Game Review Double Feature: Espgaluda II and Do-Don-Pachi Resurrection

Since my first experience with a shoot-em-up (“shmup”) game by the developer Cave, I’ve been quite eager to play more from their catalog. I was very surprised and excited to learn that Cave has two of their games up for download from Apple’s App Store. Those games are Espgaluda II and Do-Don-Pachi Resurrection. At first, I was a bit skeptical, and I thought to myself “How does one control a shmup game without a D-pad?” but then quickly realized that the powerful touch screen on Apple’s devices solves this problem easily. Blending together some impressive controls and graphics unlike those ever seen before on an Apple handheld, these games make for some very pleasant and affordable entertainment you can take with you when you’re on the go.

Espgaluda II

Full Version ($8.99) | Lite Version (Free)
Compatible with: iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad, and 3rd Generation iPod Touch

Espgaluda II copies the trend of many recent shmup games, where instead of controlling a spaceship, you control a character the flies through the sky and fights enemies with magic. You choose from 3 characters (and one of them is actually male), each of which have their own distinct bullet patterns and strengths. After finding which character suits you the most, it’s time to go into battle.

The gameplay is surprisingly smooth. To move, simply put your thumb on the screen a little bit below where your character is, and then just move your thumb to where you want him/her go. Your character will move with the same precision and speed that your thumb moves at, which really enhances the game’s playability. Your character fires automatically – there is no need to press and hold down a button – although there are buttons on the side of the screen which can be used to activate various abilities. “Awakening Mode,” for example, is a special ability that forces your character to remain stationary, but also gives you the ability to destroy enemies and bullets by simply tapping on them. Holding the “Guard” button allows you to absorb enemy fire and, upon releasing the button, unleash a powerful counterattack.

If you think this all makes the game sound easy, think again. This game is what people call “bullet hell,” (just like Touhou, Ikaruga, Deathsmiles, and many other shmup games) and it’s called that because THERE ARE BULLETS EVERYWHERE. Learning all of the patterns and how to quickly get out of close situations is the key to mastering the game. Don’t fret though… at least you have unlimited continues!

There are five stages in total, each accompanied by a boss battle. Like with all shmup games, practice makes perfect. Put your abilities to the test and go for that high score!

Do-Don-Pachi Resurrection

Full Version ($8.99) | Lite Version (Free)
Compatible with: iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad, and 3rd Generation iPod Touch

Do-Don-Pachi Resurrection is, in fact, very similar to Espgaluda II, so I actually don’t have much new to add here. Unlike in Espgaluda II though, this time you’re actually controlling a spaceship. The controls, however, are exactly the same: just move your thumb to where you want to go. Your ship shoots automatically, and has various special attacks that can be activated by pressing buttons on the side of the screen. Overall, there aren’t really any new mechanics that set this game apart from other shmups – just destroy everything in sight while fending for your life.

Another great addition to anyone’s “iDevice,” this game also sports some very impressive graphics. The sights and sounds are sure to keep you entertained while you’re busy blasting a giant female humanoid mecha (seriously, I love the boss designs in this game). Don’t get too distracted though, because avoiding the onslaught of enemy bullets is your #1 priority.

Both Espgaluda II and Do-Don-Pachi Resurrection offer various difficulty settings and game modes, so you’re likely to find something suited to your liking. They make use of the OpenFeint networking service, which allows for achievements and leaderboards, among various other features.

Both games are so identical that I can’t really recommend one over the other. Just pick one, and if you like it, pick up the other one too. Both are very well-made and playable games that offer lots of entertainment, especially during those moments when time just seems to drag along. If you’re stuck waiting at the train station, on a line at the amusement park, or waiting for your notoriously late-for-everything friend to show up, these games are a great way to kill your boredom.