Danmaku Unlimited 3 – Review

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)

Under the Warehouse – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by GoolWorks and published by Eastasiasoft, Under the Warehouse is a adventure, with cryptic puzzles and surreal mysteries to uncover. Explore the mysterious warehouse, while searching for a colorful egg that you have been asked to find. This title is available on all console platforms, with a link to each version of the game below.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Eastasiasoft for providing the copy of Under the Warehouse that was used for this piece. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting with the story.

Story – in an unnamed city, deep in the urban sprawl, lies a darkened building of brick and concrete filled with boxes, documents and appliances with enigmatic workers of all sorts. No one seems to question the mysterious, haunting atmosphere of this complex. However, you have been asked by a mysterious caller to go into the complex under the guise of a worker, seeking an egg that is located in the warehouse.

Gameplay – the core gameplay loop is a mix of first person adventure, with point and click puzzle solving. The player is given a core task of finding a colorful egg, but to achieve this objective, there are puzzles and objectives that need to be completed. This is achieved by interacting with the different people that are scattered throughout the warehouse, with most of them giving clues on how to proceed.

The majority of these puzzles can be solved in part out of order, with the ability to collect items that are used to solve later puzzles before others. This can cause difficulty when solving the other puzzles, or when experimenting with items to try and find a solution, made worse by the cryptic nature of the warehouse. Unfortunately, there is no way for players to be able to track their objectives, which can lead to backtracking a lot.

Navigation within the different areas of the warehouse can be difficult, due to poor visibility of the different areas when playing the game on a big screen. It is unknown if this is intentional, as it is not an issue in handheld mode but it can leave doorways and paths obscured from view. The visibility within the warehouse can be a frustration to the player, with a high chance of getting lost while searching for a door or pathway.

General movement and interaction while exploring are rather solid, with quick and responsive movements. Moving around the warehouse is fairly easy, with traditional FPS style movement, a run button and an interaction button. The point and click inventory management system works well, with a cursor that is easy to use when activating items and objects. This makes for an adventure that is relatively easy to start, but challenging to finish.

Due to the cryptic and open-ended nature of this title, there are different ways to approach to objectives of the warehouse. This can lead to one of several endings, making for an adventure that can be replayed several times to seek out the different conclusions. It is entirely possible to discover endings by pure accident, rewarding the player for experimenting on their quest. Upon getting an ending, the player can continue from a save game to get the others.

There is a level of surrealism to this title, with characters that don’t make sense or belong, disjointed levels that have abstract designs which will leave the player confused. This works well with the atmosphere that of the game tries to create, with the lighting and sound that compliments the environments to make for a haunting experience.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to discuss the other aspects of this title, starting with the controls. There is no real difficulty to this title as the cryptic nature of the puzzles make the game challenging, so I will be skipping that segment.

Controls – the controls for this title is basic and easy to get used to. The character and camera movement works well, using the traditional twinstick system that is used for most first person titles. The inventory management system is simple to use, with a simple cursor that is controlled by the left stick with decent cursor speed. The game is comfortable in both handheld and docked play, working well with all controllers.

Presentation – Under the Warehouse has a low poly aesthetic, with a retro filter as an optional setting, giving the visuals a look similar to that of a PlayStation 1 title. This works well in the favor of this release, with the retro feel enhancing the atmosphere that the game attempts to evoke. This is enhanced by the soundtrack, which gives an unsettling feeling to the overall experience, with haunting piano and orchestral pieces.

Final Thoughts – this is a surreal adventure, with an atmosphere that can be deeply unsettling at times. This works very efficiently at creating a surreal experience, which can confuse and disorient a player to great effect. I found the whole game to be a challenge that I didn’t necessarily enjoy, but found it satisfying to achieve the endings that I did. The cryptic puzzles and non-linear approach to progression make this the perfect game for fans of this type of game.

In the end, I give Under the Warehouse a final score of 4/5. This is a cryptic and confusing puzzle adventure, with multiple endings to discover, non-linear progression and an unsettling atmosphere, complimented by surreal visuals and haunting music. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to each version of the game will be below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

Link to Xbox version (HERE)

Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Taito and published by ININ Games, Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! is the latest entry in the bubble popping franchise. The Rainbow Islands have been covered in bubbles, with Bub, Bob, Peb and Pab going on an adventure to fix this problem. This title is available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch system, with a link to the game at the bottom of this review as well as a link to the special physical release.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank PR Hound for providing the copy of Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! used for this piece. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting off with the story of Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! Please note, this review only covers the version of the game that is available in all releases, as there is a bonus version of Bust-A-Move for SNES in the special physical release.

Story – on the peaceful Rainbow Island, the bubble dragons Bub, Bob, Peb and Pab live happily and go on adventures with their special ability to blow bubbles. The Miniroons, a race of small dragons that can’t blow bubbles want to be just like the bubble dragons, so they wish upon a rainbow hoping for the chance to fulfil their dreams.

