Ketsui’s enemy waves and unexpected bullet hell patterns are not easy to deal with, but are so thrillingly designed that I can’t help but have fun even in my worst attempts. When you’re in the zone, there’s a real magic in how that chaotic, colorful mass of danger subtly guides you through its changes in speed and direction to the exact right path to slip through. It’s great moment after great moment in an amazingly paced and balanced campaign that quickly becomes an addictive challenge to master.

I was liking it enough playing in emulated form for a few days to grab the PS4 port. It has a relatively steep price but is an excellent version of the game, especially for newcomers. It adds some fun alternate modes, including an easy mode that’s very doable yet still captures at least some of the spirit of the original levels. The HUD gives useful stats and info in-game, and there are fantastic training and record-keeping features that help you on the difficult road to a flawless clear of the game or whatever other goal you have.

Back to the game itself—the fast-moving ship and option for lock-on fire feel great, letting you zip around big waves of bullets and sneak through little openings with surprising fluidity. It really focuses the game on its most fun element. The game feels best when you get these moments like, “How did I make it through that?!” It feels extremely precise and so nice to control in all situations.

High scores require aggressive play right up in the enemies’ faces, which is hard to do but definitely exciting. The “Deathtiny” mode included in the PS4 version has some simple rule changes that can really change the feel of the game and how you approach both survival and scoring. Deathtiny mode is particularly nice for a newer player because you can simply lay off the scoring and play it safe for a much easier time—“easy to learn, hard to master”.

Though the game is pretty standard stylistically, full of typical military vehicles and such, it does look nice. I wish such a fun game had a more unique and memorable art style, but I can’t complain too much. The stages are all action-packed and well-paced, with great boss fights and no particularly dull or annoying moments. Even the story is oddly interesting for an arcade game.

There’s really not much that I can seriously hold against this game. Given a few playthroughs to get their bearings, I’m sure most people who’ve already played and acquired a taste for this style of game would love it.

[note: Another review for the PS4 version can be found under the PS3 release, Ketsui: Kizuna Jigoku Tachi Extra]