Deathsmiles

 Xbox 360
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
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  1. GamingXP
    Mar 21, 2011
    73
    Apart from a few minor flaws like endless continuous or the few levels Deathsmiles Deluxe Edition offers a great gameplay with great controlls and crazy boss-fights. Plus: There are Japanese schoolgirls in it.
  2. 3DJuegos
    Mar 21, 2011
    73
    If you're an hardcore fan of Cave games, this is your game.
  3. Gamereactor Denmark
    Mar 29, 2011
    70
    It's all too rare that bullethell shooters see a release 'round these parts, and that's a shame. Luckily, Deathsmiles is a strong offering with unique visuals that is sure to please fans of the genre. Decent price, too.
  5. Eurogamer Italy
    Mar 18, 2011
    70
    DeathSmiles is a brutal shooter with pretty (but a little bit dated) visuals, solid gameplay mechanics and a short life span. If you're an hardcore fan of Cave games and you're searching for another tough challenge, this is the SHMUP you were waiting for.
  6. Level7.nu
    Mar 1, 2011
    70
    A well-made shoot'em up that's a bit too short for the price tag.
  7. GamesRadar+
    70
    All this enthusiasm leads us to the sad reality of the game's release. This would have been a glorious XBLA title at $10-$15, but Deathsmiles comes as a boxed copy and asks the uncanny price of $50. Sure, the game has replay value, but after a few playthroughs, only the ultra dedicated score chasers will have reason to keep going.
  8. GameFocus
    62
    DeathSmiles is a tough game to recommend. Not because it's bad though. It's great, for the market it's targeting. However, that market is pretty niche these days. If you don't fit in the SHMUP demographic, there is no compelling reason to add DeathSmiles to your game library.
  9. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Mar 3, 2011
    60
    One for devoted aficionados of "bullet hell" only. [Issue#69, p.88]
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  10. Gamekult
    Feb 22, 2011
    60
    Quotation forthcoming.
  11. GameShark
    50
    As bare-boned as Deathsmiles is, playing through the game a couple times is entertaining.

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 50
  3. Negative: 5 out of 50
  1. prestonchris016
    Apr 17, 2015
    7
    The game is a story is a bit short but this game is meant to be played multiple times to get the highest score you can. if your new to bulletThe game is a story is a bit short but this game is meant to be played multiple times to get the highest score you can. if your new to bullet hell games death-smiles will be a challenge at first.… Full Review »
  2. Hamilton
    Apr 12, 2011
    9
    Cave's the best shmup developer ever, period. Their Death Smiles is another great bullet hell shooter with horizontal scrolling a la Progear,Cave's the best shmup developer ever, period. Their Death Smiles is another great bullet hell shooter with horizontal scrolling a la Progear, a gothic theme and some funny bosses to entertain you while you avoid thousands of bullets. The fact that this game managed to be published in the west is really wonderful, and I hope more great shooting games can be released in this market.… Full Review »
  3. limelight
    Dec 30, 2010
    9
    If youre a fan of shoot-em-ups (or shmups)-hardcore or casual- you should definitely consider giving DeathSmiles a try. Multiple difficultiesIf youre a fan of shoot-em-ups (or shmups)-hardcore or casual- you should definitely consider giving DeathSmiles a try. Multiple difficulties and variations of the core game, score multipliers, online play, gorgeous graphics, a great soundtrack, and different characters to choose from make this game a solid purchase. While I miss the "space shooters" of yesteryear like R-Type, U.N. Squadron, and Gradius, DeathSmiles proves that even with a strange storyline with young girls shooting stuff that the genre is still alive and kicking-still with fresh ideas to boot.… Full Review »
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