What if Deathsmiles was on Game Boy?

I found this cool pic very randomly today. I can just imagine how shitty Deathsmiles would have played on the original Game Boy. Would I still buy it? Yes.

Deathsmiles Patch is Out

Being the nice guys that they are, Aksys has released a patch for Deathsmiles today. This patch is supposed to fix the problems that people have been complaining about like the lack of slowdown in some areas of the game. Here is the information from Aksys's page:

There's a patch out for Deathsmiles! It releases today, and allows Deathsmiles to run at optimal capacity. It fixes several key issues, including a de-sync problem that prevented players from viewing their level replays properly. It also adjust the slowdown on several levels. Game on!

Even though I will be playing Marvel vs Capcom 3 today, it is still nice to know this game was fixed for the naysayers. Thank you for your dedication Aksys!

Now release Deathsmiles 2!

BlazBlue and Deathsmiles Fan Art

Aksys is bringing two big releases this summer: BlazBlue CS and Deathsmiles. I am super excited for both titles. Here is some nice Pixiv fan art to pay tribute to their upcoming arrivals. Only six days till Deathsmiles, look for a review to follow.

Hot...

OMG...

In unrelated news, Team USA is kicking ass in the World Cup. Go America! Go soccer! I will be drinking and cheering them on Saturday then possibly rioting if we lose :-p

Deathsmiles is Coming to America!

Deathsmiles is finally getting a US release. The publisher hasn't been named, but I am guessing Atlus or UFO Interactive. This is great news since the game is really fun, and it's release opens the door to more US ports for Cave games. I am very excited about this news. If you are curious about the game, I did a review of the import copy last year, check it out if you are interested.

I can't wait to hear more about this. Hopefully a cool pre-order item comes with the game like a nice art book, or soundtrack. I am glad someone is giving this niche title a shot, it truly deserves a chance here. Everyone buy two copies so we get Espgaluda 2 as well!

This would be a strange pre-order gift...

Awesome Game Fan Art Part II

Here is some more great fan artwork courtesy of Pixiv:
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE!

Deathsmiles Review (Xbox 360)

Today I will be looking at the newest shooting game released for the Xbox 360, Deathsmiles. This title was developed by Cave, makers of other shooting (or shmup) hits such as DoDonpachi and Ketsui. The game falls in the shooting genre of "bullet hell", as the enemy can be relentless in releasing bullets, sometimes having thousands on the screen at one time making it hell for the player to dodge. As far as the "bullet hell" shmup's diificulty, Deathsmiles isn't as intense as some of Cave's other titles; but it is no cake walk either.
The game involves the story of several young women transported to another world filled with magical creatures. They receive new powers and go on an adventure to find the portal to return home. The game's theme follows the Japanese fashion of Gothic Lolita. It seems to represent a vampire-like post renaissance attire, and if you notice the young heroines are dressed in this manner. This theme also carries over into the game as the levels have a Halloween like setting; and some levels have an almost "Castlevania-esque" music to them.
Deathsmiles was ported from an arcade release; but the Xbox offers several updates. First and foremost the Xbox mode allows players to play the game with HD graphics. This is more noticeable when compared to the original and 1.1 versions of the game also included on the disc. Overall the graphics are pretty awesome, especially for a shooting game. Other updates include full-voice acting(Japanese only) and Achievements for tasks such as beating bosses or the always evil "beat the game on one credit."
The levels in the game range from volcanic caverns to 17th century ballrooms (complete with masquerade ball dancers attacking you!) Bosses also vary from cool to insane. One stage you battle dragons, and another you battle a giant cow will telepathic powers. One let down is the length of the stages, they are over far too soon.
The soundtrack is really great. Gothic tunes, and upbeat techno music carries you through the levels. I haven't liked a soundtrack this much in a long time...definately worth picking up the special edition of this game since it is thrown in. The sound effects are also notably cool, especially the explosions.
The big draw of these sort of games is the scoring system, and Deathsmiles doesn't disappoint. Three difficulty levels exists for the first few levels of the game, and then an unforgiving difficulty is applied to the extra stage and final stage. One cool ability is the downloadable replays via Xbox Live. Watch experts get massive scores, and learn their techniques.
It is unfortunate this game was only released in Japan, as it is a high quality game. It is pretty funny we get utter shit released in the US like Face Breakers boxing but no great shmups. If you have the money, invest an import Xbox 360, as it seems to be this generation's shmup haven. I hope Atlus or Xseed grab this gem up before its too late.

Randomness:

• An update to the game will be released soon for DLC. It will include a new playable character, a new stage, and a super difficulty for shooting game veterans.
• The game sold 20,000 in it's first week in Japan. It is the highest amount for a bullet hell title yet!
• A recent sequel has been released in arcades with a Christmas theme.

Support Deathsmiles

Head over to the Atlus forums and get on the bandwagon for this awesome looking 360 shooter. Let's get this game localized(damn region lockout...grrr!) Atlus link:http://atlus.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2435