Info about Deathsmiles:

Official game description:
  
Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Team up with a friend, choose an angel, and eradicate this devilish assault across six different game modes!  
Deathsmiles’s developer, CAVE Co., Ltd., is the powerhouse behind revered bullet-hell shooters such as Mushihimesama, DoDonPachi, Espgaluda, and many more!  
*   Horizontally scrolling bullet-hell madness across six different game modes including Mega Black Label mode.  
*   Spooky good fun! Battle ghosts, demons, man-eating plants, and even giant cattle in this gothic horror-themed adventure.  
*   Five playable angels to choose from, each with her own faithful familiar.  
*   Supports two-player local cooperative play. Banish the forces of Hell together!  
*   Reap what you sow with the challenging and powerful Counter system.  
*   Freely choose your path and difficulty with nonlinear progression between a variety of macabre stages.

Release date: Mar 10, 2016

Categories: Bullet-hell, Shoot 'em up, Horizontal Scrolling, Multiple Game Versions, Local Co-op, Gothic Aesthetic, Arcade, Stage-select with adjustable difficulty


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $20.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews anchor the game's perceived value around $8-$10 sale purchases while stating that full price is still worthwhile for fans. However, multiple reviewers recommend waiting for a sale because the game is short, and the translated Japanese feedback calls the price cheap and notes the standalone version is cheaper per unit than the bundle. This supports a fair base-game range of roughly $10-$20: sale-friendly around $10 or less, and acceptable at the higher end for dedicated bullet-hell fans.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 0.6h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 0.8h
  - Endgame: 30.0h
  - Reasoning: The first-clear accounts place a normal arcade run or main completion in the 30–40 minute range, with one reviewer citing 35 minutes for their first playthrough, so gameCompletion is estimated at about 0.6 hours. The same run-length evidence, plus a translated Spanish review saying each run lasts 40m–1h on average, supports a typical sessionLength around 0.75 hours. For endgame, one reviewer states they achieved their first proper 1CC after roughly 30 hours, indicating substantial post-clear practice and score-chasing time. storyCompletion is left null because reviews mention endings and replayability but provide no separate hour estimate for completing a story route or ending.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Reviews show positive replayability from multiple modes and local co-op, but they do not provide an explicit time-to-fun timing or hook event. Early friction includes boring cutscenes, missing online co-op, unclear achievements, and controller-preferred controls, with no quote linking their resolution to increased enjoyment.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Boring cutscenes that must be fast-forwarded by mashing a button.; Cutscene handling reduces motivation to keep replaying.; Missing online co-op, with local co-op only despite co-op being advertised.; Removal of co-op that was present in the 360 version.; Unclear achievements about which mode to clear.; Movement keys fixed to cursor keys, making a controller preferable or necessary over keyboard.
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: Availability of multiple game modes and local co-op affects replayability.; Choosing the highest difficulty activates suicide bullets with death mode.; Choosing the optional late-game stage adds greater challenge.; Controller availability matters because movement keys are fixed to cursor keys.; Local-only co-op rather than online co-op affects the multiplayer experience.
- Player Archetypes:
  - Hardcore 1CC Score-Chaser (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastering scoring systems and achieving 1CC clears across modes.
    - Playstyle: Selects specific ranks and modes, avoids suicide bullets, and grinds scores and 1CC runs.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Normal 1cc guy
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Beginner-Friendly Bullet Hell Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: An accessible entry point into CAVE bullet hell with adjustable difficulty.
    - Playstyle: Uses modular difficulty and continues to learn, playing casually while improving.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: STG beginner
    - Reference games: Mushihimesama
  - Arcade Co-op Nostalgic (buy)
    - Motivation: Reliving arcade days and playing local co-op with friends.
    - Playstyle: Plays local two-player co-op and chases better scores in arcade-style sessions.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Gothic Lolita Anime Aesthetic Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoying the Gothic Lolita, anime, and Japanese oddity aesthetic.
    - Playstyle: Plays arcade shooter modes casually while appreciating art, theme, and presentation.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: old school
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Great music and soundtrack (weight 0.4): Many players praise the music and soundtrack as outstanding. Tracks are frequently described as incredible and memorable.
- Fun and addictive gameplay (weight 0.4): The gameplay is often described as simple but addictive, with a satisfying sense of improvement. It is fun and challenging.
- Adjustable difficulty per stage (weight 0.39): Players appreciate the ability to choose difficulty before each stage, with three base difficulty levels available. This makes the game accessible and customizable.
- Accessible to beginners (weight 0.35): The game is noted for being gentle and approachable for players new to shoot 'em ups. Even first-time players can enjoy it and likely reach the end.
- Amazing art style (weight 0.27): The art direction and overall aesthetic receive consistent praise from players. Graphics are described as beautiful and superb.
- CAVE quality recognized (weight 0.27): Reviewers consistently praise the game as one of CAVE's best shooters. It is considered a great entry in the CAVE library.
- Excellent gothic aesthetic (weight 0.27): The gothic setting and Halloween theme are highlighted as standout features. The visual style and atmosphere are highly praised.
- Generally great game (weight 0.24): Players frequently describe the game as really great and very well done. It is a good game overall.
- High replay value (weight 0.22): The game is considered easily replayable with a lot of replay value. Multiple characters and modes add to its longevity.
- Excellent atmosphere (weight 0.22): The game's atmosphere is frequently praised as excellent and immersive. It contributes significantly to the overall experience.
- Great horizontal shmup (weight 0.18): The game is praised as a great horizontal shoot 'em up with unique mechanics like shooting behind you. It is also called a fantastic bullet hell shooter.
- Fun scoring mechanics (weight 0.13): The complexity in scoring is incredibly fun and adds depth to the gameplay. Players enjoy the scoring system.
- Extremely well crafted and accessible (weight 0.13): The game is described as an extremely well-crafted and accessible bullet hell shooter. It receives high praise for its design.
- Perfectly adjustable difficulty (weight 0.13): The difficulty is perfectly adjustable for both new and experienced players. This flexibility is highly valued.
- Bach's Toccata in final boss (weight 0.12): The final boss battle features Bach's Toccata and Fugue, which is a memorable and impactful moment. Players specifically mention this musical choice.
- Unique style and feel (weight 0.12): The game's style and feel are described as amazing and incredible. It stands out for its distinct presentation.
- Mega Black Label preferred (weight 0.12): Some players prefer the Mega Black Label version over the original, finding it more balanced with a better difficulty curve.
- Unique characters change playstyle (weight 0.12): The characters are different enough to change playstyle, with unique performance that avoids boredom. This adds variety to the game.
- Includes six game versions (weight 0.12): The game includes six versions with different game systems and graphics. This provides a comprehensive package for fans.
- Power-up at 500/1000 points (weight 0.12): A power-up mode activates at 500 or 1000 points, increasing damage and points. This mechanic is noted by players.

