In the internet age, this game was able to give me a feeling of genuine discovery. You're reading this because you want to know if this game is worth your cash; and while it's not perfect, it is a really special game to me. Let me see if I can share why: First Things First: This game says 'Sexual Content', and im not sure if thats a community tag or a dev one because, like, I guess it's correct; technically. When you die on a run, your character's clothes look like they were put in a blender for 7 seconds. No nipples or private parts exposed, no sex scenes or even promiscuous dialogue. But because you see some high-up thigh meat, this whole game got tossed in the porn bin. So if you were WORRIED about the Sexual tag, its elements are so downplayed youll forget they exist until you die. And even then, its practically SFW. If you WANTED the Sexual tag, then this might not be for you; because ill grant you the wifus are a selling point, but if you arent ALSO looking for a fun Rouge-Lite, then there are far more effective purchases you can make to just get your rocks off. The Negative Reviews: There are a few points ive seen come across in the negative reviews: - The Game is too meta-progression heavy: Ill admit I dont recall how sluggish the beginning of the game was. But I dont believe I would have as many hours as I do without it seeming reasonable to me. There are a lot of weapons and items to unlock in this game, so the beginning might be slow, but due to that there is notable selection and depth late game. - Game is too hard / too easy: While certain runs definitely feel harder or easier than others, I think its less a balance issue (Though that could be a factor still) and more the meta-progression. The more stuff you unlock, the more tools you can find and combine into cool builds, the easier it can feel. I think theres plenty of challenge in this game for normal cats like me, and when you start making better builds you can absolutely hit that power-fantasy high. - Boss fights are lackluster: Uh, yeah kinda. The first few times you fight them theyre challenging and fun to learn, but the mechanics could feel a bit tighter. Hitboxes a bit cleaner. I still enjoy fighting bosses, but every now and again I find myself taking a hit and saying 'could have sworn I had I-frames on that'. I could also just be bad, keep in mind (I am). - The story is lackluster: Also yeah. Its ok, and kind of interesting to engage with, but pretty shallow as far as stories go. But that also doesnt feel like the goal of this game, so I dont hold it against it. Would I like to know more? Absolutely, and I hope the second game gives us more of that. But its more just a framing device than a story youre supposed to be invested in. The Rest: Devil Slayer Raksasi definitely hooked me. A bunch of unique characters, each with weapons and weapon skills to learn, and a wealth of items to either use in combat, or combine with other items to make unique builds to dominate the levels! I think due to the slower beginning of the game, a lot of folks arent getting the "hook" before becoming uninterested. And I cant blame them, and I wouldnt blame you, but I will (spoiler free) explain the event that has stuck with me the last few years. After beating a few runs, and unlocking the character buff system (Which ill admit, should just be unlocked from the beginning imo) I started making some real effective runs, and in the last level of a run, I got a bit curious about something I had been seeing. Its reasonably hidden, but being a weirdo who checks everything twice, I found a 'loose string' and started another run so I could bring the items needed to pull on it. Making it to the end of a new run, I was able to find a secret which led to a hidden level; extra hard. Got my ass absolutely handed to me multiple times trying to complete that secret level, a whole new run each time just to try and beat it. But then. Finally. I got lucky (or smart for a second), and had a BUSTED build, and I dominated that secret level! I was rewarded with something incredible that was not listed anywhere on any guide I had seen at that point (Mind you, this secret level was also not something I could find online at the time). It added a whole new, fascinating dynamic to the game which I was excited to play all the more with (hence, the 70+hrs). It was a journey of discovery in this game, where I was able to find out for myself a hidden secret the Devs had laid out. A surprise that was untainted from online guides and tutorials. Devil Slayer Raksasi was able to hide something from me in the information age, and that feels so novel and impressive to me. If that last sentence entices you, then I beg you to try this game as blind as you can. It is a bit jank. Instructions arent crystal clear, and youre gonna die a LOT. But man, I had a great time overcoming those challenges and being rewarded for my efforts. TLDR: If you skipped to this, and you want a slightly janky Rouge-lite, and dont mind a slower early-game for a crazy late game, I recommend on sale for sure. TLDR2: If you actually read this review, and are somehow still reading, I truly recommend at full price . All the better if on sale. Generalized thoughts: - Great game to pick up / put down. Easy to pause - Multiple meta-progression systems, which mesh simply together, but gives you a lot to consider / play around with - Cool character design / art. Just for me, but I really do love the art-style. - Fun but simple gameplay loop. Whenever I put this game down for an extended time, its pretty easy to jump back in - Interesting world, but not enough of it to sink my teeth into. I hope to get more in the new game!
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