Devil Engine
- September 9, 2017
- Poppy Works
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Get on itch.io Store"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.
Reviews
- Incredible graphics and a fantastic soundtrack that evoke nostalgia for classic 90s shmups.
- Challenging gameplay that rewards skill and perseverance, making victories feel satisfying.
- Offers a variety of unlockable content and customization options, enhancing replayability.
- The game can be overly punishing, with difficulty spikes that may frustrate new players.
- Weapon power-ups feel underwhelming and situational, lacking the satisfying impact expected in a shmup.
- Gameplay mechanics can lead to confusion, with some players feeling the need to memorize patterns rather than enjoy the experience.
- music31 mentions
- 81 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in this game is universally praised, with many reviewers highlighting its incredible quality and ability to enhance the overall experience. Descriptions include terms like "banger," "mind-blowing," and "stellar," indicating that the soundtrack is not only memorable but also integral to the game's nostalgic aesthetic and intense gameplay. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, elevating the game's appeal and immersing players in its vibrant world.
“It's an absolute masterpiece with some of the best gameplay, enemy design and mind-blowing soundtrack you'll ever experience.”
“The soundtrack to this game is amazing straight out the gates and looks super crisp in motion.”
“Great aesthetic reminiscent of a bygone era of side-scrolling action with a banger of a soundtrack and challenging gameplay.”
“The reason why this game makes me feel stress is because of the boss design and music.”
“I would place this game in the peak 32-bit era in terms of sprite work and CD-based soundtrack.”
“The music, the visuals, the intensity.”
- graphics20 mentions
- 70 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative 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 beautiful artwork and level designs, which enhance the overall experience alongside a captivating soundtrack. Overall, the graphics are described as a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's charm and appeal.
“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.”
“The graphics in this game are disappointing and lack detail, making it hard to immerse myself in the experience.”
“The visuals feel outdated and don't match the expectations set by modern games, which detracts from the overall enjoyment.”
“While the gameplay is solid, the graphics leave much to be desired, feeling bland and uninspired.”
- gameplay19 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a blend of challenging, fast-paced classic shoot 'em up mechanics with a focus on skill and memorization, appealing primarily to hardcore players. While it features slick presentation, engaging power-ups, and a memorable soundtrack, some players find it underdeveloped and punishing, lacking a balance for casual gamers. Overall, it offers a unique experience that pays homage to classic titles while maintaining its own identity through innovative mechanics.
“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.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's high replayability due to its challenging difficulty and the introduction of powerful tools for both enemies and players, which creates a rewarding balance of frustration and satisfaction. The "rayforce" ship Scathach is particularly noted for enhancing the gameplay experience, further contributing to its replay value.
“Replay value - high”
“High replayability.”
“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.”
- story1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is largely dismissed by users, indicating that it may not be a significant or engaging element for players.
“The story is completely forgettable and lacks any real depth.”
“I found the plot to be confusing and poorly executed.”
“The characters are one-dimensional and fail to engage the player.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its influences from iconic titles like Akira and Last Resort, creating an engaging visual experience. However, players express a desire for an "infinite credits" mode to fully relax and appreciate the graphics without the pressure of traditional gameplay challenges.
“Nice shmup with some Akira / Last Resort influences, but 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
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report that the game effectively evokes a range of emotions, including fear and stress, while also providing a strong sense of accomplishment.
“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.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its dark and absurd elements, where players often meet their demise in unexpected and comical ways, such as through ill-timed actions or ironic circumstances. This blend of humor and challenge creates a unique experience that encourages players to embrace the chaos and laugh at their failures.
“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.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players have noted that the game features a continuous, expansive level design, but it suffers from stability issues, particularly with the combo meter freezing during boss encounters.
“You play essentially one gigantic level, facing bosses near the ends, and your combo meter freezes during these parts.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly impossible to progress without losing progress.”
“I experienced constant lag and frame drops, which ruined the overall gameplay experience.”