However, the mischievous wizard Bonner answers their wish, giving them a special potion that allows them to blow bubbles. But not all is as it seems, as the bubbles overtake the island, causing chaos across the land. Now the Bubble Dragons set out on a new adventure, travelling the islands to help the residents and get rid of the Miniroons bubbles.

Gameplay – Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! is the latest entry in the classic bubble popping series, with the main objective of clearing stages by popping bubbles. The game is separated into three modes for players to take on, which I will be giving a breakdown of each of them. But first some details on the core mechanics of the game.

Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! is a match 3+ bubble popping game, where players must clear colored bubbles on screen. This is done by matching the colors and launching bubbles at them, when three or more bubbles are connected or hitting a cluster with a matching color. If the cluster has extra bubbles connected, they may drop for a nice score boost on that stage.

There are also blank bubbles that will turn to a color when contact is made, popping them if two or more are hit at the same time. As well as special bubbles in the main story mode that will change the colors around them, mixing things up in the middle of a stage. There are also obstacles for the player to tangle with, but be careful as bubbles can bounce off all sides of the field when shot.

There are also special bubbles that can be activated, causing effects to activate. These effects include a guide to help aiming, a special bubble to clear the color shot at it and more. In all stages, the player will fail if the bubbles reach the bottom line of the screen. This can be from the player, or by the bubbles descending from the top of the screen.

The player has access to some extra abilities during most modes, with the option to switch the current bubble with the next. There is also the ability to hold onto special bubbles if they have been dropped by a cluster, switching into them when needed. But only one bubble can be held at a time and there is also a drop button, which lowers the bubbles on screen in certain places.

The game can be played with up to 4 players, allowing all players to play as a team or competitively depending on the game mode chosen. This makes for a fun puzzle experience that everyone can enjoy together. Alongside plenty of options for customisation, as new characters and cosmetics are unlocked during play.

Now onto the game modes of Puzzle Bobble Everybubble!

Story Mode: the main game mode where most time will be spent. Here the player will experience the narrative of the chaos covering Rainbow Island, with interactions between the bubble dragons and the residents of the island. There are seven locations to visit, with a set of stages to complete giving the player the chance to earn stars for succeeding.

Each stage will have a total of three stars to obtain, with different targets to reach for each of them. They will also have a mission that will need to be cleared, while under a relatively strict time limit. The missions include clearing all the stage of all bubbles within the time limit and clearing specific bubbles as quickly as possible.

There will be stages that have the bubbles static, with a timer at the bottom of the screen. This is alongside stages where bubbles will slowly descend from the top of the playfield, which adds a sense of urgency to the stages. All of these stages can be played with up to 4 players, either as humans or CPU partners, which can alter the layout of the stages.

When all of the stages have been cleared in a world, if three stars have been obtained for all of them special EX stages will be available to the player. These are much harder stages and can really push the player, with tighter time limits and more complex layouts. These stages also have three stars each that can be obtained but they are much tougher.

If the player reaches set targets during the game, they will unlock new characters, additional cosmetic items and extra companion cosmetics. These can be used to customize the characters and add a more personal touch to their bubble dragon of choice in arcade mode. The costume parts can also be used in the multiplayer mode.

The last part of the story mode to cover is the Baron’s Tower. This is a special challenge stage where the player can try to get the highest score possible, while dealing with an endless supply of bubbles that descend from the top. The bubble drop is set to a timer, adding new one periodically. There are also items that can appear to help and obstacles to hinder.

When the player gets a game over, their highest score will be added to the global rankings. There are 3 difficulty options for the Baron’s Tower, with the higher challenge settings being unlocked by passing set targets. These difficulty options are Normal, which is available from the start, then Hard and Extreme, which ramp up the challenge significantly.

Versus Mode: this is the competitive mode of Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! where players can battle it out in single battles 1 on 1 or in pairs. The gameplay is functionally identical to the Baron’s Tower, where players must try to survive as long as possible. However, the players can attack each other by dropping large chains of bubbles, sending blanks to their opponent.

This mode has adjustable settings, allowing players to customise the battles that they have. These settings include the speed new bubbles appear, the number of wins needed in a match and the colors that appear. This makes for a fun a flexible competitive experience, that everyone can enjoy, allowing handicaps to even the playing field.

There is also an online option in versus mode, where players can battle it out all across the globe. There are only two options for battles while playing online, the first is Global Match, a ranked match where players gain points and rankings. Then there is the Password Matching option, which lets players send each other codes for casual matches.

Puzzle Bobble VS Space Invaders: this is the last play mode of the game and quite the unique crossover too. In this mode, the traditional match 3+ bubble popping gameplay applies, but there is a twist with this one. The bubbles on screen move in the same way as the aliens in Space Invaders, moving across the screen and slowly descending upon the player.

