DEVIL BLADE REBOOT

Devil Blade Reboot isn’t just a nostalgic throwback to the golden age of shmups; it’s a reinvention of the genre, rebuilt from the ground up for modern audiences. Now available on Steam, this dazzling remake combines thrilling gameplay with jaw-dropping visuals and an electrifying soundtrack, making it a standout in an era where shmups often backseat to flashier genres.

With tight controls and a scoring system that rewards boldness, Devil Blade Reboot offers an adrenaline-pumping experience. Whether you’re a newcomer to the genre or a seasoned high-score chaser, the game’s layers of accessibility and depth ensure there’s something for everyone. But does it soar to the heights of its peers, or does its brevity hold it back?

A Shmup Reborn

At its core, Devil Blade Reboot keeps things simple: two shot types—Narrow and Wide—are your primary tools of destruction. The Narrow shot delivers significant damage but slows your craft, while the Wide shot sacrifices power for coverage and speed. Adding to this arsenal is a limited supply of bombs that can clear the screen, offering a safety net in dire situations.

The actual depth of the gameplay lies in its risk-versus-reward scoring system. Staying close to enemies while destroying them increases your score multiplier, forcing you to play aggressively. The “Berserk” mechanic pushes this further—once activated, enemy difficulty ramps up, but so does your scoring potential. Sacrificing bombs to fill the Berserk gauge adds another layer of strategic decision-making, making every encounter a high-stakes gamble.

Devil Blade Reboot’s six levels might seem limited, but each is meticulously crafted. While Easy mode allows newcomers to breeze through the game in under an hour, Normal mode ramps up the challenge, demanding precision and quick reflexes. Including unlockable extras, like the original 1996 version of the game, provides added replay value and a fascinating glimpse into the series’ roots. For score-chasers, the game’s tight mechanics and emphasis on high multipliers make replaying levels an addictive pursuit.

However, for those less interested in leaderboard glory, the limited level count may feel like a drawback, especially compared to genre giants like Ikaruga or Radiant Silvergun. Devil Blade Reboot’s updated visuals are stunning, utilizing detailed 2D sprites with impressive scaling and rotation to create a pseudo-3D effect. The explosion effects are particularly noteworthy, filling the screen with bursts of vibrant color without ever becoming overwhelming. The soundtrack is equally stellar, driving the action with heart-pounding beats and memorable melodies. However, the voiceovers for boss characters fall flat, often feeling more comical than menacing. Thankfully, these can be turned off, allowing players to focus on the otherwise immersive audio experience.

Master of Mayhem

Devil Blade Reboot is a love letter to the shmup genre, balancing accessibility with intense high-level gameplay. Its risk-reward mechanics and tight controls exhilarate every moment, while its stunning presentation elevates it to modern classic status. For fans of shmups, this is a must-play.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Gorgeous visuals and explosive effects
• Engaging risk-reward scoring system
• Unlockable extras add replayability

Cons:

• It is a short campaign with only six levels
• Easy mode lacks challenge