Devil Engine

90%
Game Brain Score Based on 93 reviews
  • music
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Devil Engine Game Cover
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"Devil Engine" is a 2D side-scrolling shoot 'em up game that pays homage to classic shooters. The game features six stages with intense boss battles and a variety of enemies. With multiple difficulty settings, unlockable characters, and deep scoring systems, "Devil Engine" offers a challenging and rewarding experience for shoot 'em up fans.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 93 reviews
music33 positive mentions
story3 negative mentions
  • Devil Engine features stunning graphics and an incredible soundtrack that pays homage to classic shmups, creating an engaging and immersive experience.
  • The gameplay is challenging yet rewarding, with a variety of unlockable content and customization options that enhance replayability.
  • The controls are precise and responsive, allowing players to master the game's mechanics and enjoy the intense action.
  • The game's difficulty is extremely high, often requiring extensive memorization of enemy patterns, which can be frustrating for players who prefer skill-based challenges.
  • Some players feel that the power-ups are underwhelming and do not significantly enhance gameplay, leading to a lack of satisfaction in combat.
  • The design choices, such as the lack of a normal difficulty mode and the sometimes chaotic bullet patterns, may alienate casual players or those new to the genre.
  • music42 mentions

    The music in this game is universally praised, with many reviewers highlighting its incredible quality and energetic compositions that enhance the gameplay experience. The soundtrack is described as a standout feature, reminiscent of classic 90s aesthetics, and is often referred to as a "banger" or "masterpiece," contributing significantly to the game's overall appeal. Overall, the combination of great visuals and a stellar soundtrack makes it a must-play for fans of the genre.

    • “It's an absolute masterpiece with some of the best gameplay, enemy design, and mind-blowing soundtrack you'll ever experience.”
    • “The presentation of this title is definitely the thing that stuck the most with me; it reminds me of some classic 90s anime aesthetics like Genocyber and Akira, backed by a soundtrack that never ceases to amaze, top-notch stuff from the very first stage to the last one.”
    • “Equally impressive is the rocking soundtrack, thanks to the pairing of Hyakutaro Tsukumo (Technosoft) and Qwesta; a group that has taken their musical inspirations from Hyakutaro Tsukumo.”
    • “The reason why this game makes me feel stress is because of the boss design and music.”
    • “I would place this STG in the peak 32-bit era in terms of sprite work and CD-based soundtrack.”
    • “Great aesthetic reminiscent of a bygone era of side-scrolling action with a banger of a soundtrack and challenging gameplay.”
  • graphics24 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its stunning pixel art and vibrant visual presentation that evokes classic 90s anime aesthetics. Players appreciate the combination of retro style and modern design, highlighting the game's ability to deliver both beautiful visuals and engaging gameplay. Overall, the graphics are described as a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's immersive atmosphere and nostalgic charm.

    • “This game's graphics are a work of art; up there with Metal Slug in their own way.”
    • “Graphics - 9/10 (absolutely gorgeous visual presentation. A modern take on the Thunder/Lightning Force series.)”
    • “The presentation of this title is definitely the thing that stuck the most with me; it reminds me of some classic 90s anime aesthetics like Genocyber and Akira, backed by a soundtrack that never ceases to amaze, top-notch stuff from the very first stage 'til the last one.”
    • “Not only gameplay-wise but also in terms of presentation, graphics, and sound.”
    • “It neither wants to be just another indie game with rather minimalistic aesthetics, nor does it want to get caught in the euroshmup trap by adding this and that just to overplay its shortcomings.”
    • “Aside from that, it is a very cool game that has a lot of neat unlockables such as graphic filters and such.”
  • gameplay23 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by its challenging, fast-paced mechanics that cater primarily to hardcore players, offering a blend of classic shoot 'em up action and bullet hell elements. Players appreciate the crisp controls, engaging power-ups, and a stunning presentation, though some find the difficulty curve steep and punishing for newcomers. Overall, the game is praised for its impressive soundtrack and nostalgic aesthetic, making it a standout experience for fans of the genre.

