Devil Blade Reboot is a unique, obscure gem in the world of gaming. Appearing like it could have been a Japan-only release for the Sega Saturn in the mid-’90s, this overhead-scrolling shoot-’em-up game feels like a relic from the 32-bit era of PlayStation and Saturn. The game, created by artist Shigatake, is an enhanced remake of the original Devil Blade released in 1996. Unlike other games produced by Shigatake, Devil Blade Reboot offers a beautifully pixelated retro image and boasts the artist’s claim of pushing the limits of pixel art with visually interesting game screens.
The game concept of Devil Blade Reboot is simple – dodge, shoot, and destroy without any additional hitch. A distinctive feature of the gameplay is the Berserk System, which awards higher scoring multipliers the closer you are to an enemy when shooting it. Aside from this, your ship has two shooting modes and can deploy bombs and engage a boost to amplify points when destroying enemy ships. For a more challenging experience, players can choose the “Inferno” mode that increases the risk of ship damage and requires active use of the Berserk multiplier to avoid ship explosion.
Shigatake spent nearly a decade crafting Devil Blade Reboot, evident in the expertly designed ship movement and enemy fire patterns. Playing this game evokes a feeling of discovery that is ever-present in iconic games like Radiant Silvergun and Ikaruga. Retailing at $15.99, Devil Blade Reboot offers the thrill of a Sega Saturn shooter without the high import price. It is available for Windows PC via Steam and also plays well on a Steam Deck.
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