Common complaints:
- Difficulty and Foreknowledge Demands (weight 0.53): The game is brutally hard, demands heavy memorization, and requires foreknowledge of item spawn points and optimal stage order. Some modes have broken difficulty spikes, especially the final castle level.
- Sexualized Character Designs (weight 0.48): The character designs, particularly the young female characters, are seen as sexualized and off-putting. Some players find the gothic lolita aesthetic and character ages creepy.
- Input and Control Issues (weight 0.43): Players report input lag, inability to rebind certain keys, awkward controller mappings (e.g., joystick buttons triggering pause), and problems with non-XInput controllers. These issues can cause frustration during play.
- Technical and Display Flaws (weight 0.41): The game runs in a bordered window rather than true fullscreen, and fullscreen mode introduces top/bottom bars that reduce screen width. There are also scanline artifacts, occasional sound cutouts, and framerate drops.
- Slowdown Inaccuracies (weight 0.4): Critical slowdown effects from the arcade and Xbox 360 versions are missing or reduced, especially in MBL 1.1 mode, making bullets faster and the game harder than intended. This harms port faithfulness and affects scoring and difficulty balance.
- Short and Repetitive Content (weight 0.34): The game is very short, with only four levels that can be completed in about 10 minutes. It lacks unlockable content, secrets, additional stages, and permanent upgrades, and material is highly repetitive.
- Port Quality Concerns (weight 0.31): The PC port is considered lazy, with issues such as missing slowdown, incomplete operation, and options not properly adapted. It is essentially a straight port of the Xbox 360 version without additional content or improvements.
- Missing Slowdown and Slowdown Effects (weight 0.28): Important slowdowns are missing in this version, especially in MBL 1.1 mode, and some players find the intentional slowdown disgusting and pointless given infinite continues. This affects both difficulty and game feel.
- Version Confusion and Recommendations (weight 0.26): Players are unsure whether to refund this version and buy the Deathsmiles 1+2 release instead. Some strongly advise against buying this version, while others regret passing on it earlier.
- Character Balance and Quirks (weight 0.21): Characters mostly differ only in appearance, with some like Casper having low firepower and slow speed, and Rosa having quirky controls. The left/right facing mechanic is seen as more of a hindrance than a tactical addition.
- Ambiguous Achievements (weight 0.18): Achievements often do not specify which game mode is required to unlock them, forcing players to experiment. Some achievements may also fail to unlock in CAVE's Steam ports.
- Missing Modes and Features (weight 0.17): Deathsmiles II is not included in the Cave shmup bundle, and only three CAVE shmups are available on Steam compared to their vast catalog. The smartphone version's RPG princess training mode is also missing.
- Fullscreen and Scaling Issues (weight 0.17): Changing to fullscreen is risky, and the arcade aspect ratio screen does not fill widescreen displays properly. There is no overall screen setting option, requiring tweaks for each mode separately.
- Lack of Manual/Guides (weight 0.17): The game lacks a proper manual, leaving many unobvious mechanics unexplained even for regular 1CC clears. Guides for advanced techniques like the Volcano bomb are unclear.
- Unskippable Story Sections (weight 0.17): Story sections cannot be skipped, which reduces the will to replay the game. The story itself is considered poor and becomes sillier with each playthrough.
- Training Mode Flaws (weight 0.17): Training mode is poorly implemented: players cannot directly practice bosses and must start from the beginning of a stage. The options menu also contains settings seemingly taken from another game.
- Missing Xbox 360 Content (weight 0.13): The PC port omits features from the original Xbox 360 Japanese release, such as online play and pre-order DLC voice acting. It also lacks the Xbox 360-exclusive mode entirely.
- Broken Leaderboards (weight 0.13): The leaderboard menu is unreliable, requiring frequent refreshes to open the desired page. Replays from leaderboards often desync, undermining competition and score verification.
- Unclear Button Prompts (weight 0.07): The START button function is ambiguous, as different parts of the game require pressing 1, C, or Enter on keyboard without clear disclosure. This inconsistency confuses players.

