Rated 10 out of 10 by StokedRider 2D Sprite Shooter Perfection
While I was hesitant of this game's art at first, I gave it a try because I'm a fan of arcade shooters, and boy, I'm sure glad I did. This is a pure bullet heck shooter that'll overwhelm you with bullets that'll fill the screen; however, despite how insanely difficult it may seem at times, Deathsmiles difficulty can be overcome with just a little bit of practice. This is a super satisfying bullet heck shooter that doesn't cater to anyone, but it does its own thing and does it surprisingly well. Cave, the developers of Deathsmiles, are veterans of the bullet heck shooter genre, which Deathsmiles showcases in grand form. This game is packed with replay value in the form of difficulty options, various modes, multiple playable characters, etc. Deathsmiles is a fantastic shooter.
9/4/11
Rated 9 out of 10 by VictorianValkyrie A Challenge Beyond First Sight
I bought this game thinking it was going to be a lot different than it was and I was pleased to be wrong. At first I was disappointed but after popping it in, and failing horribly my first go, I found myself reverting to the old gaming days when all that mattered was getting those points and reaching the high scores! Within no time I was hooked. I played this game for hours just trying to figure out which girl's abilities I liked better, how high of a score I could get, and to see what would change depending on who I was. I also played on multiplayer and had a lot of fun getting through the challenging lvls. Some people might think it's easy to beat, and sure it is. I mean, your not putting in a quarter every time you die so you can suck at this game and go on through. Thats not the spirit of the game though. To really play this game you have to want to survive it all without dying, to get the highest score, and to beat the game the way it should be! If you play to the true spirit of the game, it's great. It all depends on what kind of player you area and my belief is that a hardcore gamer would appreciate this game far more than someone just out to beat a game without realizing how to play in the old arcade style.
7/3/11
Rated 6 out of 10 by Aidylasia Interesting old-school arcade style
I had been looking to try this game for a couple of years, and when I saw it used at GameStop for under $10, I thought "perfect, here is my chance!" I love old-school arcade games - and this is almost exactly what I got. Only, it was a bit too easy.
In a way, it was nice to be able to "continue" as if you had put in a quarter at the old arcade parlor... however, because of this, it caused the game to be a bit too easy to beat. Some might be able to enjoy it, as the graphics are well-done, the storyline is pretty nice even though it is short, and if you are an old-school gamer like myself, this definitely embodies the old-school arcades. It even lets you choose your own path as you progress to the ultimate boss-level.
Unfortunately - once you defeat that boss - you've 'beat' the game. The fact that you can change your path so many times with each of the 4 characters makes it so that you can do it over without actually "repeating" the game, but the path to the final boss is quite short, when all is said and done. I made it through one run-through each for 2 of the characters within about an hour, give or take. Therefore, I am afraid that if you have as short of an attention span as I do - the game might quickly lose its appeal.
In its defense, however, I must admit that it is well done. I did enjoy playing it for the short time it kept my attention - and if you are a fan of old-game arcade-style shooters, I definitely suggest you try this one out. It is definitely worth the once or even twice go-through, no matter how long you wind up playing the game afterwards.
2/9/13
Rated 10 out of 10 by shmupfan for those who yearn for the arcade days
deathsmiles is a hardcore shoot-em-up by the masters of the genre, cave. if you are a fan of games like gradius, ikaruga or r-type this will be right up your alley. pay no attention to the other review posted ("wah it's too easy!"), as it was obviously written by someone with no knowledge of shooters.
4/12/11
Rated 2 out of 10 by Air3456 This game is not worth the money.
I got this game for my girl friend and she play it and said it sucks. The game was in arcade style,Not in english,bad music,and very easy to beat she got so bored playing it. I try the game and yes this game was not worth the money i pay for it. It was so lame.
4/6/11
Rated 8 out of 10 by ukhjgb it's awsome
just buy it it's great no ones ever online though.
7/15/11