Shilling underrated games

[JX475]

Putting in a recommendation for Deathsmiles I + II collection even at 60$ it is worth it. I finished through Arcade, Normal, Arranged on both and can already say it's very much a good experience for those who like Touhou and bullet hell with cute loli's especially if you can forgive the 2nd game for being more of a 3D Arcade experience. The story is very minimal but it is a glorious spectacle throughout with so much colors, explosions and unique mechanics such as the familiar system, which can protect users from bullets and also help attack enemies, and being able to shoot left and right. Plus the hitboxes is very forgiving, very generous on continues and it rewards users for 1CC runs. The features and additions are very high end including helpful screens like

Where you can have presets, set special screens and customize each screen to be zoomed in or out and to move it up or down, left or right however you would like. There is Vsync, Smoothing support. The Lag is very good as well. Also the soundtrack is really well done for what it is. Here is a highlight song from the 2nd game.

I am moving onward to another Fanservice title soon.

 

[rodscorpion]

---

Recommending Dangeki Bunko Fighting Climax Ignition. Played it on RPCS3 and absolutely like it, the Japanese is not that hard to follow if you have been learning it for a few years and the menus are in English as is some of the other things. It's also on Vita and it works on Vita3k but it was hard to setup for me. I will also say that the combat is simple, easy and exciting, there is tons of extras and unlockables. It does make me wish they would release another edition in the West like they did the 1st Dangeki Bunko with the International Version.

I also forgot one key tidbit of information, this game was made by French Bread, the same guys behind Melty Blood from Tsukihime and the Remake version. They also have their own franchise called Under Night series (aka UNI) current one is Celes. But i will be trying to play the games myself to see if i would recommend it and shill it here. If someone else has played it let me know what you think of the series.

I love French Bread fighting games tbh, I'm a lil split on Type Lumina cuz some of the characters I used to play feel less fun to play there but overall they make really fun games! The way I play Fighting Climax on PC tho is through a modded version of the Arcade Version since it's native to Windows and ye!

 

[Gondolindrim]

Kingdom of Amalur is really good, go play it

 

[YakuInTheFlesh]

Putting in a recommendation for Deathsmiles I + II collection even at 60$ it is worth it. I finished through Arcade, Normal, Arranged on both and can already say it's very much a good experience for those who like Touhou and bullet hell with cute loli's especially if you can forgive the 2nd game for being more of a 3D Arcade experience. The story is very minimal but it is a glorious spectacle throughout with so much colors, explosions and unique mechanics such as the familiar system, which can protect users from bullets and also help attack enemies, and being able to shoot left and right. Plus the hitboxes is very forgiving, very generous on continues and it rewards users for 1CC runs. The features and additions are very high end including helpful screens like

View attachment 18051
View attachment 18052

Where you can have presets, set special screens and customize each screen to be zoomed in or out and to move it up or down, left or right however you would like. There is Vsync, Smoothing support. The Lag is very good as well. Also the soundtrack is really well done for what it is. Here is a highlight song from the 2nd game.

I am moving onward to another Fanservice title soon.

Been eying it for a while now, but never had the curage to spend that much on it. I might get it now though.

 

[Corrin2827]

In case you guys don't know it, Triggerheart Exelica is a good hell-bullet with interesting mechanics (PS2, Dreamcast, Xbox 360, Switch):

Anime opening for the PS2 version (I recommend that one, because that's the Enhanced version, version that brings more story if you want to know more about its lore):

 

[rodscorpion]

In case you guys don't know it, Triggerheart Exelica is a good hell-bullet with interesting mechanics (PS2, Dreamcast, Xbox 360, Switch):

Look, I only seen this game in passing so I know nothing about it... But the fact that I can grab and throw my enemy in a game like this already sold me

 

[JX475]

Been eying it for a while now, but never had the curage to spend that much on it. I might get it now though.

I would say it's worth it there is not much to the game at all even story wise. The only thing I wish they had was an art gallery because the designs are very cool but I think they did not put it in due to Steam being weird on loli in the first place.

