Death Smiles On The 360 Twice

[The 1 2 P]

No, this isn't another rrod thread to go along with the other 7,631 on DP. This is the official announcement that the Japanese import only shooter Death Smiles will be gracing the US courtesy of Aksys Games (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6246682.html?part=rss&tag=gs_news&subj=6246682). They're even throwing in two player cooperative play over XBL, which is a nice bonus for those of us who haven't had the chance to play this yet.

[98PaceCar]

I think it is going to also include the Mega Black Label download. This is probably my favorite shmup on the 360 and is a must buy day 1!

[Kitsune Sniper]

I think it is going to also include the Mega Black Label download. This is probably my favorite shmup on the 360 and is a must buy day 1!

Huh.

I wonder if this will induce Japanese fanboys to rage at America for getting a limited edition item for free. ;p

[The 1 2 P]

Huh.

I wonder if this will induce Japanese fanboys to rage at America for getting a limited edition item for free. ;p

Xbox 360 fanboys.....in Japan????? What is this madness you speak of?

[aclbandit]

No, this isn't another rrod thread to go along with the other 7,631 on DP. This is the official announcement that the Japanese import only shooter Death Smiles will be gracing the US courtesy of Aksys Games (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6246682.html?part=rss&tag=gs_news&subj=6246682). They're even throwing in two player cooperative play over XBL, which is a nice bonus for those of us who haven't had the chance to play this yet.

This game was why I kept periodically considering buying a 日本の360. Really glad it's coming stateside!

[Fuyukaze]

PERFECT!!! ABOUT FUCKING TIME SOMEONE BRINGS THIS OVER!

Sorry, this is day 1 for me. Pre-ordering this ASAP. Thanks for the heads up 12P, I needed good news like this.

[XYXZYZ]

Cool. I wonder if this is one of those titles that will retail for $50 at first, then drop to $16, or one of those titles that will retail for $50 then disappear only to be found on ebay for $200 a couple years later?

[Kitsune Sniper]

Xbox 360 fanboys.....in Japan????? What is this madness you speak of?

Shmup fanboys.

Also, there's got to be some 360 fanboys there. I mean, The Idolmaster racked up some impressive nickel and diming over there.

[allyourblood]

Sorry, this is day 1 for me. Pre-ordering this ASAP. Thanks for the heads up 12P, I needed good news like this.

Same here. Shooters are just too darn infrequent over here, on any current system. I'll definitely grab this right away.

[E Nice]

This game was why I kept periodically considering buying a 日本の360. Really glad it's coming stateside!

It was one of the games that made me buy an JP 360. Despite that I'll double dip and buy the US release as well.

[Ze_ro]

I'm glad to see this one is making it over... Here's hoping that Daioujou and Espgaluda II eventually get localized as well, though I'm certainly not holding my breath. I've been considering importing Mushihimesama Futari ver 1.5, seeing as it's region free, but the price is rather high.

Considering the niche market and all, I'm surprised these games don't show up exclusively as Games on Demand or XBLA.

--Zero

[DonMarco]

So they're adding online multiplayer? I loved it in Ikaruga, and am wondering why it wasn't in the Japanese release in the first place. Wouldn't it be funny if Japanese players imported the American version? Aksys thinks so.

[Raedon]

Looks like the bastard child from the loins of Cotton and Dangun Feveron.

EDIT: Should have known ... Cave. Maniac shooter then.

[Xexyz]

Cool. I wonder if this is one of those titles that will retail for $50 at first, then drop to $16, or one of those titles that will retail for $50 then disappear only to be found on ebay for $200 a couple years later?


I'm going to go with the later since there are a couple of reasons that would influence that trend. First off, it's being publushed by Aksys, a quality niche publisher, not a budget niche publisher like UFO, Valcon, or Agetec. Second, Aksys was formed by former Atlus employees, and they too know how to make money on seemingly money losing projects by doing few print runs initially in case their games don't sell. Third, and this is the big one, this is the first Cave shooter to ever get a domestic console release.

This one won't be widely available long after release like Raiden Fighters Aces and Raiden IV.

