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#1
avatar_EOJ
CAVE Games / Re: Deathsmiles, DSMBL + Death...
Last post by EOJ - January 15, 2026, 04:53:48 PM
I got the Switch physical version the other day. I bought it new from Amazon, and much to my surprise, it has the DLC characters (for Deathsmiles) on the cart. So, it's a pretty good deal!

Deathsmiles II does not look ugly like it does on the PS4 version. It's not quite as sharp and colorful as the XSX version, but it's pleasing enough. DSII X mode does have more slowdown than the XSX or PS4 versions, both of which lack 90% of the original slowdown. However, the Switch version is still missing about 30-40% of the slowdown in the X360 original. There is also a choppy framerate on the map screen as you transition to a new stage; this does not occur in the XSX or PS4 versions (or the X360 original). The rank was "corrected" in the Switch/XSX/PS4 ports, so the extra amusement park stage is noticeably more difficult. Overall, the Switch version is the most playable among the versions on current consoles, and with a separate scoreboard from the X360 original, it could be a fun score attack. Unfortunately, Deathsmiles II Arcade mode on Switch is exactly the same as the XSX and PS4 versions, and it is missing about 40-50% of the X360 version's slowdown. Still playable with a character like Casper, but more difficult.

For me, I'll play DSII X on Switch, and the rest of the modes on XSX. For DS/DSMBL, either Switch or XSX is fine. PS4 is the worst port of them all, and I don't see any reason to play it anymore; DS/DSMBL are fine on it, however, and if all you have is a PS4 or PS5, it's worth it.
#2
avatar_EOJ
Other Games / Re: The "what NON-Cave game(s)...
Last post by EOJ - January 14, 2026, 02:17:57 PM
I've been pretty busy the past month, but I bought Dragon Quest I & II HD Remake on XSX around Christmas and played through Dragon Quest I. It took me about 15 hours to beat it, and it was quite good. I give it an 8.5/10. I quite like turn-based JRPGs in which you have to play solo the whole game. Not many of those out there, but ones that I've enjoyed include Toki to Towa (Time and Eternity) on PS3 and Toushin Toshi on 3DS; the latter is one of my favorite games on the 3DS, actually.

I hear DQ II in this remake package is even better, but it's also quite a bit longer (30+ hours), so I'm going to save that for some time later this year. I have Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined preordered for XSX, and that comes out early next month, so I'm going to wait until then to do any more Dragon-Questing.
#3
L
PCB / Re: Ketsui PCB Crash
Last post by Link_Z - January 06, 2026, 08:24:22 PM
Thank you peg! I think I'll leave it as is.
#4
avatar_EOJ
CAVE Games / Re: Akai Katana [PS4/Switch/Xb...
Last post by EOJ - January 02, 2026, 06:55:13 PM
I bought the Switch version because it was pretty cheap. Played through a quick 1CC and it seems fine to me. Playing with the Switch Pro Controller I don't really notice a different in input lag between this and the other two versions. Weirdly, on a 4K monitor the PS4 version played on a PS5 looks the worst (same deal with Deathsmiles 1 & 2), Switch is #2, and Xbox is #1.
#5
avatar_EOJ
CAVE Games / Re: Deathsmiles, DSMBL + Death...
Last post by EOJ - January 02, 2026, 06:52:55 PM
I bought the Xbox Series version of this game over Christmas and I've played through the modes a bit. DS1 looks and feels the same as on PS4, but DS2 looks WAY better on Xbox. It doesn't have the problem with the crushed blacks and overall ugly look. In fact, it looks just as good as the X360 version, if not better. I'm playing on a 4K monitor. I have the Switch version in the mail, once that arrives I'll see how it compares.
#6
avatar_EOJ
CAVE Games / Re: Akai Katana [PS4/Switch/Xb...
Last post by EOJ - December 31, 2025, 03:30:51 PM
I bought the Series X version the other day and I'm playing it on a 4k monitor. I was surprised to find it is much sharper/cleaner than the PS4 version on my PS5. It does not have the slightly pixelated look of the PS4 version (even with smoothing on). This is readily apparent even on the title screens. In fact, it looks even better than the original X360 version. However, I still prefer to play on my PS5 because I strongly prefer the Dualsense controller's d-pad. If I were playing with a stick, however, I'd definitely play exclusively on the Series X instead.
#7
avatar_EOJ
High Scores - Competition Style / Re: World Record Scores - Home...
Last post by EOJ - December 30, 2025, 09:18:42 PM
Quote from: EOJ on November 22, 2024, 03:28:28 PMNew WR in Zetsu Akai Katana with Type A, on the X360, by idea9690: 2,025,208,297. Video:

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2303841174

This beats chrono's score on the superplay DVD!

Thanks to Plasmo for informing me of this.

I found a new update from this player! I bought the Series X version of AK the other day, since it was on sale for $20, and noticed idea9680 has moved on to playing Zetsu in this version. His latest score, posted last month is:

2,131,536,891 - ALL - Type A - Xbox Series S/X



A replay is available through the leaderboards.

#8
P
PCB / Re: Ketsui PCB Crash
Last post by peg - December 30, 2025, 05:41:28 PM
This is normal.  You are playing on the first version pcb that has this bug. Upgraded your eprom to the newer version to fix it.  Otherwise just make sure to start the game before the demo begins and it won't happen again until its powered down.
#9
avatar_EOJ
Other Games / Re: The "what NON-Cave game(s)...
Last post by EOJ - December 17, 2025, 06:08:11 PM
I finished FANTASIAN Neo Dimension (XSX) the other day. It took me about 55 hours (I did all side quests, etc.). This is a really excellent JRPG. The characters are good, though I found the story to be subpar and often boring and/or nonsensical. The game is saved by its really nice and unique diorama graphics and the superb turn-based battles. These days it's rare to have battles in a JRPG that are actually challenging, and it was a lot of fun figuring out strategies to win. I read the last boss was really hard, but I went there at Lv. 60 and beat it on my first try without any trouble, so don't be too worried about that if you plan to play the game. Anyway, this is a 9/10 game for me. A better story would have pushed it up near or at a 10/10.

I also played through Gimmick! 2 (PS5), which only took about 3 hours. Fun little game! I bought it on sale for $10 earlier in the year, but it was on sale for $3 last month. I still think it was worth the $10, but at $3 it's a steal. I give this one a 7/10.
#10
avatar_EOJ
Other Games / Pixels to Pages: The Story of ...
Last post by EOJ - December 04, 2025, 07:34:14 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E010OPY1Tzw

Great documentary, released yesterday on youtube. Highly recommended for anyone who read EGM back in the day or has an interest in the history of USA gaming journalism.