To pop the invader bubbles, the player can move left and right, throwing a bubble directly up to try and pop the invaders by matching 3 or more. But great care must be taken, as the player can get zapped by enemy attacks, knocking them down for a few seconds in the process. Once all invaders have been popped, the stage will reset, only ending if they reach the bottom.

This is a score based mode where up to 4 players can challenge the invaders, trying their best to get the highest score possible. All of the scores are stored locally, with the best possible score kept as the current high score. CPU players can be used in this mode to make it more competitive, either with another human involved or when playing alone.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to cover the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – this title is an arcade game at heart, so it has a relatively easy to use control system. the D-Pad and left thumbstick controls the aim movement, while the face buttons handle all of the bubble popping. There is however one issue that the controls suffer with, the buttons to use special bubbles and switch bubbles are in the wrong position. The switch button is on the right and special button the left, which doesn’t match the bubble positions on screen.

Difficulty – this is a challenging title, especially as the stages progress and get tougher in the later part of the story mode. This can make for a stressful experience at times, trying to reach the targets to earn 3 stars as fast as possible, made worse during the EX stages. However, the difficulty increase is gradual, with the ability to return to older stages to practice so players can hone their skills.

Presentation – this is a visually stunning release, with beautiful 2D artwork and environments that fit the world of Puzzle Bobble perfectly. There is a distinct look that Taito games have, which this has succeeded in maintaining. The colors of the world and stages pop out of the screen, with backgrounds that are a treat to behold.

The sound for this title has all of the whimsy that the series is known for, with bright and happy music that can get frantic when the player is close to defeat. This enhances the overall presentation of the title, complimenting the visuals on screen. There is also the inclusion of voice samples for the bubble dragons, as well as a title screen with a vocal melody in Japanese to top it off.

Final Thoughts – I am a big fan of the Puzzle Bobble series, having played it for a considerable number of years and seen all of the changes made. Initially this was a bit of a mixed bag for me, as I had to take some time to get used to the new gameplay systems of this release. However, I had a good time with this title, even if it does have a few minor faults here and there. The story is challenging and the extra modes are a lot of fun.

The only issues that I had were getting used to the controls of the game, with buttons that feel like they are in the wrong place. There is a healthy online component for this title, with a lot of players in the online ranked mode battling it out, which is nice to see too. I am happy to recommend this to all fans of Puzzle Bobble and bubble pop games in general. It is an excellent entry in the series and a welcome addition to the series.

In the end, I give Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! a final score of 5/5. This is an excellent puzzle title and one of the best entries in the series that has come out in recent times, the stages are challenging, the gameplay is engaging and the whimsical charm is felt throughout. If you want to check this gae out for yourself, a link to the game will be below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to Special Physical version (HERE)

Draken’s Shrine – Announcement

Hello! I have more news for you today. This time coming from our friends at Shady Corner Games, who have announced that they are publishing a new adventure title coming to steam in the near future. This title is available to wishlist on Steam now, check out the info below to learn more.

We at Shady Corner Games are pleased to announce that we have another title joining our lineup from RD Productions. Coming soon to steam, we have Draken’s Shrine, a Metroidvania style action platformer set in a fantasy world. Please check out the details below to learn about our newest title announcement, coming in the near future.

About the game

Draken’s Shrine is a side-scrolling, action RPG set in an epic fantasy world filled with wild beasts, monsters and dragons. The story follows the barbarian warrior woman Rynn Draken, raised by her mother in the wilds. Upon hearing the stories from her mother about the adventures of her father, Rynn sets out to find his final burial place, travelling the free lands of Bel’Heim.

However, there are others who see the final resting place of her father, Raeldor Draken. Dark powers conspire to destroy his legacy and eradicate all traces of his memory from the world, but there is an unknown force that wishes for her to succeed.

On her quest, Rynn will face unknown evils, the savage creatures of the wilds and those on both sides of the empire. Armed with the sword left to her by her father and her strength of will, she will face the threats of the world. She will gain unusual allies on her journey, travelling through the mountains of Bel’heir and into territory that no man would dare to tread.

Features of Draken’s Shrine

  • Discover a deep narrative, spread over three acts and uncover the mysteries surrounding Raeldor Draken, a legendary dragon hunter.
  • A plethora of side quests to complete, locations to explore and secrets to discover.
  • Travel through a variety of different locations, including snowy mountains, darkened forests, ancient ruined cities and more!
  • Experience pixel art inspired by classic PC games from the 1990’s, with thousands of frames of hand drawn animation, accompanied by an FM style soundtrack from composer Chris Jay.
  • Various skins and alternate costumes to unlock, allowing players to customise their warrior.
  • Experience a complex levelling system, with an aptitude skill tree that lets players make the gameplay unique.
  • Engage in combat with many types of enemies, from soldiers of the imperial empire, to undead creatures and fearsome dragons.
  • Unlock new powers within Rynn’s soul, using them to fight monsters and traverse the dangerous environments of the world.

