Publisher: CAVE Interactive

Akai Katana (2010)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Akai Katana: A Bullet-Hell Masterpiece

Cave, the legendary Japanese developer of arcade shoot-em-ups, brought their signature brand of sensory overload to the Xbox 360 in 2010 with Akai Katana. Set in a parallel world resembling Japan’s Taisho period, Akai Katana tells the story of a small band of rebels who fight back against a tyrannical empire that has used powerful Blood Swords to crush neighboring countries.

Gameplay

Akai Katana is a horizontal shoot-em-up in the classic Cave mold. Players control one of four fighter planes, each with its own unique weapons and abilities. The game is known for its intense bullet-hell gameplay, with the screen often filled with a seemingly impenetrable wall of enemy fire. Players must use their skill and reflexes to weave through the bullets and take down their enemies.

In addition to the standard shot, each fighter plane also has a powerful bomb attack that can clear the screen of enemies. Bombs are essential for surviving the game’s later stages, which become increasingly difficult.

Akai Katana also features a unique “Blood Sword” system. By collecting power-ups, players can power up their Blood Swords, which grant them a variety of special abilities, such as increased firepower, invincibility, and the ability to slow down time.

Graphics and Sound

Akai Katana is a visual feast, with colorful and detailed graphics that bring the game’s world to life. The game’s backgrounds are particularly impressive, with intricate details and parallax scrolling that creates a sense of depth.

The game’s soundtrack is also top-notch, with a mix of traditional Japanese music and electronica that perfectly complements the game’s visuals and gameplay.

Story

While the story in Akai Katana is not particularly deep, it is still engaging and well-written. The game’s characters are all well-developed and sympathetic, and the story does a good job of conveying the horrors of war and the importance of fighting for what you believe in.

Replayability

Akai Katana is a very replayable game, with multiple difficulty levels and a variety of unlockable ships and weapons. The game also features online leaderboards, so players can compete against each other for the high score.

Overall

Akai Katana is a must-play for fans of shoot-em-ups. It is a sensory overload of bullets, explosions, and beautiful visuals. The game’s challenging gameplay and engaging story will keep you coming back for more.

9/10

Pros:

  • Intense and challenging gameplay
  • Beautiful visuals and soundtrack
  • Engaging story
  • High replayability

Cons:

  • Can be difficult for beginners
  • Story is not particularly deep

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Espgaluda II (2005)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Espgaluda II (2005)

Espgaluda II is a manic shooter originally released by Cave in the arcades in 2005 as a sequel to Espgaluda. It is known for its intense bullet patterns, colorful graphics, and catchy music. The game was ported to the Xbox 360 in 2012 and to the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita in 2013.

Gameplay

Espgaluda II is a vertical scrolling shoot ’em up in which the player controls a ship that can fire in eight directions. The player must defeat waves of enemies while dodging their bullets. The game features a variety of power-ups that can enhance the player’s ship, such as increased firepower, speed, and invincibility.

One of the unique features of Espgaluda II is its “Black Label” system. When the player’s ship is hit by an enemy bullet, it will enter “Black Label” mode. In this mode, the player’s ship will take less damage and fire more powerful bullets. However, the player’s ship will also move more slowly and be more difficult to control.

Espgaluda II also features a “Hyper” system. When the player collects a certain number of Hyper items, they can unleash a powerful Hyper attack. Hyper attacks can clear the screen of enemies and deal massive damage to bosses.

Story

Espgaluda II takes place in a world that is being invaded by an alien race known as the Pods. The player takes control of one of four ships that are sent to fight back against the Pods and save the world.

Characters

The four playable characters in Espgaluda II are:

  • Aine: A young woman who is the pilot of the ship Fairy.
  • Hikari: A shrine maiden who is the pilot of the ship Yorigami.
  • Natsumi: A tomboyish girl who is the pilot of the ship Mushihimesama.
  • Momiji: A kunoichi who is the pilot of the ship Shinobi.

