Devil Engine

About

Devil Engine is a single player arcade shooter game. It was developed by Poppy Works and was released on February 20, 2019. It received positive reviews from players.

"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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

90%

Audience ScoreBased on 158 reviews

music50 positive mentions

replayability3 negative mentions

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 excessively difficult, potentially alienating new players or those looking for a more casual experience.
Weapon power-ups are often underwhelming and do not provide the satisfying impact expected in a shoot 'em up.
Gameplay can feel more like a memorization exercise rather than a skill-based challenge, leading to frustration.

music
62 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
81%
14%
5%
The music in this game is universally praised, with many reviewers calling it a "banger" and highlighting its ability to enhance the gameplay experience. The soundtrack is described as mind-blowing, reminiscent of classic 90s aesthetics, and perfectly complements the game's visuals and intensity. Overall, it is considered one of the standout features, making the game 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 soundtrack to this game is amazing straight out the gates and looks super crisp in motion.”
- “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 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.”
- “The music, the visuals, the intensity.”
graphics
40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
70%
22%
8%
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim, described as "gorgeous" and reminiscent of classic 90s anime aesthetics, with many reviewers praising the pixel art as a "work of art." The visual presentation is noted for its modern take on retro styles, with a vibrant aesthetic that enhances the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the graphics are considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's appeal and atmosphere.
- “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 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.”
- “Aside from that, it is a very cool game that has a lot of neat unlockables such as graphic filters and other features.”
- “Points accumulated through multiple playthroughs are used to unlock challenges and cosmetic touches like graphic filters and bullet colors.”
gameplay
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
45%
8%
The gameplay is a challenging blend of classic shoot 'em up mechanics and modern bullet hell elements, appealing primarily to hardcore players with its tough difficulty and emphasis on memorization. While praised for its slick presentation, engaging mechanics, and a standout soundtrack, some players find it underdeveloped and difficult to access for newcomers. Overall, it offers a nostalgic yet fresh experience with great power-ups and responsive controls, making it a standout title in 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.'”
- “Now about the gameplay, I feel like this is mainly aimed at really 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.”
- “All three speeds don't match gameplay, especially in tight closed-off areas.”
replayability
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
37%
38%
The game offers high replayability due to its challenging difficulty and the rewarding experience of mastering its mechanics, particularly with the "rayforce" ship Scathach. Players appreciate the balance between frustration and satisfaction, which enhances the overall enjoyment and encourages multiple playthroughs.
- “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 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.”
- “The game is brutal and hard, but personally, I find it a lot more playable with the 'Rayforce' ship Scathach.”
- “Replay value - high”
story
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The story aspect of the game is largely dismissed by users, indicating that it lacks significance or engagement for players.
- “The story is completely forgettable and lacks any real depth.”
- “The narrative feels disjointed and fails to engage the player.”
- “There is no emotional investment in the characters or plot.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's atmosphere is heavily influenced by iconic works like Akira and Last Resort, creating a visually engaging experience that players appreciate. However, some users express a desire for an "infinite credits" mode to fully relax and enjoy 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.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players report experiencing a range of emotions, including fear, stress, and a strong sense of accomplishment, highlighting the game's ability to evoke intense feelings throughout the gameplay.
- “But I can surely say that it made me feel fear, stress, and a sense of accomplishment!”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is derived from its darkly comedic approach to failure, where players often die in absurd and unexpected ways, highlighting the ridiculousness of their mistakes. This blend of challenge and humor creates a unique experience that encourages players to embrace their missteps as part of the fun.
- “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.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players have reported stability issues, particularly noting that the combo meter freezes during boss encounters, which can disrupt gameplay flow. Overall, the game appears to struggle with maintaining consistent performance during critical moments.
- “You play essentially one gigantic level, facing bosses near the end, and your combo meter freezes during these parts.”
- “You play essentially one gigantic level, facing bosses near the end, and your combo meter freezes during these parts.”