[The 1 2 P]

Also, there's got to be some 360 fanboys there. I mean, The Idolmaster racked up some impressive nickel and diming over there.

Now that I think about it, Japanese 360 fanboys have got to be some of the most hardcore gamers in the entire world. Just think about it for a minute. They can't play with any of their friends because all of them have either a Wii or PS3. They can't tell their friends about all the exclusive rpg's and shooters they are playing because they haven't played them and probably don't care. And finally, they have to use a stool to play on instead of a gaming couch because 360's are apparently too big for their little apartments. Now thats hardcore.


I'm going to go with the later since there are a couple of reasons that would influence that trend. First off, it's being publushed by Aksys, a quality niche publisher, not a budget niche publisher like UFO, Valcon, or Agetec. Second, Aksys was formed by former Atlus employees, and they too know how to make money on seemingly money losing projects by doing few print runs initially in case their games don't sell. Third, and this is the big one, this is the first Cave shooter to ever get a domestic console release.

This one won't be widely available long after release like Raiden Fighters Aces and Raiden IV.

Your logic seems sound enough. I usually wait for games to get atleast one price drop but I'm going to see what kind of trade-in deals will be offered on this game via Gamestop and Game Crazy. I definitely want to get this before it's only available online for two-five times it's normal retail price.

[Kid Ice]

Looks like the bastard child from the loins of Cotton and Dangun Feveron.

uhh...

mmm....

Sorry just waking up there. I thought someone said Dangun Feveron on a DP thread. Dangun Feveron on the 360?

Oh that's not what's happening?

OK...never mind...going back to sleep now.

uhhhhhh.......

[Julio III]

Any news of a European release?

I'm hoping this doesn't stop Espgaluda II from being region-free...

[Bojay1997]

I'm going to go with the later since there are a couple of reasons that would influence that trend. First off, it's being publushed by Aksys, a quality niche publisher, not a budget niche publisher like UFO, Valcon, or Agetec. Second, Aksys was formed by former Atlus employees, and they too know how to make money on seemingly money losing projects by doing few print runs initially in case their games don't sell. Third, and this is the big one, this is the first Cave shooter to ever get a domestic console release.

This one won't be widely available long after release like Raiden Fighters Aces and Raiden IV.

I don't know, like Atlus recently, Aksys has released quite a few niche games that have been available long after release for a third of MSRP. The 360 versions of Guilty Gear and Battle Fantasia come to mind. Even Blaz Blue is available below MSRP. All of their DS games fell to $20 or less after releasing at $30 and they had fairly limited retail releases. In fact, I'm not aware of a single rare Aksys game or one that still sells for release price or above. As such, I think it's safe to hold out for a price drop if you're not a hardcore SHMUP fan.

[Xexyz]

Fair enough, although I still think it being a Cave localization will more than likely cause the game to hold its value once it's out of production, especially since Aksys is including the Black Label DL content on the disc.

As to the wishful thinking Espgaluda II region free guy, it doesn't look likely. Believe it or not, it actually costs money to make a game region free on the Xbox360. Because games can be region locked, a publisher has to get into contact and pay fees to the other regional divisions of Microsoft to get acceptance for a region free release. With a niche Cave shooter, that's cutting into profits and the few import sales probably won't offset it. Suffice to say, Cave was being serious when they said Mushihimesama was just a test. They're looking to get their games localized by a 3rd party much like what Aksys games is doing with Death Smiles. It'll be more profitable for them this way.

[Julio III]

As to the wishful thinking Espgaluda II region free guy, it doesn't look likely. Believe it or not, it actually costs money to make a game region free on the Xbox360. Because games can be region locked, a publisher has to get into contact and pay fees to the other regional divisions of Microsoft to get acceptance for a region free release. With a niche Cave shooter, that's cutting into profits and the few import sales probably won't offset it. Suffice to say, Cave was being serious when they said Mushihimesama was just a test. They're looking to get their games localized by a 3rd party much like what Aksys games is doing with Death Smiles. It'll be more profitable for them this way.

Well, thats a shame. I bought Mushihime-sama Futari and the DLC (which I was very surprised to see on the Euro marketplace). Doesn't look like any other shmups are going to make it to Europe then...

