After playing this game a fair bit on both the Mega Drive and the Switch, I'm more excited than ever for the Neo port and would even buy it as the definitive 68000 version assuming all the sound samples, etc. are included, but I'm also concerend about how the controls are going to work. The level design of the game basically necessitates four buttons in a cross shape plus two shoulder buttons; I think the ideal configuration might be two joysticks with attached buttons/triggers. The former is achievable on the MD using a pad like the 8bitdo M30 or the Asciipad SG-6, but I can't really imagine how the 6-button scheme will work on the Neo. Two sticks won't really cut it as you still need two additional buttons for the mandatory roll and grenade functions.
The MD 3-button mode is indeed playable—more playable than MD Smash TV for example—but the gameplay isn't really optimized for it, certainly not in the way that Shock Troopers is, and you're confined to a single screen at all times so you don't have the option of scrolling to evade either.
That means that Bitmap Bureau can either:
a. Leave the gameplay intact and force the player to use the 3-button style control scheme (not ideal)
b. Leave the gameplay intact and figure out some sort of hardware solution that allows the game to be played using the 6-button scheme (ideal from a gameplay perspective, but probably requires custom hardware)
c. Alter the gameplay so that it's more suited to the 3-button scheme (maybe a good middle ground, but probably dilutes the fun factor of the game)
Bitmaps—if you're reading this, can you reveal any more info about the controls (and also how much of the modern platform's sound will be included)? As I mentioned, I'm seriously considering the MVS version, but controls are probably the most important factor for me and I'd like to know what to expect before a purchase.