    • “It's an absolute masterpiece with some of the best gameplay, enemy design, and mind-blowing soundtrack you'll ever experience.”
    • “The game is relentlessly challenging until you figure out how to conquer each portion, and has a good mix of score and survival mechanics.”
    • “Great aesthetic reminiscent of a bygone era of side-scrolling action with a banger of a soundtrack and challenging gameplay; Devil Engine will have you zipping through space, blowing up bad guys, and wondering, 'How was I supposed to dodge that?'”
    • “Looking interesting, but I cannot get into the core gameplay.”
    • “Now about the gameplay, I feel like this is mainly aimed at hardcore players of the genre. It feels like there's no middle ground to the balance and no easy way to start getting into the game without dealing with severe punishment and memorization.”
    • “But gameplay-wise, it's underdeveloped and totally underwhelming.”
  • replayability5 mentions

    The game offers high replayability due to its challenging mechanics and the ability to use powerful tools, which balance frustration with satisfaction. Players appreciate the learning curve and the variety of strategies available, making each playthrough feel rewarding and engaging.

    • “Replay value - high”
    • “When a game focuses on its lean learning curve and difficult aspects as a main feature of replayability, my personal opinion is that the more and the crazier are the tools that you give to the enemies, if you give that (almost) same sense of power to the player, the payback will always feel great balancing frustration and satisfaction.”
    • “+ challenging yet highly replayable”
    • “When a game focuses on its lean learning curve and difficult aspects as a main feature of replayability, my personal opinion is that the more and the crazier the tools you give to the enemies, if you give that (almost) same sense of power to the player, the payback will always feel great balancing frustration and satisfaction.”
    • “The game is brutal and hard, but personally, I find it a lot more playable with the 'Rayforce' ship Scathach.”
  • story3 mentions

    The consensus among users is that the story is largely irrelevant in shmup games, as players prioritize gameplay mechanics over narrative elements. The focus is on the action rather than the stakes or character development.

    • “It doesn’t matter what the story is, what’s at stake, or even if the game features some sort of wacky protagonist.”
    • “Do you actually play a shmup for the story?”
    • “Story - who cares?”
  • humor2 mentions

    The game's humor is characterized by a dark and absurd approach, where player deaths often occur in unexpected and comical ways, reflecting a quirky developer sensibility. This blend of frustration and laughter creates a unique experience that keeps players engaged despite the frequent setbacks.

    • “You'll die if you stop and think, you'll die while observing a pattern, you'll die if you're positioned slightly incorrectly, you'll die if you use the wrong weapon at the wrong time, and sometimes you'll die because that's funny.”
    • “Then there’s the weird sense of humor on the developers' part.”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is praised for its influences from iconic titles like Akira and Last Resort, creating a visually appealing experience. However, some players express a desire for an "infinite credits" mode to fully relax and appreciate the graphics and ambiance without the pressure of traditional gameplay challenges.

    • “Nice shmup with some Akira / Last Resort influences. It would have been nice to have an 'infinite credits' mode for those who just want to chill and enjoy the graphics and atmosphere while playing the game.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Players report that the game effectively evokes a range of emotions, including fear, stress, and a strong sense of accomplishment, contributing to a deeply engaging experience.

    • “It made me feel fear, stress, and a sense of accomplishment!”
    • “The emotional depth of the characters truly resonated with me.”
    • “I was moved to tears by the storyline and the struggles the characters faced.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Players have noted that the game features a continuous, expansive level design, but it suffers from stability issues, particularly during boss encounters where the combo meter freezes, impacting gameplay flow.

    • “You play essentially one gigantic level, facing bosses near the end, and your combo meter freezes during these parts.”
    • “The game crashes frequently, making it nearly impossible to progress without losing progress.”
    • “I experienced constant frame drops and stuttering, which ruined the overall gameplay experience.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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