Yeah, really objective reporting going on here.

Popular shmup developer, Cave, recently released Deathsmiles 2 to Japanese arcades. The game offers a unique new distribution method which gives arcades the option of receiving the game for free, in exchange for them sharing a share of the game’s profits with Cave, thus minimalizing the risk brought on by the hefty cost of new arcade boards

Well, those arcades whose chose the new distribution method are probably pretty glad they did, because upon first impressions, Deathsmiles 2 is a disaster. As of now, the game has a mere 2 selectable characters and only 4 levels, all of which are short for a shmup. There is no selectable difficulty and people are beating the game on 1 credit, left and right. The 3D graphics look abysmal compared to the gourgious pixel art of Deathsmiles 1, and likewise the enemy design is lackluster.

Deathsmiles 2 feels more like a demo than a full game. It is very safe to assume more levels and characters will be unlocked at a later date. The game even says “to be continued” when you beat it. But while this is an okay method for prolonging the life of fighting and music games, it really doesn’t suit a game where the whole point is to get a high score.

Those outside of Japan who want to play Deathsmiles 2 will have to wait for an Xbox 360 port, which while not announced, seems likely with Cave’s recent trend of releasing all their new shmups for the 360. Don’t expect it to be region free though.