Deathsmiles comes out in North America for the Xbox 360 exactly a week from today on June 29th and I couldn’t be any happier. The game marks the first bullet hell shooter by Cave (a popular Japan developer in the genre) ever to be released in the states. Other than having two other shooters (Espgaluda II Black Label and Mushihimesama Futari Ver 1.5) that are actually region free for fans who don’t mind spending 70-80 dollars on importing, Cave has never had the kind of recognition they deserve. While Deathsmiles is a fairly old arcade title, it’s being ported by Aksys Games and will retain the aspect ratio of the original with updated HD graphics.
Offering a barrage of bullets in a much needed healthy dose, Deathsmiles is one of two horizontal scrolling shooters by Cave. The other being a game called Progear that was published by Capcom for the arcades in the 90s. What sets Deathsmiles apart from most of Cave’s other repertoire of games is the lack of aircrafts and ships you control for a more personal approach, controlling actual characters. Deathsmiles oozes with style the moment you see everything on screen in beautiful harmony. From werewolves, demon dogs, and other mysterious creatures, Deathsmiles will unlock your imagination with a golden key. It’s purely a style that tends to be not so popular here in the states, a style that is purely Japanese and is like nothing you’ve really ever seen, and I mean that in the loveliest way possible.
Deathsmiles is simply an incredible shoot-em up (also known as shmup) with stunning color and visuals. I had a chance to play a good portion of the game at PAX East 2010 and it was a blast. Like I said before, the style of Deathsmiles is what takes the cake. The game is so dark with its gothic lolita heroines, yet also so bright and eye-popping. Cave may not be a well known company in the states but they sure are the masters of their art in creating classic gameplay experiences with minor updated mechanics and smoothness of play. They actually recently released the previously mentioned Espgaluda II Black Label on the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch, which is somewhat surprising given their previous track record and the intense visuals of the game itself.
It’s the nostalgia feeling this game brings that evokes the excitement and vigor that many games today seem to lack. It may not have the best replay value or varied gameplay, but it’s pure, simple fun. I’m getting older now and while sometimes I want to sit on the couch for hours and grind with an RPG or a first/third-person shooter, I’m finding more and more that arcade gameplay just hits the spot, short and sweet. What other game can you battle a giant cow, stampeding towards you from the left side of the screen (and then proceeds to blow up after you defeat it)? It’s these boss moments that make me grin with glee and the intense shooting, switching between left and right that put me on the edge of my seat. The presentation also makes the game feel instinctively good. From the classic map-like “Stage Select” screen with multiple branching paths (reminiscent of games like Donkey Kong Country and Super Mario World) to the silly little details when you select your character, this game knows how to keep your attention visually and it’s the gameplay that keeps you there.
Deathsmiles in essence is simplicity and chaos in perfect harmony. It’s taking what is usually a very difficult game and making it into one that is really your choice. Most Cave shooters are known to be really hard affairs with little chance for error and requiring scrupulous precision and movement for survival. From what I’ve seen though, Cave and Aksys Games have really gone the extra mile with this port, making it accessible to anybody willing to give it a chance, thanks to the varied difficulty settings, continue settings, and the ability to play any mission at any given time as practice. I expect many great times to be had in the next couple weeks whipping out my arcade stick for some much needed love and blasting all the interesting monsters and scum that come my way. For only $50, a special edition of Deathsmiles is yours next week and that shit’s gonna be devilish.
-Eric Egavian
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