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The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile

Xbox 360, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2017

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Quick resume

The followup to 2009's Dead Samurai, The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile is a combo-fueled, fast-paced, stylistic 2D action platformer that features the series' staple gritty, graphic novel-inspired art style, built on a new engine that allows for an even more visually gruesome experience.

Global score

95/100

Genres

Action, Indie

Pros

  • Fast and satisfying combat
  • Unique art style and atmosphere
  • Great soundtrack
  • Multiple characters and weapons
  • Local and online co-op

Cons

  • Short story and game length
  • Some visual effects may cause eyestrain
  • Online co-op can be glitchy
  • Repetitive enemy patterns
  • No port of first game on pc

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players can choose between two characters with distinct weapons and playstyles, and can switch weapons mid-combo, allowing freedom in combat decisions."

  • Competence
    5

    "The game features challenging combat with a high skill ceiling, requiring mastering combos, dodging, and weapon switching, with multiple difficulty levels including very hard modes."

  • Competition
    1

    "Includes local and online co-op modes and challenges, but no strong emphasis on ranked or leaderboard competition."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report long playtimes, replayability through multiple characters, challenges, and arcade modes encouraging habitual play."

  • Cooperation
    3

    "Supports local and online co-op play, allowing players to work together to complete the game."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players can customize loadouts with various weapons, magic, and beads; the game includes unique combos and special moves."

  • Domination
    -3

    "No evidence of trash talk or power imposition; interactions appear balanced and cooperative."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Dark, gritty atmosphere with intense combat and gore provides strong escapism and immersion away from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players express intrinsic motivation and enthusiasm for the game, often citing personal desire and nostalgia."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with different weapons, combos, and strategies to master combat and progress."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Includes some metroidvania elements and hidden secrets, though mostly linear progression."

  • Expression
    2

    "Customization through beads and weapon upgrades allows some player expression, though no avatar personalization noted."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Set in a dark, dystopian moon world with vampires, cyborgs, and magic, featuring a highly stylized fictional narrative."

  • Fellowship
    2

    "Community aspects exist through co-op play and shared experiences, though many players also enjoy solo play."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills in fast-paced combat, learn enemy patterns, and improve mastery over weapons and combos."

  • Health
    -4

    "Requires long sessions of intense, sedentary play with high visual stimulation; no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires constant attention and focus due to fast-paced, challenging combat and quick reflexes."

  • Intimacy
    0

    "Limited data on forming close relationships; co-op play suggests some social interaction but no deep intimacy."

  • Leadership
    -2

    "No evidence of leadership roles; cooperative play appears balanced without hierarchical control."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate upgrades, weapons, magic, and beads that enhance abilities and combat effectiveness."

  • Relaxation
    -3

    "Fast, intense, and sometimes stressful gameplay with flashing effects and high difficulty reduces relaxation."

  • Sensation
    5

    "Strong sensory stimulation from fast combat, gore, flashing visuals, and energetic soundtrack."

  • Status
    0

    "No clear evidence of social recognition or status seeking in reviews or gameplay."

  • Story
    2

    "Story told through comic-style cutscenes and character perspectives; narrative is present but secondary to gameplay."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Requires strategic weapon switching, timing, and combo execution to overcome enemies and bosses."

  • Thrill
    4

    "High tension and adrenaline from challenging combat, boss fights, and fast-paced action."

  • Value
    5

    "Players report excellent value for price with many hours of gameplay and replayability."

  • Violence
    5

    "Extremely violent with abundant gore, brutal executions, and blood effects integral to gameplay and style."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must avoid damage and manage health in challenging combat scenarios to survive."

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