Revealed 8 months ago and now with a release date set for December 7th for Japan only, DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation will be the studio’s ninth entry in the series – and the fourth CAVE-signed production after the much-loved Ketsui, Dangun Feveron and ESP Ra.De. Originally released in theaters in April 2002, under the local name of DaiOuJouit takes up the laser/bullet and the combo system specific to the DonPachi franchise, to which are added many new features – in particular the Hyper gauge activated by the accumulation of large chains of eliminated enemies. After exclusive ports on the Japanese PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 consoles, Blissful Death was finally available from us in 2012 on iOS… And that’s it. So it took more than a decade to see this unjustly forgotten episode come back from the dead – no pun intended.
Me, I’m just one bullet
As usual with ShotTriggers reissues, M2 took the opportunity to add, in addition to its “gadgets” visuals illuminating the edges of the screen, a multitude of small details that make all the difference. Unsurprisingly, the version Black Label of DaiOuJou is well included, with some balance tweaks affecting Combo Chain and Hyper tolerance. The novices of manic shooter who wish to try the genre gently can opt for the new mode Super Easydrastically reducing the number of projectiles on the screen, as well as a training mode allowing you to perfect the level of your choice.
Offered at ¥4,950 (around €30 at the current exchange rate) in its digital version, DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation will cost much more for fans of physical formats: expect ¥7,480 (around €47) to get the disc or cartridge, and ¥10,780 (around €68) for the limited edition which includes interviews, a “special “, a pin representing the Hyper system and a reproduction of the PCB manual and installing card original, totally useless and therefore absolutely essential. As for Europe, if we trust the constant attitude of disdain of M2, it will have to wait with folded arms.