Gameplay feedback:
- Classic bullet hell shmup (weight 0.71): The game is widely described as a bullet hell shoot 'em up with dense projectile patterns. It is recognized as a classic entry in the genre.
- Stage-select with adjustable difficulty (weight 0.68): Players can select individual difficulty levels for each stage before playing. This gives flexible challenge tuning and is praised for accommodating both new and experienced players.
- Horizontal scrolling shooter (weight 0.43): The game features horizontal scrolling gameplay with side-scrolling shooter mechanics. Many players note that enemies can appear from multiple directions.
- CAVE shooter pedigree (weight 0.31): Players frequently identify it as a CAVE shooter, highlighting its status as a classic bullet hell title from the renowned developer.
- Six game versions (weight 0.29): The package includes six distinct versions of the game, each with different mechanics and graphical styles. This provides a wealth of content and variations.
- Gothic fantasy aesthetic (weight 0.27): The game features a gothic horror fantasy theme with a lolita-inspired visual style. This distinctive aesthetic is a key draw for many players.
- Left and right shooting (weight 0.27): The shot system allows firing both left and right using two separate buttons. This dual-direction mechanic is central to the gameplay and is often highlighted.
- Multiple playable characters (weight 0.22): The game offers several playable characters, typically four or five, each with unique abilities. This adds variety and replayability.
- Character-specific endings (weight 0.17): Each character has their own unique endings, encouraging players to complete the game with multiple characters. Multiple modes and endings add narrative depth.
- Infinite continues available (weight 0.16): The game provides infinite continues, allowing players of all skill levels to experience the entire game. This accessibility feature is often mentioned.
- Boss battles included (weight 0.16): The game features challenging boss battles, including at least one hidden boss. These encounters are a highlight for many players.