I love French Bread fighting games tbh, I'm a lil split on Type Lumina cuz some of the characters I used to play feel less fun to play there but overall they make really fun games! The way I play Fighting Climax on PC tho is through a modded version of the Arcade Version since it's native to Windows and ye!

I wish they did bring both to the West or at the least made a two for one version for native PC support.

 

[rodscorpion]

I wish they did bring both to the West or at the least made a two for one version for native PC support.

A native PC version of Fighting Climax would be great tbh, other than that the 2nd version is just an updated version of the game so I think the 2nd version would make more sense to port. But ye that game needs more love!

 

[JX475]

Going to recommend a good Simple version of Touhou Fanservice Bullet Hell with Miss Kobayashi Dragon Maid Burst Forth ChorogonBreath on Steam. The game is very simplistic and i can definitely recommend it for those getting into Touhou or more complex bullet hell games. The patterns are more simple and easier to understand, you can switch out 3 dragons with Tohru, Kanna and Elma, which when you do if one Dragon is low on HP it can recover when it's put on the reserves, this does make up for no continues at all in the game. Also you can change difficulty and even HP if you feel the need to do so in the options menu if it's way too hard. There is cool risk and reward for getting treasures which do unlock the gallery playing the game over time with some being puzzles that eventually put itself together. There is Raging Spark that can unlock hidden things in the gallery due to meeting certain conditions on low HP Some which i will post below soon.

Here is some footage, of what i am talking about. There is also some interesting thing where you can strike enemies and do a quick backstep back for some nice hit and run action as well.


Also here is some nice screenshots.

And yes before anyone asks Lucoa is in the game Gallery as well the translation is done by one person and not by any company from the looks of things. In conclusion this is a budget title, It's not as fully featured as Deathsmiles or even other Bullet Hell titles, but i can say if you like some fanservice, like Kobayashi Dragon's Maid and some nice Touhou action but on a simpler or more difficult scale this game is it. If you feel uncertain about what i have mentioned even on price, it's not a bad idea to wait for a sale either and to try it out.

I will be trying to review a Fanservice Fighting game, or potentially another STG Bullet Hell game of a similar vein.

 

[PhantomXero1x]

yggdra union thats a good one.

 

[GameCritic]

Shilling Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles. Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles is an open world builder with freedom and expression at its core, allowing players to build sprawling towns, spires, and fortresses that become hubs for trade, or rallying grounds for conquests.

It's literally made by ONE DUDE.

Save 10% on Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles on Steam

Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles is an open world builder with freedom and expression at its core, allowing players to build sprawling towns, spires, and fortresses that become hubs for trade, or rallying grounds for conquests.

store.steampowered.com

 

[PhantomXero1x]

death mark also a good vn imo

 

[sunofpearl89]

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars and Rock Band: Unplugged are underappreciated entries in otherwise popular franchises.

 

[JX475]

In case you guys don't know it, Triggerheart Exelica is a good hell-bullet with interesting mechanics (PS2, Dreamcast, Xbox 360, Switch):

Anime opening for the PS2 version (I recommend that one, because that's the Enhanced version, brings more story if you want to know more about it):

TriggerHeart EXELICA on Steam

"Where courage and conviction dictate, pull the trigger of your heart!"

store.steampowered.com

Looks like it's also on Steam officially and it comes with out with the soundtrack later this year. I am definitely getting it when it comes out thanks to your recommendation.

I am going to put in a recommendation for a Pinball game with Senran Kagura Peach Ball to switch things up a bit.

I will say that although it looks very basic in mechanics, it's not a difficult game to play at all especially if you understand when to hit the paddle against the ball itself. The placement of the ball when moving around the board is very forgiving and it hardly hits in the middle, it does try to go on the sides if anything. A trick also is to shake the table once if it hits either left board or right board for the ball to switch to the other paddle to begin setting up your shot. The Fanservice is solid for a short game, and there is still plenty of outfits to choose from. The story is good and very much Senran Kagura fashion, there is outfits to pick from, the intimacy in the dressing room is from Peach Beach Splash. The Pinball Boards can be customized with fanservice as options and you can also buy 15 from the shop as well. I would say if you are good at Pinball the game should take 20 hours to 100% but if you are not probably about 25-30 hours total. The whole character stories should take 9 to 11 hours total. Here is some photos from the Gallery.