Check out the official Shady Corner Twitter for more info about this upcoming game and to learn more about our other titles. you can also find the trailer for the game below and a link for the steam page to wish list it (HERE).

Danmaku Unlimited 3 – Release Announcement

Hello! I have some exciting news regarding a title that is scheduled for release very, very soon from Doragon Entertainment. The critically acclaimed bullet hell shooter Danmaku Unlimited 3, originally released for the Nintendo Switch, PC and Mobile platforms is coming to PlayStation 4. Check out the details below to learn more.

About the Game

From independent developer Doragon Entertainment, the intense bullet hell shooter Danmaku Unlimited 3 is heading to PlayStation 4. Take to the skies once more as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic Bullet Hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.

Bullet hell style mechanics is having a kind of renaissance with its inclusion in many hit indie games. However if players want to explore more into the world of Bullet Hell a lot of traditional titles can be hard to understand in its mechanics or just plain too difficult to get into as a newcomer.

Danmaku Unlimited 3 is designed to be intuitive and accessible to players unfamiliar with the genre, all the while without losing any of the intensity and flashiness that makes the genre so exciting to play.

Features

• Authentically crafted Japanese style Bullet Hell shoot’em up
• Action packed campaign with spellbinding bullet patterns and epic boss battles
• Multiple levels of difficulty across two unique modes that caters to players of all skill ranges
• Innovative SPIRIT/GRAZE system promotes stylish risk vs reward play
• Ultra Wide Mode in 60FPS HD
• TATE Mode for the ultimate arcade experience
• Up to 25 unique weapon combinations
• Music by the talented Japanese indie circle BLANKFIELD

Check out the Trailer below, as well as the official PlayStation store page for Danmaku Unlimited 3 which you can find (HERE), with the game officially launching tomorrow. you can also find the developer on Twitter (HERE) and keep up to date with all of their projects.

Love and Enchants – Steam Release Announcement

Hello! I have some news regarding a future release from our friends at Shady Corner Games and Schneeritter Studios, regarding a new Adult puzzle title that will hopefully be releasing in the near future. So check out the info below to learn more about this upcoming title.

We at Shady Corner Games are pleased to announce that the title Love and Enchants, announced back in 2021 is almost here! The magical and enchanting (pun intended) puzzle title developed by Schneeritter Studios is getting ready to hit the Steam store, with a release planned for the very near future. Please check out the information attached below to learn more about this upcoming title.

Important Note: This title has been classified as being for adults only, this is due to the inclusion of sexual content including but not limited to:

  • Risque outfits, sexual comments and adult situations
  • Nudity (full, partial and suggested)
  • Explicit sex scenes (including Oral sex, public nudity and sexual interaction with fantasy races)
  • All Characters featured in Love and Enchants are over the Age of 18.

Background and plot for Love and Enchants.

As a young boy, your grandfather would tell you two things “Boy, if you wanna be rich, you gotta learn enchanting. Everyone loves enchanted stuff.” and “Boy, if you wanna get girls, you gotta get money”. Even though they didn’t mean much to you as a kid, as you grew up the interest in making money and becoming rich did develop at a rapid pace.

So with that, you set out and studied the art of enchanting. After many years of arduous education, you have finally grasped the basic skills of enchanting 101, and with a wave of enthusiasm have purchased a small magic store for yourself in an out of the way town. Now you have your eyes set on earning money, buying supplies/weapons, enchanting them and getting better at your craft.

With this goal in mind, you set out to build the best shop you can and make as much money as possible. However, one question remains. How do you find girls?

Features of Love and Enchants:

  • Become a master enchanter and forge weapons that will shake the very ground!
  • Improve your skills over time, with an upgrade system and by learning how to better combine enchantments.
  • A unique, never seen before enchanting system, inspired by the art of Cartography and the classic board game Scrabble.
  • Interact with the energetic Tayla, a tomboy with Raccoon ears and reserved Zell, a Demon who doesn’t seem to like people, with several possible endings to achieve.
  • Enchant weapons with a variety of elements, in an endless number of potential combinations.
  • Sell your enchanted stock to a variety of weird and wacky customers, from a range of classes.
  • Travel to faraway places, learning new and more unique elements, discover guest characters (and maybe even discover a steamy surprise).

Meet the girls of Love and Enchants!

  • Tayla: A cute tomboy with Raccoon ears, who will handle delivery and procuring of your stock. She is energetic and adventurous (in all the way you’d want a girl to be adventurous), but might actually have a pure soul.
  • Zell: The demon girl who appears to hate customers, but gets hired as since she is kinda cute. She would love to keep up this front and be serious, but tends to mess up and can be a bit of klutz at times.

Check out the official Shady Corner Twitter for more info about this upcoming game and to learn more about our other titles.

Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by MOSS and published by NIS America, Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX is an updated version of the classic arcade shooter. This release is the latest release in the Raiden franchise, known for intense sequences and bullet hell action. This title is available for all major console platforms and Windows PC, with a link to each version of the game available at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank NIS America for providing the copy of Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX that was used for this piece. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review. I will be skipping the story section as there is not a pronounced plot for this release, going straight into discussing the gameplay of Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX. I will be calling the game Raiden III for the sake of brevity in this review.

Gameplay – Raiden III is a vertical scrolling shooter, with bullet hell style action that plays out over 7 stages. The player will be surrounded by enemies from above and the sides, bombarding them with a hail of bullets. The game itself is separated into several game modes for players to choose from, alongside special play modes that can add some variety to the gameplay experience. Replays can be saved for all game modes, allowing players to evaluate their performance.

Here is a breakdown of the different game modes in Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX;

  • Arcade Mode – play through the original game, taking on all 7 stages of Raiden III. This game mode (as well as the others) can be played alone or with a partner, battling the waves of enemies together while competing for the highest score possible. Once stages are cleared, the player will be able to select them from the menu as their starting point.
  • Score Attack – take on individual stages that have been cleared in arcade mode, trying to set the highest score possible. the player can also use score attack to practice stages that they may struggle with.
  • Boss Rush – the player can battle all of the different bosses in order, selecting the starting stage depending on the challenge they want to play. This mode is unlocked once all stages of the Arcade Mode have been cleared.
  • Ranking Mode – in this mode, players can take on the game in single, co-op or even dual mode controlling both ships at once (this is also available for other modes) to submit a score to the global rankings. In this challenge, players will be under the standard rules of the game with a single credit to set the best score they can.

During the course of the game, the player is able to collect power-ups that will boost the weapons that they can use. The main weapons are the Vulcan cannon that uses spread fire, the Ion Laser that fires a straight beam and the Proton Laser which swings like a whip with the ships movement. The missiles that players can collect are Nuclear that explode on contact, alongside Homing and Radar that track enemies.

The Bombs are limited but deal massive damage upon use, this is most useful during the more intense segments as they clear the enemy bullets on screen. But care must be taken when using bombs as they are limited, making some of the later sections of stages more challenging. If the player is taken out by an enemy, they will lose their current power-ups. However, if the player found a fairy, they will drop pickups for the player upon being shot down.

At the end of each stage, there is a boss battle that has multiple phases to battle through with intense bullet hell sequences that can be very difficult. These are very challenging with a variety of enemy bosses, patterns and phases that are used. When the boss is taken down, the player will earn bonuses based on their performance, with more points awarded based on remaining bombs, lives and special point items that have been picked up.

If the player loses all of the lives that they have, they have the option to continue which will reset their score if they choose to keep going. But when starting the game first, there will be limited credits leading to a game over when they are all used up. Luckily, additional credits will be awarded over time, going up to free play. This makes the game a challenge to see how far the player can get with limited credits until free play is unlocked.

The last thing to discuss is the bonus content for this release. This version of Raiden III is a special collaboration with MIKADO Game Center, with artworks and music from representatives of the MIKADO Game Center. There are also special guests from the general shooting game community, with bands and artists providing content for the player to enjoy in this newest version of Raiden III which can be used in game.

By playing the game, the player will unlock additional music tracks, gallery artworks and wallpaper art as rewards for play. This content can be unlocked by meeting special conditions, as well as by earning points during play, with milestones unlocking different content. The most important thing about the custom wallpapers and music is the way they can be used, with the ability to customise the experience with this extra content.

So with the gameplay covered, it is time to discuss the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – the control system for this release is simple and easy to get to grips with, utilizing a two button input system. With a button for the main weapon and bomb respectively, using the thumbstick or D-pad for movement on a standard controller. The recommended way to play this title is with an arcade stick, providing a more authentic experience for players, but a standard controller will work just as well.

Difficulty – this can be a very challenging title for those who are not the most experienced with bullet hell style shooters, due to the intense bullet patterns and sequences. However, the game provides settings to tailor the experience to all skill levels, with the ability to increase or decrease the challenge and set the number of lives/bombs available. This makes for an experience that everyone can enjoy.

Presentation – the visual style for Raiden III looks very good for a title originally released in 2005, with 3D models that look just as good now as they did back then. There are occasional moments of slowdown during gameplay, but this is due to the game itself and in some cases helps the player to avoid some difficult bullet sequences. The overall visuals of this release are solid, with the special background art adding some extra flair to the game.

The sound for this release is fantastic, with the inclusion of both the original soundtrack and the option to customise it via the special guest tracks that can be unlocked. These new arrangements and remixes are provided by popular artists within the Japanese arcade and shooter scene, including the bands Heavy Metal Raiden, Go Sato Band and Fantom Iris. This makes for the ultimate version of Raiden III currently available.

Final Thoughts – I am a fan of the Raiden series, having played other titles in the past which made me excited to get my hands on this title. I will say that I am not the best at bullet hell titles, but I have a lot of fun with them and this wasn’t any different. The frantic shooting action and hail of bullets that filled the screen at times was intense, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it, working my way through each difficulty setting.