Development

Espgaluda II was developed by Cave, a Japanese video game company that is known for its manic shooters. The game was directed by Tsuneki Ikeda, who also directed the original Espgaluda.

Espgaluda II was developed using Cave’s proprietary “Mushihimesama” game engine. This engine allowed the developers to create the game’s intense bullet patterns and colorful graphics.

Release

Espgaluda II was released in arcades in Japan in 2005. The game was ported to the Xbox 360 in 2012 and to the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita in 2013.

Reception

Espgaluda II was critically acclaimed upon release. The game was praised for its intense bullet patterns, colorful graphics, catchy music, and replayability.

Espgaluda II has been ranked as one of the best manic shooters ever made. In 2010, IGN ranked the game as the 23rd best arcade game of all time.

Legacy

Espgaluda II is considered to be one of the greatest manic shooters ever made. The game’s intense bullet patterns, colorful graphics, catchy music, and replayability have made it a favorite among fans of the genre.

Espgaluda II has also been influential in the development of other manic shooters. The game’s “Black Label” system has been adopted by other games, such as Deathsmiles and DoDonPachi Resurrection.

Conclusion

Espgaluda II is a classic manic shooter that is still enjoyed by fans of the genre today. The game’s intense bullet patterns, colorful graphics, catchy music, and replayability make it a must-play for any fan of shoot ’em ups.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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DoDonPachi Saidaioujou (2012)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

DoDonPachi Saidaioujou: The Pinnacle of Bullet Hell Shmups

Introduction

DoDonPachi Saidaioujou, released in arcades in 2012 and on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita in 2014, is the sixth installment in Cave’s legendary DonPachi series of vertical scrolling shoot ’em ups. Known for its intense bullet patterns, gorgeous graphics, and addictive gameplay, DoDonPachi Saidaioujou is widely considered to be one of the greatest shmups ever made.

Gameplay

DoDonPachi Saidaioujou retains the core gameplay mechanics of its predecessors. Players control a lone ship and must navigate through waves of increasingly difficult enemy formations, dodging a relentless barrage of bullets while returning fire with their own weapons.

What sets DoDonPachi Saidaioujou apart from other shmups is its unique “Hyper” system. By collecting yellow orbs dropped by enemies, players can enter “Hyper” mode, which slows down time and powers up their ship’s weapons. Hyper mode is essential for surviving the game’s later stages, which feature some of the most intense bullet patterns ever seen in a shmup.

DoDonPachi Saidaioujou also introduces a new “Arrange” mode, which features remixed stages, enemy formations, and boss battles. Arrange mode is more difficult than the original arcade mode, but it also offers new challenges and rewards for experienced players.

Graphics and Sound

DoDonPachi Saidaioujou is a visual masterpiece. The game’s backgrounds are beautifully detailed, and the enemy designs are both imaginative and menacing. The game’s soundtrack is also top-notch, with a mix of adrenaline-pumping electronic tracks and haunting melodies.

Story

DoDonPachi Saidaioujou has a relatively simple story, but it’s told in a way that’s both evocative and mysterious. The game takes place in a parallel universe where the Earth has been invaded by an alien race known as the Dodons. The player takes control of one of four ships and must fight their way through the Dodons’ forces to save the planet.

Reception

DoDonPachi Saidaioujou was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the game’s intense gameplay, gorgeous graphics, and addictive soundtrack. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.

Legacy

DoDonPachi Saidaioujou is considered to be one of the greatest shmups ever made. The game’s intense bullet patterns, gorgeous graphics, and addictive gameplay have made it a favorite among fans of the genre. DoDonPachi Saidaioujou has also been influential in the development of other shmups, and its unique “Hyper” system has been imitated in many other games.

Conclusion

DoDonPachi Saidaioujou is a must-play for any fan of shmups. The game’s intense gameplay, gorgeous graphics, and addictive soundtrack make it one of the most unforgettable experiences in gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned shmup veteran or a newcomer to the genre, DoDonPachi Saidaioujou is sure to provide you with hours of heart-pounding action.