[Julio III]

Good news! Cave have confirmed that Espgaluda II will be region free on the Xbox 360! Well, the standard edition anyway, the limited edition will be region locked:
http://kotaku.com/5471899/if-you-want-to-play-espgaluda-ii-read-this-post

[Nico87]

Huh.

I wonder if this will induce Japanese fanboys to rage at America for getting a limited edition item for free. ;p

What limited edition item?

[Arcade_Ness]

I just put in a preorder at Amazon for this. I loved playing this at the local arcade. I wish I didn't have to wait until the end of June to play it. Here's a link that talks about what is including in the limited edition bundle: http://kotaku.com/5507390/deathsmiles-limited-edition-is-so-very-pretty

[s1lence]

I don't think it is technically "twice" . It doesn't appear like it will be stackable so it actually is just being made so we can read it.

[maxlords]

What limited edition item?

Comes with a faceplate and soundtrack and a special "horizontal box".

[meancode]

I don't think it is technically "twice" . It doesn't appear like it will be stackable so it actually is just being made so we can read it.

Yea, I figured this was a thread of Deathsmiles II, which I will be picking up this summer.

[The 1 2 P]

I just put in a preorder at Amazon for this. I loved playing this at the local arcade. I wish I didn't have to wait until the end of June to play it. Here's a link that talks about what is including in the limited edition bundle: http://kotaku.com/5507390/deathsmiles-limited-edition-is-so-very-pretty

That limited edition is cheaper than most regular version games. I'm keeping my eye on that one.

[miaandjohnrule]

Anyone else pick this up? I am enjoying the game very much but was thinking it would have made a great arcade title.

[aclbandit]

Anyone else pick this up? I am enjoying the game very much but was thinking it would have made a great arcade title.

LOVING it. But I guess I've been waiting on it for a long time now.

By 'arcade' do you mean "download" or "joystick-n-buttons-and-a-screen-in-a-box-you-stand-up-and-play"? If the former, perhaps; if the latter, it was one of those first.

[ubersaurus]

I got it! And it's pretty awesome. I mean, the subject matter is weird as hell, but the gameplay is solid, and the music is sweet. Though the last stage is 100% Cave level design alright: shitload of bullets with tiny spaces to dodge.

[megasdkirby]

Got it, but havent opened it.

I will once I finish Blue Dragon and then Alan Wake.

[miaandjohnrule]

LOVING it. But I guess I've been waiting on it for a long time now.

By 'arcade' do you mean "download" or "joystick-n-buttons-and-a-screen-in-a-box-you-stand-up-and-play"? If the former, perhaps; if the latter, it was one of those first.

I was meaning download. It is great fun. Here's to hoping we get more Cave goodness.

[djbeatmongrel]

Picked it up yestterday and all i have to ay is THE TITS. It reminds me why Cave is amazing and also why I love Aksys as a publisher.

[The 1 2 P]

I still need to pick this up but I haven't seen this in any stores yet.

[RPG_Fanatic]

I got it! And it's pretty awesome. I mean, the subject matter is weird as hell, but the gameplay is solid, and the music is sweet. Though the last stage is 100% Cave level design alright: shitload of bullets with tiny spaces to dodge.


Picked it up a couple days ago. Play it on level 999, now thats some hardcore playing!!!!!!

[Famidrive-16]

Loving this. I usually get tired of shmups but I've played this through like 6 or 7 times already today.

[Oobgarm]

Picked it up yestterday and all i have to ay is THE TITS. It reminds me why Cave is amazing and also why I love Aksys as a publisher.

100% agree. I've not really gotten into a good shmup in a while, but this one is awesome.

[skaar]

I think it is going to also include the Mega Black Label download. This is probably my favorite shmup on the 360 and is a must buy day 1!

Mine's coming from Amazon... still waiting.

What's the deal with this Black Label thing?

[PapaStu]

Mine's coming from Amazon... still waiting.

What's the deal with this Black Label thing?

Same here. Mine isn't even supposed to be shipping until next week. Oh well, not like I don't have a few other games I should be playing as it is.