I have no problem at all recommending this game to all fans of the vertical SHMUP and bullet hell genre, even if you don’t do particularly well with them. This is because of the flexible settings and varied difficulty options, making it possible for even the most inexperienced player to get through the game. This is the definitive way to experience Raiden III and another excellent release from the team at MOSS.

In the end, I give Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX a final score of 5/5. This is the best version of Raiden III that has been released to date, with fun yet intense bullet hell action, difficulty settings that make it approachable for everyone and a plethora of additional content for fans of the genre. If you want to check it out for yourself, a link to each version of the game will be below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

Link to Xbox version (HERE)

Link to Steam version (HERE)

Hyper-5 – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Hyper Productions and published by Eastasiasoft, Hyper-5 is a cinematic sci-fi shooter inspired by classics of the genre. Take on 5 stages of challenging, side-scrolling action through a mix of environments. This title is available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox family of systems, 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 Eastasiasoft for providing the copy of Hyper 5 that was used for this piece. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Now, with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review. I will be skipping the story section as there is a cinematic narrative that players should experience first-hand, so I will be moving straight into discussing the gameplay. Please Note that images featured are from the official press kit, so they will not match the Nintendo Switch visually.

Gameplay – Hyper 5 is a scrolling shooter with a cinematic narrative, set on the planet 4GDT, Hyper-5 receives a distress signal and heads into battle with an unknown threat. The objective of the game is to battle through the harsh environments of the planet, taking down the enemy forces and massive bosses that appear. While only being 5 stages long, the challenge will push players to their limits.

This title takes inspiration from the classics of the genre, with intense and fast paced shooting action, all while offering modern mechanics to the experience. Before taking off into battle, the player is able to set the loadout that they want to use for the stage from the armoury. This is where new weapons, ship upgrades and additional extras can be purchased using points earned in the stages.

The upgrades that players can obtain include new weapon types for the main attack, like spread shot as well as enhanced missiles that can do increased damage. There will also be the option to purchase improvements to the capacity and cooldown of the various bomb weapons. Alongside the weapons, the player will also be able to purchase extra lives, increased health and more to help them get through their mission.

These upgrades become very important as each of the stages have challenging phases, with large screen filling enemies that can take the player down in seconds. These challenges will likely lead to repeating stages, earning increased amounts of upgrade points and increasing the chances of survival by making more upgrades available. There is also a gallery that the player can unlock with points, adding to the replay value of this release.

As a modern shooter, there are two playstyles that the player can select from, with the option of precision and progression. The precision setting is best for those with a lot of experience in shooting games, with Progression more suitable for those who want to focus on obtaining upgrades. This also functions as the difficulty system, with the chosen setting affecting the player, enemies and overall gameplay experience.

Outside of the main cinematic story, there is the Time Trial mode where players can take on special missions with special conditions attached to them. There is also a leaderboard system for all of the game modes, where players are able to battle it out for the top spot with players from all over the world. These make for a competitive element that adds additional value to this title, giving a reason to return to the game after completion.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to move onto the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – the control style for this title has an arcade feel to it, with relatively easy to grasp inputs that are fairly responsive, but do feel a little twitchy at times. The best option for this title in terms of controller is to use an arcade stick, as it fits the feeling that the game attempts to invoke. When playing this title in either docked or handheld mode, the game is very comfortable to play regardless of the controller used.

Difficulty – this is a challenging title, with a lot of intense action that can be pretty intense which may be off-putting for some players. This difficulty will very possibly lead to the player having to replay stages several times, which can be a source of frustration due to repeated restarts. To balance this, there are difficulty options that can be selected from, with the precision and progression options that adjust the overall gameplay experience.

Presentation – this release uses a hybrid visual style that mixes full 3D models and backgrounds, presented in a 2D form which works well enough on the Nintendo Switch. However, there are some minor issues with the visual performance, due to the limits of the hardware like render distance and slowdown which are unfortunate. The sound for Hyper-5 is very good, with a soundtrack that is tailored well to the setting and voice acting that is performed well.

Final Thoughts – I am a fan of scrolling shooters like R-Type and Gradius, which made me excited when this hit my radar. However, there are blemishes that make this a slightly less than stellar experience. The majority of the action is solid, but unfortunately some of the sequences are made more difficult than they need to be. This is made worse by the need to grind and complete repetitive challenges to earn upgrade points to get past these segments.

I am unsure if I can recommend this title to a casual scrolling shmup fan, but I can recommend it to those who are into tough challenges. There is a lot of content in this release, with the unlockables in the gallery, the time trial missions and the worldwide leaderboards increasing the value of this game. It is has potential but sadly falls a little short of the mark.

