Skip to main content

Deathsmiles I・II

Deathsmiles I・II Game Cover
90%Game Brain Score
Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music
Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story
90% User Score Based on 62 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchPCPlaystation 4Xbox OneXboxSteam DeckWindowsPlayStation
Deathsmiles I・II Game Cover

About Deathsmiles I・II

Deathsmiles I・II is a single player and multiplayer arcade platformer game with horror, fantasy and anime themes. It was developed by CITY CONNECTION and was released on June 22, 2022. It received very positive reviews from players.

Angels swooping across a disastrous sky! The shoot 'em up of gothic horrors is back Deathsmiles is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up game set in the alternate world of Gilverado, where girls known as "Angels" take center stage. The game features an exotic world imbued with gothic horror themes, adorable character designs, and intuitive controls that will keep you coming back for more. • Includes 3 s…

Skip Games Like Deathsmiles I・II

Games Like Deathsmiles I・II

Looking for games like Deathsmiles I・II? Here are top arcade platformer recommendations with a horror, fantasy and anime focus, selected from player-similarity data — start with Deathsmiles, DoDonPachi Resurrection or Bleed 2.

Skip User Reviews

Reviews

90%Audience ScoreBased on 62 reviews
graphics6 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions

  • Deathsmiles 1 is a fantastic horizontal bullet hell shmup with unique gothic art and great music, praised for its satisfying controls and scoring system.
  • The port offers low input lag and improved slowdown accuracy compared to previous versions, making it the definitive PC version of Deathsmiles 1 with multiple modes and replay features.
  • Deathsmiles 2, while not as critically acclaimed as the first, serves as a fun, easier entry for newcomers with charming and bizarre boss designs, and its inclusion adds value to the package.
  • The price is considered high by many, especially given that DLC characters are sold separately at a steep cost, and some content from previous versions is missing.
  • Deathsmiles 2 suffers from downgraded graphics and less engaging level design compared to the first game, with issues such as volume problems in cutscenes and a lack of slowdown effect.
  • The port lacks useful quality-of-life features like boss select, savestates, and more advanced practice options, making training and mastering particular sections frustrating.
  • graphics

    15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    40% positive mentions, 40% neutral mentions, 20% negative mentions

    The graphics in Deathsmiles 2 feature a gothic, anime-inspired aesthetic that many find visually captivating and fitting for a bullet hell game, though some consider them a downgrade from the original's more detailed and immersive style. While the art and design maintain a unique charm, the reduced screen usage and less detailed visuals in the sequel can be distracting for some players. Overall, the game's visuals evoke a nostalgic, dreamcast-like feel that complements its gameplay for fans of the series.

    • “So much fun and a wicked art style.”
    • “Also it includes Deathsmiles II, which despite the negative reception ended up being a really good game. While the graphics might lack in detail, the designs and colors really stand out.”
    • “Everything about it is fantastic, especially if you like anime and gothic aesthetics.”
    • “If you already own the original "Deathsmiles" (which is still available on Steam) I lean towards skipping this one because while it does have the Mega Black Label version, you're buying the same game again and the graphics aren't as good (it doesn't fill up the whole screen or even most of it).”
    • “Secondly, Deathsmiles II is a major downgrade graphically.”
    • “I didn't realize Deathsmiles II had craptastic PS1 graphics.”
  • gameplay

    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    17% positive mentions, 58% neutral mentions, 25% negative mentions

    The gameplay is praised for its solid mechanics, deep and intuitive scoring systems, and enjoyable controls, offering a fun and rewarding experience once understood. Although the mechanics can be initially obtuse and lack explanation, players find themselves engaged and motivated to improve their skills. The combination of well-designed levels and classic shmup elements contributes to a captivating and enjoyable gameplay experience.

    • “It's always pure joy to experience the wonderful artwork and music of cave shmups together with solid gameplay including rather deep scoring mechanics as well as intricate but very intuitive controls.”
    • “I really had a lot of fun, I played in a remote location without Wi-Fi (gameplay time a lot higher than what Steam shows) and fell in love with the gameplay.”
    • “This game's strengths and weaknesses are well known by all at this point. Even with its level selection and scoring mechanics being a a bit obtuse at first, after many years I stopped messing around and got a quick clear.”
    • “Finally, the gameplay mechanics are not explained at all.”
    • “Now that I better understand the mechanics, I'm certain I will spend many hours on this game trying to improve my high scores.”
  • music

    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    67% positive mentions, 33% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The music is widely praised as excellent and integral to the game's enjoyable atmosphere, often highlighted alongside impressive art and solid gameplay. The soundtrack stands out within the genre, though some users note missing additional DLC content for extended music options. Overall, the soundtrack enhances the experience, complementing both the game's design and narrative elements.

    • “Best art and music in the genre!”
    • “On top of this, the game has a very cool soundtrack, an actually interesting story, many alternative modes to play in, and comes with the (somewhat polarizing) sequel all in one package!”
    • “It's always pure joy to experience the wonderful artwork and music of cave shmups together with solid gameplay including rather deep scoring mechanics as well as intricate but very intuitive controls.”
  • story

    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    25% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 75% negative mentions

    The story is seen as interesting and a positive aspect by some players, though others find it confusing due to a lack of introduction and unclear plot points. Additionally, certain narrative elements, like the focus on a little girl, may not appeal to all audiences.

    • “On top of this, the game has a very cool soundtrack, an actually interesting story (yes, I said it), many alternative modes to play in, and comes with the (somewhat polarizing) sequel all in one package!”
    • “One is that there's no intro to the story which makes the middle and end of the plot confusing, but I'm assuming the original arcade machine or Xbox 360 manual had the plot written on it.”
    • “One is that there's no intro to the story which makes the middle and end of the plot confusing, but I'm assuming the original arcade machine or Xbox 360 manual had the plot written on it.”
    • “I can't really jive with the whole little girl thing or the story in general.”
  • humor

    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The game's humor is well-received, featuring quirky and amusing bosses like a giant gentle zombie, a big spider, and an evil Santa that add a fun and entertaining feel. Despite some mixed opinions on the 3D art, the humor contributes positively to the overall experience.

    • “I do know some feel the 3D art throws things off but overall it's a fun feel and has some very funny bosses, from a giant gentle man zombie to a big spider on ruins to a balloon man Satan claws. This game is awesome and one of the few times I took on the score attack and got on the rankings.”
    • “A classic shoot 'em up I first played on 360 with funny bosses like Evil Santa.”
Skip Game Offers

Buy Deathsmiles I・II

Some of these are affiliate links — if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Skip Videos

Videos

Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Deathsmiles I・II is a arcade platformer game with horror, fantasy and anime themes. Common tags for Deathsmiles I・II include gothic, 2d, magic, female protagonist, choices matter and others.

Deathsmiles I・II is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and others.

Deathsmiles I・II was released on June 22, 2022.

Deathsmiles I・II was developed by CITY CONNECTION.

Deathsmiles I・II has received very positive reviews from players. Most players liked Deathsmiles I・II for its graphics but disliked it for its gameplay.

Deathsmiles I・II is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Deathsmiles, DoDonPachi Resurrection, Bleed 2, THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION, Ray’z Arcade Chronology and others.