Overview – developed and published by Doragon Entertainment, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is the latest release in the Danmaku series of bullet hell shooters. Engage in battle with a variety of enemies that bombard the player with a hail of fire, with one mistake potentially leading to disater. This title is available on Nintendo Switch, Steam and now the PlayStation 4, with a link to each version of the game at the bottom of this review.
Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Sunny Tam of Doragon Entertainment for providing the PS4 version of Danmaku Unlimited 3 for this piece. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I also purchased the Nintendo Switch version of Danmaku Unlimited 3 for this review.
Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review. I will be skipping the story as there is a subtle narrative told through the game, so I will be going straight into discussing the core gameplay of Danmaku Unlimited 3.
Gameplay – Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a vertical scrolling shooter, where the player must battle through 5 stages of intense bullet hell action. In this title, the player must navigate through the different stages, while enemies attack from all around, bombarding them with bullets. The core objective of the game is to make it through each of the stages, battling wave after wave of enemy ships, mid bosses and multi-phase end of stage bosses.
The player has access to three weapons that they can use in battle. These are the main shot weapon, beam and bombs. The main shot will fire automatically in a set pattern, with two attacks to start and others that can be unlocked during play. The beam is used by holding the fire and beam buttons down together, with two variants available and more to unlock. Last is the bomb, a powerful attack that is limited in its use, but can prevent the player from taking damage if used at the right time.
When starting a game, the player can select one of two game modes, each with their own unique gameplay mechanics. Before the game can begin, the player can choose their difficulty, the weapons that they want to use and set the number of lives per credit they want. However, if the player alters the set number of lives that they have, this will prevent the player from saving their scores during play.
Here is a breakdown for the unique mechanics that this title features;
- SPIRIT Mode – this mode is tailored for a more accessible experience, with 4 total difficulty options that players can choose from. In this game mode, the player can collect SPIRIT which is gained from collecting enemy bullets, which turn transparent upon defeating the one that fired them. If the player is hit, a bomb will be used protecting them for a moment, but if the player has none they will lose a life instead.
- GRAZE Mode – this is the more challenging game mode, with only two difficulty options for players to select. In this mode (and the SPIRIT mode), the player can move close to enemy bullets, grazing them and chaining them together for a huge score/combo while filling the TRANCE and GRAZE meter (discussed below). Just like the SPIRIT mode, when the player is about to be hit, a bomb will detonate, but this will use up all bombs if any are left.
- TRANCE – By grazing the bullets on screen from enemies, or by collecting SPIRIT, the TRANCE meter on screen will build up. When filled, the player can enter TRANCE mode, powering up their attacks for a short time spawning gems for players to boost their combos. This will be activated automatically in SPIRIT mode by default and by pressing the Bomb button in GRAZE mode. If the player loses a life in GRAZE mode, the meter will be emptied.
- GRAZE HIGH – there is a secondary feature that can be activated in GRAZE mode enemy bullets. This is the GRAZE HIGH, a special mode that will turn enemy bullets into spirit when they are destroyed, boosting score and the TRANCE meter when collected. If the player loses a life while the meter is being filled or if GRAZE HIGH is active, the charge will be depleted immediately.
At the end of each stage, the player will encounter a multi-phase boss battle, which will test their skills with a series of increasingly challenging patterns. These battles have a timer attached to them, with rewards given if the player can make it through the phase without taking damage. When the boss has been fully defeated, there are bonuses that can be earned based on the bullets grazed, the gems collected and extra bombs awarded.
The last aspect of the gameplay to discuss is the bonus modes that players can access. These can be used by the player to practice, as they allow the player to play the game freely on a difficulty they have previously played. The modes that players can play in the bonus modes are Boss Rush, Free Play and Boss Free Play. Both of these modes can be played in either SPIRIT or GRAZE modes, with the ability set scores if the player uses the regulation settings.
Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to cover the other aspects of the game, starting with the controls.
Controls – as this is an arcade style bullet hell shooter, the control scheme for this release is relatively simple to get to grips with. The controls can be modified freely to fit the preference of the player, with the optimal way to play this title being by using an arcade stick. If playing the game on the Nintendo Switch, it is very comfortable when playing in handheld mode. This is a solid gameplay experience no matter the controller used.
Difficulty – the challenge in this game can be punishing but fair, with bullet patterns that will push the player to the limit. In SPIRIT mode, there are 4 difficulty settings available, making that the best option for those who want a more manageable challenge, but for those who are up to it, GRAZE offers an intense test of skill. Be aware, there are limited credits in the game, meaning failure is likely when getting used to the bullet patterns and gameplay mechanics, but more can be earned.
Presentation – Visually, Danmaku Unlimited 3 looks fantastic no matter the system you choose to play it on, with enemy ships, bosses and environments that fit the aesthetic well. The movement and action has a smooth fluidity to it, with zero issues when it comes to slowdown, even when there is a barrage of bullets on screen. The sound for this title just enhances the experience further, with music from the Japanese group BLANKFIELD, who bring a hard rock/metal vibe to the action on screen.
Final Thoughts – I had a great time with this title, playing it first on a PS4 I had loaned for the review, then buying it on Nintendo Switch to play on the go. The action is frantic and fast paced, with bullets coming from all directions, which can be intense and anxiety inducing, but the satisfaction of success is worth it. The unique gameplay mechanics, the excellent visuals and the rocking sound make this one of the best modern day bullet hell shooters to come to consoles.
I have no issue recommending this to fans of the bullet hell genre, be it long time veterans or those who are just finding their feet. The game is approachable and accessible to all, with difficulty settings that can fit a wide range of skill levels. This is reminiscent of titles by CAVE and Psikyo, which makes for a satisfying yet slightly frustrating experience at times. There is also a lot of replay value in this title, with new weapon types that can be unlocked by meeting special requirements.
I myself am not an expert at these games, often finding myself struggling with the complex patterns. But the unique gameplay mechanics made it possible for me to beat the game several times, while I keep working my way through the harder difficulties to the True Final Boss. I applaud the developer Sunny Tam, who has been able to capture the true spirit of classic bullet hell shooters, making for an experience that is well worth a purchase.
In the end, I give Danmaku Unlimited 3 a final score of 5/5. This is one of, if not the best modern bullet hell shooters to come from an independent developer, mixing the classic gameplay style of its predecessors with unique mechanics, clean visuals and a rocking soundtrack that make for a fresh experience. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to each version of the game will be available below.
Link to PlayStation 4/5 version (HERE)
Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)
Link to Steam version (HERE)
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