I love Deathsmiles by CAVE Interactive CO., LTD and published by KOMODO. From what I’ve seen, user feedback highlights how accessible yet deep it feels, especially when it comes to its scoring system. Interestingly, one review even labeled it the “worst game ever,” but I think there’s plenty of room to tighten up its tutorial. As background, the developers at CAVE formed after Toaplan’s collapse in 1994, and since then they’ve really mastered the bullet-hell genre. What stands out to me is its Counter system, which injects a high-risk, high-reward element into every fight—almost like a blend of Espgaluda and DoDonPachi, but with some fresh twists that keep you on your toes.
When I dove into every mode in Deathsmiles—including Mega Black Label and Black Label—I discovered secret paths in Stage Four and collected all five angels’ tokens. For completionists, the nonlinear progression is a dream: you get to chase achievements at your own pace. On top of that, tracking each angel’s backstory via collectibles makes them feel distinct and lore-rich. Visually, CAVE’s art engine leverages sprite layers brilliantly, so those gothic backgrounds really pop with depth. In fact, the scoring systems here remind me of Mushihimesama—medals, combo chains, and hidden achievements all wrapped into one satisfying package.
I dove into Gilverado’s gothic world and loved its spooky art direction. I found pixel art Easter eggs referencing other CAVE titles like DoDonPachi. Also, I beat it solo then tried two-player local coop; teamwork boosts survival. The soundtrack mixes eerie piano and heavy drums, building constant tension. CAVE said in interviews they aimed for a Western horror vibe in 2007. Continuing eases new players into bullet hell without brutal spikes.
I clocked a twenty-four minute run on Normal difficulty with optimized routes. Skipping certain green bullet patterns saves seconds on stages two and five. Stage three’s ghost whales require frame-perfect movements. I clocked a twenty-four minute run on Normal difficulty with optimized routes. Skipping certain green bullet patterns saves seconds on stages two and five. Stage three’s ghost whales require frame-perfect movements.
The Counter loop lets you extend invincibility and boost your speed. Challenge spikes feel fair when you master boss patterns. Its branching levels make new routes crucial for world record attempts. We all agree Deathsmiles offers unique bullet-hell thrills, varied replay paths, and deep scoring hooks.
If you’re hungry for more high-intensity shooters after Rogue Glitch Ultra, dive into Mushihimesama, CAVE’s insect-themed bullet hell featuring dynamic difficulty and deep scoring; DoDonPachi, the flagship CAVE shooter renowned for relentless, mesmerizing bullet patterns and rock-solid hitboxes; Espgaluda II, which adds a strategic lock-on mechanic and bullet slowdown to its vibrant stages; Ikaruga, Taito’s polarity-switching classic that tests reflexes and pattern memorization in its iconic black-and-white bullet fields; and Radiant Silvergun, Treasure’s masterpiece that melds seven unique weapons with combo-chain scoring and epic boss encounters, cementing its legacy as a genre-shaping shooter.
