DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation review – the ultimate port of the ultimate shooter

DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation – A Comprehensive Review

M2’s ShotTriggers series has built up a reputation for delivering refined, purebred 2D shooters with precision and attention to detail. The release of DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation is the culmination of this dedication to quality porting and customisation options that appeal to both new and veteran players. But what sets this release apart is its focus on the beloved fourth game in the DonPachi series, DoDonPachi DaiOuJou.

The ShotTriggers release of DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation goes beyond being just a refined port of an arcade classic. It includes a range of new modes, archival extras, and customization options to enhance the gameplay experience. The precision of this release is evident, especially in the visual performance and input lag, making it a treat for fans of the genre.

A Japanese DoDonPachi DaiOuJou trailer showing it in its relentless action.

DoDonPachi DaiOuJou stands out as one of Cave’s greatest works, offering an intense and captivating bullet hell experience. The visual nuance, sound effects, and musical score contribute to creating a cyberpunk-leaning world that is both physically and sonically immersive. The game’s systems, including chaining and Hyper mechanics, add layers of depth to the gameplay, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience for players.

A screenshot showing gameplay in shooting game DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation’s new Arrange EX mode, with a very high number of pink and blue enemy bullets on screen, and the player ship unleashing a ‘hyper’ laser weapon. — DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation in action. | Image credit: M2/Eurogamer

A screenshot from DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation showing the title screen of one of the included games; the previously lost international version of shooting game DoDonPachi DaiOuJou, known as DoDonPachi III. — DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation in action. | Image credit: M2/Eurogamer

The ShotTriggers release of DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation provides a comprehensive experience, offering various modes, accessibility options, and a reworked soundtrack. This version of one of the best shooting games ever made is a testament to the refinement and ambition of the developers. Whether you’re a seasoned arcade veteran or new to the genre, this release has something special for everyone.

DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation accessibility options

While DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation offers no explicit accessibility features, its obsessive approach to customisation allows for considerable adjusting of the gameplay, display and audio. Multiple modes offer a very wide variety of levels of challenge. Controller rebinding and autofire settings are available. Customisable difficulty, life stock and extend parameters are included. Adjustable display type, adjustable playfield size, optional image smoothing, scanline settings, tweakable hitbox display and hidden item visualisation, customisable EQ are available. Significant customising of UI is offered. Note much menu text to adjust these options is in Japanese, while some is in English. A Camera-based translation app makes reading the menus navigable for non-Japanese readers.

The ShotTriggers series has once again delivered a masterpiece in the form of DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation. With its precise and ambitious version of the beloved shooting game, it goes above and beyond to cater to fans of the genre, offering both nostalgia and new experiences in one comprehensive package. It’s a must-play for anyone who appreciates the intensity and finesse of classic 2D shooters.