DES BLOOD 4: LOST ALONE

DES BLOOD 4: LOST ALONE is the fourth entry in Illusion's long-running adult sci-fi shooter series. This time around, players join protagonist Esk on her journey home to Mars, only to find her spaceship under attack by unknown assailants. Stranded on the red planet, Esk must team up with the dashing adventurer Cifer to uncover who sabotaged her ship and why.

Along the way, players can expect the DES BLOOD series' signature mix of exploration, gunplay, puzzle-solving, and sexually charged encounters.

I found DES BLOOD 4's Mars setting to be an intriguing backdrop, offering a nice change of scenery from previous games – especially for an eroge game. The environments are colorful and alien, though perhaps not as fully realized as they could be.

The story starts out strong as a straightforward mystery, and while the plot does meander a bit in the middle, it wraps up nicely by the climax. Overall it’s a serviceable narrative that provides context for the game’s more titillating scenes. Yes, you know the ones.

A Familiar But Polished Formula

Fans of the series will feel right at home with DES BLOOD 4's core mechanics. Players explore environments from a third-person perspective, occasionally solving puzzles to open new paths.

Enemy encounters trigger a shift to first-person shooter mode, challenging players to target fast-moving foes while managing Esk's limited ammo and health. The basic loop remains enjoyable, if a bit repetitive at times. Fortunately, various weapon drops and purchasable upgrades add a dash of variety to the firefights.

Many aspects of the game cater to fans of niche JRPG titles, like The Third Birthday. Only with more intimate encounters, of course – that's the trademark of the series – and Illusion.

Spicier than Space

Perhaps the most significant addition is the expanded suite of "H scenes." These sexually-charged interludes feature full 3D models and interactive mechanics, allowing an unparalleled level of visual fidelity and control. The scenes themselves lean more towards playful than hardcore, but they’re likely the main draw for most fans.

While relatively few in number, they feature prominently at key moments in the narrative. Compared to entries like Koikkatsu Party or other Illusion titles, the H content seems restrained but still adds spice to an otherwise straightforward action game.

A Solid But Unsurprising Sequel

Overall, DES BLOOD 4: LOST ALONE delivers exactly what longtime fans have come to expect from the series - an entertaining mix of sci-fi mystery and titillating content. The production values seem higher this time around, with great graphics and expansive environments to explore.

However, the basic gameplay remains largely unchanged since earlier titles. Aside from the setting and storyline tweaks, this feels more like an incremental upgrade than any sort of revolution for the DES BLOOD franchise. Still, it’s a solid package that’s likely to satisfy diehard fans.

Pros

• Intriguing Mars setting
• Polished visuals and graphics
• Signature H scene interactions are as well-animated as ever

Cons

• Core gameplay is repetitive
• Not enough H content for those looking for a more erotic experience