Definitely one of the more underrated side games in the entire Senran Kagura series, that even if you are not good at pinball it is a forgiving and fun experience full of fanservice. I will be ready to talk about another game here soon.

 

[PhantomXero1x]

Phantasy Star Portable damn now thats a real slept on game i dont really see talk bout online so often.

 

[PhantomXero1x]

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars and Rock Band: Unplugged are underappreciated entries in otherwise popular franchises.

neither game in said franchise are underappreciated hell the former even had gfk from wu tang doing the theme of the game long with MF DOOM.

 

[JX475]

I am going to do some shilling for Blazblue Centralfiction and Persona Ultimax at the same time. I can say that i liked both of these games as a whole, while i do hate Arcsys this was before the Arcsys sellout with Strive and when they were on the top of their game. Blazblue's system is slightly complex but very simple in what it tries to do, there is instant block, there is overdrive and things to watch out for, fanservice characters and a lot of content for Singleplayer modes like training, RPG, Arcade, Story, Practice, Challenge. It's very packed than usual. The animations are very interesting and each character has a different playstyle and one unique Special Move(D Button) that helps each player stand out as a whole. As for two playstyles If you are a longtime player i would go with technical, if you are a beginner Stylish is a good bet. The only downside to Stylish is your Special modes do less damage. Also i can say Blazblue has a good soundtrack mix, and a really nice Main Menu theme.

My recommendation is to get it on sale if you are new to this series or fighting games and do not have much money. Or if you do and like Fighting Games especially 2D ones to get this. 30$ is a steal and also it does go on sale for 10$ often.

BlazBlue Centralfiction on Steam

Combining a 2D fighting game with a visual novel, the BlazBlue series continues on with massive fan support! The latest installation, BlazBlue: Centralfiction, serves as the ending to the Azure Saga, revealing the hidden truth of the world!

store.steampowered.com

As for Persona Ultimax Arena

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax on Steam

A Persona 4 Smackdown!

store.steampowered.com

I would say this title is worth it for Persona fans and any newcomer to the Blazblue series or new to fighting games. It basically is Blazblue but Persona but ends up having a ton of fanservice for fans of Persona 4 and 3, along with those who like fighting games as a whole. It has two games in one, which means there is just over 60 hours worth of content and it can barely scratch the surface. For example in the first game you had a basic Arena fighter with 14 characters, but tons of content for the gallery, music playlist and a true ending, the second game had not only the Persona 3 and 4 cast but also had their dark forms which are very strong but their specials do less damage, there is an RPG mode in which you can use that character in any mode, especially online or single player. There is a challenge tower to test your skills and even challenges for each player. This version adds tons of balances from the Arcade version we never had in the West(Yu Narukami was god tier, and there was way too many broken moves to juggle characters with before) and also adds it together in one package for 30$. This is easily one of my favorite games that to this day i am glad went to Steam. I will never forget how great this ED was.

I would recommend anyone out there as Persona, Blazblue, Fighting Games one of the above. You should be in for a good time. It does go on sale for 12$ often

 

[PhantomXero1x]

I am going to do some shilling for Blazblue Centralfiction and Persona Ultimax at the same time. I can say that i liked both of these games as a whole, while i do hate Arcsys this was before the Arcsys sellout with Strive and when they were on the top of their game. Blazblue's system is slightly complex but very simple in what it tries to do, there is instant block, there is overdrive and things to watch out for, fanservice characters and a lot of content for Singleplayer modes like training, RPG, Arcade, Story, Practice, Challenge. It's very packed than usual. The animations are very interesting and each character has a different playstyle and one unique Special Move(D Button) that helps each player stand out as a whole. As for two playstyles If you are a longtime player i would go with technical, if you are a beginner Stylish is a good bet. The only downside to Stylish is your Special modes do less damage. Also i can say Blazblue has a good soundtrack mix, and a really nice Main Menu theme.

My recommendation is to get it on sale if you are new to this series or fighting games and do not have much money. Or if you do and like Fighting Games especially 2D ones to get this. 30$ is a steal and also it does go on sale for 10$ often.

