A simplified version of the STG.
Angel of Dusk
Platform: PC
Developer: Akiragoya
Publisher: Henteko Doujin
Release date: January 12th, 2024
Price: $14.99 via digital download
Availability: Steam
Danmaku, sometimes known as bullet hell shoot ’em ups, are inherently harsh games. They frequently call for pixel-perfect accuracy as you navigate a ship through hundreds of projectile storms. Doujin circle Akiragoya (Maidens of a Hollow Dream, Steel Vampire)’s most recent work is unquestionably one of those incredibly torturous games. The lowest difficulty level in this game is referred to as “very hard,” and it frequently floods the player’s vertically scrolling playfield with an overwhelming amount of opponent weaponry.
The problem is, though, that Angel at Dusk provides the best tutorial I’ve ever seen in a shooter. Beginning with the basics, the interactive courses teach you how to move your ship across the screen and how your weaponry get more potent when you’re close to enemies. Angel is very kind and gives you a lot of praise, which makes you feel like a STG expert even for simple jobs.
You’re Very Good at This!
However, the game delivers more than empty platitudes. If you can make it through Angel’s lessons, you’ll pick some useful skills like moving slowly to evade targeted firing and offset positioning to avoid linear projectile patterns. It’s difficult to leave the session without learning anything new, even if you’re an expert. Akiragoya provokes you to consider STG design in meditation. Because of this, it’s hard to overlook the developer’s passion for the genre.
You can complete at least three of the five stage missions in Arcade mode once you ascend to Angel’s sky, where the lessons and loyalty come together. Throughout the journey, you will be able to utilize three distinct skills. The two wings of your dragonfly-shaped ship launch your primary shot. You can enhance your heavy weapon’s ability to deflect projectiles by charging it. However, rather than instantly neutralizing opposing bullets, Angel’s weighty sensation is reminiscent of a shōnen anime’s Ki-blast. Yes, you could potentially neutralize the attacks from opponents in the middle layer. You will only be able to push certain projectiles aside when facing one of the more powerful bosses, though.
Your heavy weapon is formidable, as with any competent STG, but relying solely on it can be dangerous. You may use it often in the early stages of a run to clear the screen of hostile flak. However, as you go through Angel’s stages, your main weapon becomes more and more essential for draining bosses’ health bars. One of the main lessons of the game is restraint. And although it may not sound fun, as supporters of Radiant Silvergun will tell you, knowing when to deploy the appropriate weapon may be gratifying. Of course, there’s also the more traditional risk-reward system, in which taking out nearby enemies gives you experience points and health back. It is true that Angel employs a leveling system rather than power-ups due to the incorporation of experience. Not only does perseverance boost your attacking capacity, but it also raises your ship’s side.
Armament Gatherer
Akiragoya offers a standardized experience in arcade mode, where players can upload their achievements to both local and online leaderboards. The game’s Original Mode is more intriguing since it allows users to develop attributes, gather new weapons, and unlock a third V.o.M. ability that can be anything from a destructive explosion to the capacity to restore health. There are two parts to Original Mode: a fixed Story mode and a Chronicle mode where you can choose a different route through the game after each stage. Thankfully, there are a few unique boss fights here that aren’t available anywhere else, including one in which you’re against a rotating opponent.
The lifespan is even more significant, as each stage bestows upon players a variety of weaponry with seven distinct statistical attributes. Although there are only a few different types of weapons in practice, Angel allows you to sell any armaments that you don’t need in order to fund six different levels of ship upgrades. Prepare yourself for a grind, since the game’s frugal economy will inevitably force you to complete dozens of stages before help becomes noticeable.
In summary
However, it’s hardly the only small error Angel makes. Once you get over the fifth stage’s intense difficulty increase, the game always asks to play in full-screen mode, which requires tapping the screen on Steam Decks. Apart from this minor anomaly, the game runs well on Steam Deck. A brief passage that cites everything from intelligence to birth control advances an obstrusive storyline. However, Angel at Dusk makes sure it’s always readable with its blood red on tan hue. Furthermore, despite disagreements over the game’s aesthetic, the horrifying combination of spiky insect bits, carcasses, and pulpy viscera is unmistakable.
Yes, there is a final scene in Angel at Dusk that will try the endurance of STG specialists. But the journey there is really rewarding, with extra modes that will have you searching for weaponry and a lengthy tutorial. With its powerful weaponry that requires you to deflect enemy bullets and an experience system that does not rely on conventional power-ups, Angel at Dusk is a delightfully unique game that will appeal to fans of the genre.
The review code for Angel of Dusk was obtained from the publisher and used on a PC.
Review Overview
Gameplay – 85%
Controls – 85%
Aesthetics – 80%
Content – 75%
Accessibility – 70%
Value – 85%
80%
VERY GOOD
Summary : Angel at Dusk is a dark and striking image, with images of teeth, bones, and pulpy viscera. In terms of gameplay, the five-stage narrative may seem brief at first, but it’s supported by modes that offer branching routes and runs where you may gather and construct extremely strong loadouts. You should plan some time to enjoy Dusk, bullet hell aces.