In the end, I give Hyper-5 a final score of 3/5. This is a mostly solid scrolling shooter with a promising premise and cinematic narrative, but sadly this potential is spoiled by unfairly challenging action sequences and a frustrating need to grind to progress at times. If you do want to check this title out for yourself, a link to each version of the game will be below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

Link to Xbox version (HERE)

Color Pals – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Double Mizzle and published by Eastasiasoft, Color Pals is a puzzle platform title, where color changing is the key to success. Take on the challenges of 50 stages, in this colorful puzzle title. This release is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox systems, with a link to each version of the game available at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Eastasiasoft for providing the copy of Color Pals that was used for this piece. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review. I will be skipping the story as there is no plot for Color Pals, so I will be going straight into covering the gameplay.

Gameplay – Color Pals is a 2D single screen platformer, where the player must reach a portal by only touching the color that matches their cube. Made up of 50 stages, the objective is simple to pick up, but can be hard to master as the difficulty will increase over time. This is due to the new hazards and increasingly intricate layouts that will be introduced as the game progresses.

Within the stages, the player must collect keys that match the active color to open doors, with lightning bolts that will change the color of the player cube. The player must take great care while trying to reach the keys and exit, as there will be spring blocks that launch the player into the air, spikes that will move on tracks and very tight platforming.

In each of the stages, there will also be three stars that the player can collect as an optional objective. These can be incredibly difficult, as precision platforming will be needed to reach some of the stars, as contact with a color that doesn’t match the current will restart the stage. The stages can be replayed an infinite number of times, so if all three stars aren’t claimed then players can try again later.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to move onto the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – the controls are very simple for this title, with movement on the thumbstick/D-pad and two buttons needed for jumping/resetting. This makes for an easy to pick up and casual experience, that all players will be able to play. There is a slight issue with what feels like a minor input lag or delay, but this doesn’t impact the overall experience of this game.

Difficulty – this isn’t the toughest game to play, but it can be challenging in places. This is most prevalent in stages that have stars in difficult to reach places, or in levels with more intricate layouts and hazards. There is an endless number of retries that players have access to, which does lessen the pressures that the game can put on players. However, it can be tough to get perfect star ratings on all stages.

Presentation – visually the game is very simple, using a rather basic color pallet and simplified block sprites for the level geometry/player sprites. The game works very well in both handheld and docked on a TV, making it comfortable to play everywhere. There is a pleasant mix of music that plays during the stages, but can become repetitive over time only broken up by the occasional voice clip that plays.

Final Thoughts – I do enjoy puzzle platformers and to some extent those that require precision too, with this one filling that gap quite well. There is a lot of content on offer, with the 50 total stages and the optional star objective which I enjoyed very much. There is a minor issue where the player can get stuck on blocks, but that won’t stop me recommending this rather fun budget platformer to everyone.

In the end, I give Color Pals a final score of 3.5/5. This is a fun and rather challenging puzzle platformer, with an abundance of stages for players to take on, as well as challenging optional objectives that can extend play time a fair amount. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to each version of the game will be below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

Link to Xbox version (HERE)

Dreamcutter – Steam Review

Overview – developed by Ten Pennyfingers and published by Shady Corner Games, Dreamcutter is an action platformer set in a world of dreams and Nightmares. As the protagonist Haley, wield the Dreamcutter to defeat the nightmares that are keeping you trapped in your mind. This title is available exclusively for the Steam storefront with a link to the game at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Shady Corner Games for providing the copy of Dreamcutter that was used for this piece. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Mature Content Disclaimer: this title is classified as adults only, featuring strong language, full frontal nudity, sexual situations and explicit sexual content. If you are under the age of 18 or are uncomfortable with sexual content, then please click off this review and read some of the other coverage presented on this site.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting with the story of Dreamcutter.

Story – Haley is a student who has been having trouble sleeping due to nightmares, which have been getting increasingly vivid. One day while in class, she falls asleep and finds herself trapped in her dreams, unable to escape from the nightmare that she finds herself in. She soon finds the mysterious Dreamcutter, a scythe that talks to her and gives her the power to fight the monsters in her mind. With the Dreamcutter in her hands, she sets out on a quest to defeat her inner demons and escape.  

Gameplay – Dreamcutter is an action platformer, with a focus on battling monsters and crossing challenging platform sequences. The player controls Haley, the young girl who wields the titular Dreamcutter, a mysterious scythe that has the power to cut down the monsters in dreams. There are two modes the player can select when starting up the game, which are Story Mode with narrative cutscenes and Arcade mode which is just the action and special boss scenes (discussed later).

Before diving deep into the gameplay, it is important to discuss the narrative scenes. Throughout the game, there will be scenes where Haley and other characters interact in a visual novel style. This is usually simple with the characters talking back and forth, however, there are segments that are interactive. These moments give the player an option between two dialogue choices, which will result in a different response depending on the choice.  

