Deathsmiles Review - Nintendo Switch

Review of the Deathsmiles I & II release from City Connection. This review focuses almost entirely on the first game. I may do a separate review of Deathsmiles II later.
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[@TetsuoIronMan]

DeathSmiles II was actually my introduction to Cave on the 360. Was hesitant because of the character design, but it was horizontal like the SHMUPS I grew up playing on the SNES/Genesis. Can’t wait for my physical to arrive.

[@PortableXombie]

I might need to buy another switch just to house my shmup collection on it.

[@arronetchells4363]

Great review. Although I had reservations about the quality of this port after the atrocious Cotton Saturn tribute by city connection, suspecting it was a port of the 360 version gave me a little peace of mind and I ordered it months ago. Although still awaiting its arrival and having owned the 360 version, I know what I’m in for and that’s one hell of a great game. Thanks for confirming it’s performance 👍

[@ShmupsOnSwitch]

I was slightly surprised to see it was the 360 version, to be honest. They announced this way back at TGS 2019 so that's over two years to bring to release. Meanwhile Live Wire announced Mushihimesama in June 2021 and have since brought that, Espgaluda II and DFK in the space of 6 months. I thought maybe they were doing some larger work or making changes to explain all that time, but it doesn't seem that way. Deathsmiles was originally announced with a subtitle along the lines of 'Cave Volume I' and I wonder if City Connection's speed (or lack of it) may have contributed to this turning into a one-off? Not that it matters, to be honest, it's just amazing to have so many great Cave games available regardless of who's bringing them!

[@slip309]

Been waiting for this release since it was announced! DS1 was my first Cave 1CC and I'm really looking forward to diving back in for MBL and DS2. Thanks for another great review!

[@JohnGavalas-xh5ub]

MBL?

[@Weedwof]

Good to see they’ve pulled it together and kept the input lag under control this time. A definite purchase now that I know the quality is there.

[@pizzamike4420]

Growing up I was really good at flying shark in the arcade, that started my shmup interest, now at 45 yrs old I enjoy these games still and bought this one physical online today can't wait until it arrives. (also bought cotton fantasy recently)

[@ShmupsOnSwitch]

Two excellent choices!

[@pizzamike4420]

@@ShmupsOnSwitch deathsmiles 1 and 2 arrived on Monday and I can say I'm so happy I purchased it! Your channel has helped with discovering these awesome games thanks man.

[@darththew]

I bit the bullet and ordered this before the reviews came out. I just love this game too much

[@dahnilama1417]

Nice, glad it plays well. I held off from buying till reviews were out. Should get my copy in a few days. Did you try the dlc characters?

[@ShmupsOnSwitch]

I didn't. But the Electric Underground did so you could check out their review. He basically said they were decent enough to play, but probably not worth the extra expense.

[@Fishman465]

Thanks for hte vid, I was worried about the port quality since it was by city Connection (Not Livewire like DDP DFK and Espluda II) But DS2 seems like they strayed in many ways, though IIRC, it was one of CAVE's last games before their regression into the mobile market.

[@GojiGuy]

I'm really digging this release! While deathsmiles I is the real standout, I'm also really enjoying II. In fact, I really dig the original, non X version of II with the janky ass 3D visuals. It reminds me of visiting arcade in Japan in 2010s and finding older 3D games I never got to play. I get why people don't like it though!

[@davegutz8812]

Loved that you covered Deathsmiles which is my fave Cave shmup. I may have missed it, how's the input lag on this port?

[@hibachimk240]

Nice review, but even if Deathsmiles 1 is what you're focused on I really wish there was more info for the performance of its sequel, or even simply more footage to have a chance to see it. Keep up the good job :)

[@ShmupsOnSwitch]

I may give it a separate review early next year so keep your eye out...

[@starshkr46]

Late comment but I really disagree with the negative comments on Deathsmiles II. I think the gameplay is great and the bosses in particular are amazing, and while I love the spritework of the first one I don't think 2 looks bad at all.

[@AoiUsagiOtoko]

the switch release has been my first experience with really getting into a shmup and trying to actually Get Gud and i'm having a damn good time. this game is awesome, the aesthetic and enemy designs are really cool! and the player characters are adorable too i love them

[@jd-py5nm]

I had the games for 360 had a collectors edition with faceplate sadly later had to sell during a move :( can't wait to grab this

[@daveunknown01]

Wish there was more arcade stick options for switch.

[@ScottWozniak]

I use my PS4 Qanba Pearl with a Brook Wingman NS. Perfection.

[@jamesb.6177]

There are quite a few, actually

[@CrossingRover]

As a total beginner, I really enjoy my 8bitdo Arcade Stick after I swapped the buttons for Sanwa. The lever seems fine to me.

[@arronetchells4363]

My Mayflash F500 Elite works a treat 👍

[@ottodob]

@@CrossingRover Same. Im planning on upgrading the stick to a Seimitsu eventually

[@johngavalas74]

If im not mistaken these are all the cave shoot em ups on switch? Dodonpachi Resurrection Mushihimesama Deathsmiles 1 & 2 Espgaluda 2 Akai Katana Shin Progear

[@ShmupsOnSwitch]

And ESP Ra. De! (Although still Japan-only)

[@ICYFILM]

Hello sir..! Nice video ! may i ask if there is a framedrop on switch?

[@soratheorangejuicemascot5809]

I love the MBL version of the first Deathsmiles but the original feels way too awkward for me. Hope that Deathsmiles 2 resonates with me

[@johngavalas74]

So before you get to the last level there's extra levels on black label? Or is that in all versions of Deathsmiles? I'm not very observant 😆

[@ShmupsOnSwitch]

Black Label has 2 extra stages, yes. They're both optional though.

[@DerShadow]

I still dont know the difference between the Modes 😅

[@mitchfindergeneral]

I've always wanted to play this game, but I never will, because it's just too eye-bleedingly bright. It's like there is a white bloom exploding out of everything.

[@tutsebhatu6495]

HOW DID U GET SAKURA

[@markmene1975]

Reminds me of Cotton Reboot...Wonder which has more content?

[@ShmupsOnSwitch]

Deathsmiles, for sure. Cotton Reboot has the original game, the new version (which is basically an arrange with revamped visuals) and a caravan mode. Deathsmiles has the arcade game, a version with revamped visuals and then a 1.1 arrange mode. It then also has those same three options for a further arrange (Mega Black Label). Then on top of that it has Deathsmiles II, a completely different game, which also has three versions.

[@tutsebhatu6495]

i like rosa shes my fav

[@wolfwing1]

What are the other cave games?

[@jeraldvoid6078]

Would this be good to be play on the switch lite?

[@ShmupsOnSwitch]

I've never tried one so can't really comment. Sorry. It is horizontal though so the smaller screen should be less of an issue.

[@unicron8soundwave724]

👾👾👾🔊👾👾👾

[@Monado6]

Like I legit want to know what went into the making of 2 that made this final product this ugly

[@enriquemartinez5158]

I hope this game has the option to have a shit load of lifes and continues

[@johngavalas74]

One of my favorite switch shmups Dodonpachi Resurrection being my favorite