Performance notes:
- Inaccurate slowdown behavior (weight 0.18): The port's slowdown does not match the original arcade hardware. This includes slowdown occurring less often and in the wrong situations, affecting difficulty.
- Input lag reported (weight 0.13): Players notice input lag during gameplay. This makes controls feel less responsive.
- Framerate drops with many objects (weight 0.08): Occasional framerate slowdowns occur when hundreds of objects appear on screen. This can impact performance during busy scenes.
- Visual scanline artifact (weight 0.07): A strange horizontal line or scanline appears on screen. There is no V-sync option available to address it.
- Sound cuts out (weight 0.07): Sound sometimes cuts out during gameplay. This is an occasional audio bug.
- Runs well on Steam Deck (weight 0.07): The game is reported to run flawlessly on the Steam Deck. This indicates good compatibility and performance on that platform.

Recommendations:
- Must-have for shmup fans (weight 0.51): Multiple reviewers strongly recommend the game for shoot 'em up enthusiasts, calling it one of the finest shmups of all time. It is seen as a must-have for anyone who enjoys the genre.
- Accessible entry to bullet hell (weight 0.39): The game is recommended as an accessible entry point for beginners to the bullet hell genre. Its forgiving nature and difficulty options make it approachable for newcomers.
- Better to buy Deathsmiles I・II (weight 0.35): Several reviewers advise purchasing the Deathsmiles I・II bundle instead of this single version. They suggest the combined release offers more value and is the preferred option.
- Recommended for genre fans (weight 0.27): Many reviewers simply recommend the game for fans of shooters or arcade shooters. It is a safe pick for those who already enjoy the genre.
- Skip this version (weight 0.26): Some reviewers explicitly advise against buying this version, citing better alternatives or poor port quality. They recommend skipping it in favor of other releases.
- Wait for a sale (weight 0.22): Several reviewers suggest waiting for a discount before purchasing. They consider the game worth buying only at a sale price due to its age or value proposition.
- One of the best on PC (weight 0.21): The game is praised as one of the best shmups available on PC, with some calling it a masterpiece. It stands out as a top title in the genre on the platform.
- Character design controversial (weight 0.2): A few reviewers mention discomfort with the character design or cultural elements, which may affect enjoyment. Some recommend it only if players can overlook these aspects.
- Highly recommended by Spanish reviewers (weight 0.18): Spanish-speaking reviewers strongly recommend getting this version or the iOS version. They also suggest trying other CAVE titles like Mushihimesama.
- Great for CAVE beginners (weight 0.18): Reviewers recommend it for players new to CAVE shooters or those who find other CAVE titles too difficult. It serves as a good introduction to the developer's style.
- Good for casual players (weight 0.16): The game is recommended for casual players or those new to the genre. Its easy difficulty and accessible design make it enjoyable for a wide audience.
- Specific character recommendations (weight 0.15): Reviewers suggest specific characters for beginners: Windia for those new to the game, and Sakura for MBL mode. These choices help ease the learning curve.
- Not for everyone (weight 0.15): Some reviewers note that the game may not appeal to all players, especially those who dislike high scores or the shmup concept. It is not guaranteed to convert non-fans.
- Fans of previous versions satisfied (weight 0.12): Reviewers note that fans of earlier releases will be happy with this version. It meets expectations for those already familiar with the game.
- Version 1.1 too difficult (weight 0.06): Version 1.1 is noted as difficult and not recommended for newcomers. Beginners should avoid it until they gain more experience.
- Arcade mode visuals poor (weight 0.06): Arcade mode has poor visuals and is not recommended by some reviewers. It detracts from the overall experience.
- Play Normal mode for achievements (weight 0.06): Reviewers recommend playing Normal mode of the original version to earn most Steam achievements. This mode is also considered a good starting point.
- Supports shmup genre on Steam (weight 0.06): Buying this game is encouraged as a way to support the shmup genre on Steam. It helps show demand for more shoot 'em ups on the platform.
- Good for arcade stick use (weight 0.06): The game is recommended as a great title to play with an arcade stick. It enhances the experience for players who own one.
- Unique but not top tier (weight 0.06): Reviewers consider it unique but not the best the genre or CAVE has to offer. It may still appeal to fans looking for something different.