When starting the game, the player is provided a relatively simple tutorial where the mechanics and systems are taught to the player. At the end of this, the player is transported to the Sanctuary a safe haven within the mind of Haley, where the player can access stages, the gallery and shop. Her mind itself is made up of 5 worlds, with a set of stages in each of them, with later stages introducing more challenging sequences for the player to take on.

In these stages, the player must hack their way through hordes of monsters that get in her way, while traversing the pitfalls and traps that are scattered through her mindscapes. At the end of stages, there will be a Nightmare that must be destroyed to progress, which often spawn a horde of monsters when attacked and only breaking after the player deals enough damage. When a stage is cleared, the player can either progress to the next or escape to the sanctuary.

The Dreamcutter itself is a versatile weapon, which can be used in a few ways while in battle. The first is to swing it at enemies, cleaving through them and destroying objects that litter the stage, with enemies possibly dropping coins upon defeat. When the player is able to chain enough hits together, there is a combo meter that will appear on screen, with a letter grade increasing from D-A. If the combo meter depletes, a coin reward is provided based on the rank that is earned for that combo.  

The second way to use the scythe is for traversing the environments of Haley’s mind palace. This is possible by throwing the Dreamcutter into walls and using it as a lever to bounce from, with the player able to recall it by pressing the attack or throw button. This also helps the player collect the coins that are scattered through the stages. There are also moons that appear in the game, which the player can hook onto and spin around gaining momentum to launch Haley into the air.

The last feature of the Dreamcutter is the glide spin, which allows the player to cover larger gaps and use upward air currents to float upwards. All of these features combine to create a challenging platforming experience, which can be satisfying when successfully maintaining a combo to increase the player speed. The challenge can be further pushed forward by speedrunning the stages, using the combo and mechanics to clear stages as fast as possible.

At the end of each world is a boss battle with each of them having their own unique challenges in them. The battles can be intense and will push the player to do their best to survive, as the health pick-ups become non-existent as the game progresses. When the boss battle is cleared, the player is transported to a serene location, where a reward scene will play out. These scenes are explicitly sexual, with Haley being in a variety of situations with other characters.

Going back to the sanctuary, the player can access the shop where coins can be used to unlock skills and upgrades for their character. These upgrades are for total health, damage dealt and the coins that enemies can drop. The skills are extra attacks that can be used in combos, with a downward slash and an extra attack in the main combo. There are also missions that can be unlocked in the shop, including the need to defeat specific enemies in a stage and clearing set stages as fast as possible.

The last thing to be discussed is the gallery located in the sanctuary, where all of the explicit scenes can be viewed freely, along with the reward images earned by clearing challenges. The bonus images are provided by a range of artists, with many different tastes being catered to in this gallery. This gives additional play value for the player, giving a reason to return to previous stages in order to unlock these bonuses as well as to gain more coins for shop purchases.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to cover the other aspects of this title, starting off with the controls.

Controls – as a PC title, Dreamcutter supports both Mouse/Keyboard and controllers, with an easy to pick up and play control layout. There are button prompts during the tutorial and at key points of the game, which inform the player on key inputs. All of the button inputs have zero input lag, which is important for an action platform title. if the player doesn’t have a compatible controller, apps like JoytoKey will work just as well for this release.

Difficulty – the difficulty curve for this release is fairly balanced, with the challenge slowly escalating as the player progresses. This is most noticeable during the later stages of the game, where intricate platforming is needed while battling enemies at the same time. In order for the player to overcome some of the more challenging sections, the player can return to earlier stages to earn coins and purchase upgrades from the shop.

Presentation – the visual style for this release has an old school feel to it, with 2D sprite work and beautifully rendered backgrounds. This is further augmented by the artwork that is used for the story and intimacy scenes, which bring the whole visual look together. The sound for this title is of a very high quality, with a soundtrack that features a range of musical styles that complement the stages featured. All of this comes together to create a solid experience that looks and sounds great.

Final Thoughts – I had played the demo for this title last year, which set up an expectation that the full release completely blew out of the water. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative and characters that were presented, which kept me engaged for the entire experience. The action and platforming is fluid, with the bosses and enemy swarms having a lot of intensity to them. This gives Dreamcutter a feel that is reminiscent of older titles like Ninja Gaiden and Strider, which I enjoyed very much.

I put the time into clearing this title multiple times for this review, beating the game faster each time, which led me to the realization that this is perfect for Speedrunning. This is most noticeable when learning the layouts of the stages, while using the speed boosts that the combo system enables. I am very happy to recommend this release to fans of the Action genre, as the core of the game is where the title shines and I feel it has a lot of potential for a console release in the future.

In the end, I give Dreamcutter a final score of 5/5. This is an excellent action platform title, which has the bonus of explicit intimacy scenes that aren’t integral to the experience. The solid and intense action of Dreamcutter can stand on its own merits, with the potential for a speedrunning community to emerge due to the speed boost combo system. If you want to check out this game for yourself, a link to the game and demo will be below.

Link to Steam version (HERE)