Hookshot Media|date=December 9, 2024|access-date=2025-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210001359/https://www.timeextension.com/reviews/nes/changeable-guardian-estique|archive-date=2024-12-10|url-status=live}}</ref> Thomas Nickel of ''M! Games'' considered it a technically spectacular 8-bit shooter, highlighting the near absence of sprite flickering during action, as well as the excellent gameplay and level design.<ref name="MGNEScge">{{cite magazine|last=Nickel|first=Thomas|title=Import-Only: Changeable Guardian Estique (NES)|magazine={{ill|M! Games|lt=M! Games|de|M! Games}}|issue=378|publisher=Cybermedia|date=March 2025|page=85|language=de}} ([https://www.maniac.de/tests/changeable-guardian-estique-im-import-test-nes/ Transcription] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321233435/https://www.maniac.de/tests/changeable-guardian-estique-im-import-test-nes/|date=2025-03-21}}).</ref> ''Retro Gamer''{{'}}s Andrew Fisher called it a stunning and brilliant game that pushes the NES hardware to its limits, praising its gorgeous graphics and soundtrack.<ref name="RetroCGE">{{cite magazine|last=Fisher|first=Andrew|title=The Homebrewer's Kit - Data Burst: Changeable Guardian Estique|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=271|publisher=Future plc|date=April 10, 2025|page=100}}</ref> ''Hardcore Gaming 101''{{'}}s Kurt Kalata stated that the game was a marvel to behold, citing its masterful graphics, as well as the lack of slowdown and minimal flickering, but felt that the different language variations between the English and Japanese versions emulated the worst of the 8-bit era, and that the limited weapon types were its only drawback.<ref name="CGEhg101">{{cite web|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/changeable-guardian-estique/|title=Changeable Guardian Estique|work=Hardcore Gaming 101|date=November 12, 2025|access-date=2025-11-13|archive-url=https://archive.today/20251113022014/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/changeable-guardian-estique/|archive-date=2025-11-13|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Notes == {{notelist}}
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == {{Portal|Japan|Video games}}
* {{Official website|1=https://www.cathuitrading.com/?page_id=2563}} * {{Official website|1=https://www.cathuitrading.com/?page_id=2559}} {{in lang|ja}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Changeable Guardian Estique}} Category:2024 video games Category:Doujin video games Category:Homebrew software Category:Horizontally scrolling shooters Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games Category:Nintendo Switch games Category:PlayStation 5 games Category:Single-player video games Category:Video games developed in Japan Category:Video games featuring female protagonists Category:Video games scored by Shinji Hosoe Category:Windows games Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games