Other player notes:
- Missing online co-op (weight 0.31): The PC port lacks online co-op, which was present in the Xbox 360 version. This removal is a notable omission for players seeking multiplayer. (Clusters 7, 8, 14, 144)
- Port of Xbox 360 version (weight 0.3): The game is a port of the Xbox 360 version, previously available on that platform. It was handled by Degica. (Clusters 4, 11, 83, 112, 128)
- Gothic aesthetic and soundtrack (weight 0.3): The game features a gothic aesthetic and a unique soundtrack that is highly praised. The music alone is considered worth buying. (Clusters 3, 21, 86, 103, 140)
- Hopes for Steam port of Deathsmiles II (weight 0.26): Reviewers hope that Deathsmiles II will be ported to Steam. They also express hope for other CAVE titles. (Clusters 5, 89, 115, 122)
- Favorable comparison to other CAVE games (weight 0.23): Reviewers compare this game favorably to other CAVE titles, considering it one of their best. It is praised as a great bullet hell game by a top studio. (Clusters 42, 78, 79, 80)
- Customization and display options (weight 0.21): The port offers many customization options including 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio, background selection, adjustable zoom, and position settings. Screen modes include window and fullscreen. (Clusters 55, 56, 57, 137)
- Includes Mega Black Label DLC (weight 0.18): Mega Black Label is included as DLC by default, whereas it was paid DLC on Xbox 360. This adds value to the PC release. (Clusters 9, 142)
- Unfavorable comparison to Deathsmiles I・II (weight 0.18): This version is considered inferior to the 2022 Deathsmiles I・II release, which offers more content and a smoother experience. The I・II collection includes both games and additional improvements. (Clusters 51, 61, 62)
- Multiple game versions included (weight 0.17): The Steam version includes six variations of the game, covering normal, arcade, and 1.1 versions of both the original and MBL. This offers extensive replayability. (Clusters 29, 108, 139)
- Comparison to Mushihimesama and other ports (weight 0.17): The game is compared to Mushihimesama in terms of port quality and difficulty options. It is noted that this port had fewer issues at release than Mushihimesama. (Clusters 36, 49, 127)
- Controversial character designs and marketing (weight 0.16): The game's appeal is controversial due to character outfits and suggestive marketing imagery. It has been described as having fetishized girls. (Clusters 17, 75, 76)
- Xbox 360 mode missing (weight 0.13): The Xbox 360 mode is not included in the PC port. This mode was a separate feature in the original release. (Cluster 7)
- Local co-op supported (weight 0.13): The game supports 2-player local co-op, but no online co-op. This limits multiplayer to same-screen play. (Cluster 6)
- Difficulty selection freedom (weight 0.13): The Steam version allows every stage to be played on low difficulty, unlike the original arcade version which progressively removed easier difficulties. This is a welcome change for accessibility. (Clusters 45, 46)
- Achievement differences from Xbox 360 (weight 0.12): The Steam version has 48 achievements compared to 50 on Xbox 360, with two achievements removed. Achievement unlocking issues have been noted in CAVE's Steam ports. (Clusters 34, 52)
- CAVE's limited Steam catalog (weight 0.12): Only three CAVE titles are available on Steam: Deathsmiles, Dodonpachi, and Mushihimesama. This is a small fraction of CAVE's vast catalog. (Clusters 77, 88)
- Missing smartphone RPG mode (weight 0.07): The PC port is missing the smartphone version's RPG princess training mode. This mode was exclusive to mobile and is absent here. (Cluster 135)
- Sound bug partially fixed (weight 0.06): A sound bug was partially fixed on March 24. This indicates ongoing support for the port. (Cluster 124)