[Kyle15]

Picked it up a couple days ago. Play it on level 999, now thats some hardcore playing!!!!!!

Tried it last night. I died many a time, but the whole thing was insanely fun.
Makes you want to hold your breathe! @_@


Mine's coming from Amazon... still waiting.

What's the deal with this Black Label thing?

That's the name of one of the expansion packs. It adds another playable character, difficulty, and stage. The only way to get it in Japan is by downloading, but Aksys put it and the other pieces of DLC onto the disc. We got it all!

Why the name Mega Black Label? I have no idea. Ask Cave. ;)

[98PaceCar]

That's the name of one of the expansion packs. It adds another playable character, difficulty, and stage. The only way to get it in Japan is by downloading, but Aksys put it and the other pieces of DLC onto the disc. We got it all!

Did they put the downloadable voice pack on the disk as well? I'm assuming not as they would need to localize them, but it would be cool to have them even if they are still in Japanese.

[Kyle15]

Did they put the downloadable voice pack on the disk as well? I'm assuming not as they would need to localize them, but it would be cool to have them even if they are still in Japanese.

DLC voice pack? I didn't know about that one...
Anyway, the girls do speak throughout the course of 1.1 and 360 mode. (I have no idea about arcade or MBL.)
They don't speak during the cutscenes though.

[klausien]

Picked it up today. Gotta support Cave's first US release!

The 360 mode is phenominal (recently lucked into a free HDTV - mind =
blown). However, I need to plug the 360 back into my Sony 36" SDTV to dig the Arcade Mode. I want Mushihimesama Futari & Ketsui damnit!

Deathsmiles is probably the best possible US release though. Loli Anime fanboi fetishists gotta be yankin' over this one.

[wataru330]

They're even throwing in two player cooperative play over XBL

Aksys didn't 'throw this in'. . . Co-op is present in the JPN release. The co-op is improved for DS NA however, as the JPN rev was streaming co-op ala MS3 xbl (laggy as hell). The NA rev has great co-op, on par with ikaruga. My only gripe with this release is the fact that leader boards are NA rev specific. If you spent alot of time on DS in the arcade, your old patterns are USELESS as the slowdown is all but gone. 1st 'luda II for iPhone, now this. Great time to be a shooter fan.

[DonMarco]

I still need to pick this up but I haven't seen this in any stores yet.
Pretty sure the big chains aren't carrying it (Best Buy, Walmart, Target) and your best bet would be either GameStop or Amazon.

I asked my brother to unbox the game, him totally not knowing what it was or what to expect. It's humbling to know that no matter how awesome a game is, the great unwashed will never hear of it or want to play it.

--> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhVnoJp4arQ <-- my own Deathsmiles unboxed video </pimp>

Not saying the box art, title and gameplay are to blame. Just that there will be so many people picking this game up after the fact at the repeated request of their friends and online polls and top ten lists. Hopefully there will be a non-Limited Edition and it will be closer to $30 by this holidays. This is the kind of game I'd like to give away as a gift, you know? Not to my brother, a die-hard Warcraft 3 player (to this day), but to other 360 owners that would never spend their own money on a shooter, not knowing what they're missing out on.

[Vectorman0]

I read somewhere that the voice DLC was not included because fairly well known Japanese voice actors were used and their contracts didn't account for international releases. I doubt Aksys had any desire to go through extra effort for securing that when it would bring their margin down and not account for any extra sales.

Anyway. The game is amazing. It is great to see a Cave game finally get released in the US, even if it's about 15 years later than it should have been.

[Beefy Hits]

Got this last week and I'm really enjoying it.

[Tempest]

Picked it up today. I got the last copy at my Gamestop.

Tempest

[Lady Jaye]

We found a brand-new copy yesterday for a mere $10. Needless to say that the purchase was made, especially at that price (and this follows our finding of Otomedius Excellent used for $15 last month!). :)

Great shmup, rough on the hands! :P

[The 1 2 P]

I got a copy of this brand new for $20(the limited edition) about a month or two ago. But I still haven't had a chance to play it yet.