Review Score

9/10

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Deathsmiles (2007)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Deathsmiles: A Diabolically Delightful Bullet-Hell Extravaganza

Prepare yourself for a chaotic and intense adventure in the magical land of Gilverado, where the forces of Hell have launched a relentless invasion. As one of five celestial Angels, it’s up to you to eradicate this devilish assault and restore peace to the realm. Welcome to Deathsmiles, CAVE’s 2007 masterpiece that redefined the bullet-hell shoot-’em-up genre.

A Visual Feast of Demonic Proportions

Deathsmiles is a visual spectacle that bombards your senses with a vibrant and over-the-top aesthetic. The game’s backgrounds are meticulously crafted, showcasing intricate environments that range from lush forests to fiery chasms. The character designs are equally impressive, featuring a cast of Angels and demons with distinct personalities and elaborate costumes.

But what truly sets Deathsmiles apart is its unparalleled bullet patterns. The screen becomes a chaotic tapestry of projectiles, each one meticulously designed to challenge your reflexes and strategic thinking. Prepare to dodge, weave, and unleash devastating attacks as you navigate through this bullet-infested gauntlet.

Five Angels, Five Playstyles

Deathsmiles offers a diverse roster of five playable Angels, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Choose from the elegant Rosa, the swift Violet, the powerful Xiao, the versatile Kurumi, or the mysterious Rachel. Each Angel possesses a distinct weapon and a set of special abilities that cater to different playstyles.

Rosa, for example, excels at close-range combat with her powerful shotgun. Violet can unleash a devastating laser beam that pierces through enemy formations. Xiao wields a massive sword that deals heavy damage in melee range. Kurumi can summon familiars to assist her in battle. And Rachel possesses the ability to slow down time, giving you a precious edge in the heat of battle.

Strategic Depth and Replayability

Beyond its visual splendor and intense action, Deathsmiles offers a surprising amount of strategic depth. The game features a variety of power-ups and upgrades that can significantly enhance your firepower and abilities. Experiment with different combinations to find the loadout that best suits your playstyle.

Deathsmiles also encourages multiple playthroughs with its branching level paths and multiple endings. Your choices throughout the game will determine the path you take, leading to different boss encounters and story developments. With multiple difficulty levels and hidden secrets to discover, Deathsmiles offers immense replayability for both casual and hardcore shoot-’em-up enthusiasts.

A Timeless Masterpiece

Since its initial release in arcades, Deathsmiles has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Its unique blend of intense action, stunning visuals, and strategic depth has cemented its place as one of the greatest bullet-hell shoot-’em-ups of all time.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the genre or a newcomer looking for a thrilling challenge, Deathsmiles is an essential experience. Prepare to immerse yourself in a diabolically delightful adventure that will test your skills and leave you craving for more.

Tips for Demonic Domination

  • Master the Basics: Familiarize yourself with the controls and basic gameplay mechanics. Learn how to dodge, shoot, and use your special abilities effectively.
  • Choose Your Angel Wisely: Experiment with the different Angels to find one that suits your playstyle. Each Angel has unique strengths and weaknesses, so choose the one that complements your skills.
  • Manage Your Power-Ups: Collect power-ups to enhance your firepower, defense, and abilities. Experiment with different combinations to find the loadout that works best for you.
  • Be Strategic: Don’t just mindlessly shoot. Pay attention to enemy patterns and plan your attacks accordingly. Use your special abilities wisely to gain an edge in battle.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: Deathsmiles is a challenging game, so don’t get discouraged if you die. Practice regularly to improve your skills and learn from your mistakes.
  • Explore the Secrets: Deathsmiles is full of hidden secrets and multiple endings. Experiment with different choices and explore every nook and cranny to uncover the game’s full potential.

Prepare yourself for a diabolically delightful adventure in Deathsmiles, a bullet-hell shoot-’em-up that will challenge your skills and leave you craving for more. As one of five celestial Angels, embrace the chaos, eradicate the demonic hordes, and restore peace to the magical land of Gilverado.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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