BlazBlue Centralfiction on Steam

Combining a 2D fighting game with a visual novel, the BlazBlue series continues on with massive fan support! The latest installation, BlazBlue: Centralfiction, serves as the ending to the Azure Saga, revealing the hidden truth of the world!

store.steampowered.com

As for Persona Ultimax Arena

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax on Steam

A Persona 4 Smackdown!

store.steampowered.com

I would say this title is worth it for Persona fans and any newcomer to the Blazblue series or new to fighting games. It basically is Blazblue but Persona but ends up having a ton of fanservice for fans of Persona 4 and 3, along with those who like fighting games as a whole. It has two games in one, which means there is just over 60 hours worth of content and it can barely scratch the surface. For example in the first game you had a basic Arena fighter with 14 characters, but tons of content for the gallery, music playlist and a true ending, the second game had not only the Persona 3 and 4 cast but also had their dark forms which are very strong but their specials do less damage, there is an RPG mode in which you can use that character in any mode, especially online or single player. There is a challenge tower to test your skills and even challenges for each player. This version adds tons of balances from the Arcade version we never had in the West(Yu Narukami was god tier, and there was way too many broken moves to juggle characters with before) and also adds it together in one package for 30$. This is easily one of my favorite games that to this day i am glad went to Steam. I will never forget how great this ED was.

I would recommend anyone out there as Persona, Blazblue, Fighting Games one of the above. You should be in for a good time. It does go on sale for 12$ often

Arc systems makes great fighting games but the fans are total dogshit since strive came around as well as me just noticing how super fucked river city girls is with the gen-z pandering thats like scott pilgrim and also trace memory's remake having race swaps. :/

 

[rodscorpion]

Arc systems makes great fighting games but the fans are total dogshit since strive came around as well as me just noticing how super fucked river city girls is with the gen-z pandering thats like scott pilgrim and also trace memory's remake having race swaps. :/

I couldn't agree more. If anything they aren't even a part of the main fanbase since it seems there's more of a divide between ArcSys fans and Strive fans. Sadly that doesn't change the fact that ArcSys themselves are long gone (at least imo) and talking about Guilty Gear as a fan is a pain now with everything that happened to that game. Oh well, at least I have their older fighting games thankfully.

 

[JX475]

Arc systems makes great fighting games but the fans are total dogshit since strive came around as well as me just noticing how super fucked river city girls is with the gen-z pandering thats like scott pilgrim and also trace memory's remake having race swaps. :/

Can agree ever since that Bridget and Taiwan controversy they have not been the same since. In fact i believe the Blazblue/GG team left Arcsys due to these things and the fact they said they would be catering to global interests than focusing on their own country and exporting it to the West.

I couldn't agree more. If anything they aren't even a part of the main fanbase since it seems there's more of a divide between ArcSys fans and Strive fans. Sadly that doesn't change the fact that ArcSys themselves are long gone (at least imo) and talking about Guilty Gear as a fan is a pain now with everything that happened to that game. Oh well, at least I have their older fighting games thankfully.

It feels like Japanese companies forget who their main audience is and choose to think these fake type of fans who enter in the franchise are the new fanbase and they can exploit them but always find out they are not around forever, especially those who are of the pretend Bridget crowd for GG or Persona 5 with Atlus, it's all temporary because they do not like games or anime or the culture of these titles, it's all because it's popular and to fit in society, they do not buy the games other than that one title. I would warn companies though to be careful on doubling down or tripling down on bad things because not only will the casual crowd not be there when time is up, but they do risk losing key talent and also fanbase which makes it harder to come back from. Like what has happened with BB/GG, and even certain other franchises. I do think what makes it crazy to think about is how much Arcsys lost on the playerbase with the Strive move.

Can agree though with older Fighting Games, there is plenty that exist in the backlog and there is some online matches that are still being played by those who bought GG:Rev 2(145) and BB:Centralfiction(170) and Persona Ultimax(150). That is the beauty that is PC gaming honestly, even years later there will be enough users online to still be playing these games years later. I am looking through more games right now to review, and i am looking into fight sticks as well because i am getting back into the genre again due to some solid titles i am looking into right now.