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.15): Players derive enjoyment from the game's fun bullet hell gameplay, excellent music, and cute characters. The scoring system and flexible difficulty provide a satisfying challenge that rewards practice and mastery.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Satisfaction comes from achieving challenging goals like 1CCs and high scores, as well as the game's scaling difficulty that rewards effort. The game's depth, content, and performance on platforms like Steam Deck also contribute to a rewarding experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.1): Disappointment stems from the port's shortcomings, such as missing slowdown, lack of online co-op, and lazy porting from the Xbox 360 version. Additionally, some find the game too short or lacking intensity at normal difficulty.
- Appreciation (weight 0.08): Appreciation focuses on the game's strong presentation, including its gothic aesthetic and soundtrack, as well as its beginner-friendly design and thoughtful difficulty settings. The game is valued as a stellar example of the shoot 'em up genre.
- Frustration (weight 0.07): Frustration arises from control and configuration issues, such as ambiguous button mapping and inability to rebind keys. Difficulty spikes, unskippable story sections, and other design choices also contribute to player frustration.
- Admiration (weight 0.07): Admiration is driven by the game's beautiful art direction, atmospheric music, and creative enemy designs. It is praised as a masterpiece and one of CAVE's greatest shooters.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Excitement comes from the thrill of dodging bullets, blasting enemies, and engaging with the scoring mechanics. The game's replay value, unique modes, and challenging bosses keep players excited.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.03): Nostalgia is evoked by memories of playing the arcade version, waiting in line, and revisiting the game after many years. It reminds players of the golden era of arcade gaming and childhood experiences.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Enthusiasm is fueled by the incredible music, excellent presentation, and accessible bullet hell design. Players consider the game essential for fans of the genre and praise its bosses and scoring system.
- Disgust (weight 0.02): Disgust is primarily due to the sexualization of child characters and the perception that the game caters to pedophiles. Other issues include infinite continues and technical problems.
- Affection (weight 0.02): Affection is based on the cute character designs, touching storyline, and charming quirks. The gothic atmosphere and co-op experience also foster a fondness for the game.
- Love (weight 0.02): Love for the game is expressed through appreciation of its aesthetic, level clear screens, and approachable bullet hell design. It is considered a favorite among shmups.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.02): Dissatisfaction arises from technical issues such as windowed borders instead of true fullscreen, incomplete operation, and broken difficulty in some modes. Visual glitches like scanlines and lack of V-sync also detract.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance is caused by the left/right facing mechanic that interferes with enjoyment, unskippable story cutscenes that require mashing, and the slowdown having no apparent purpose.
- Addiction (weight 0.02): Addiction stems from the engaging and addictive gameplay, particularly the scoring system that becomes the main draw. The fun, entertaining, and replayable nature keeps players coming back.
- Fondness (weight 0.01): Fondness is directed at specific elements like the cute character Windia and the ballroom section in the final chapter, which players find endearing.
- Discomfort (weight 0.01): Discomfort is caused by the fact that none of the girls are adults and the Steam version's fullscreen display being narrower than the Xbox 360 version's.
- Concern (weight 0.01): Concern arises from weird character designs that make players feel like they might be put on a watchlist, and the difficulty potentially turning off extremely casual shooter fans.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion stems from uncertainty about whether to refund the game and buy Deathsmiles 1+2 instead, and the unclear purpose of the low-res version.
- Charm (weight 0.01): Charm is attributed to the game's gothic aesthetics and overall presentation, which appeal to players.}