The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile similar games & best alternatives
The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile
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
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Autonomy4
"Players can choose between two characters with distinct weapons and playstyles, and can switch weapons mid-combo, allowing freedom in combat decisions."
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Competence5
"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."
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Competition1
"Includes local and online co-op modes and challenges, but no strong emphasis on ranked or leaderboard competition."
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Continuation3
"Players report long playtimes, replayability through multiple characters, challenges, and arcade modes encouraging habitual play."
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Cooperation3
"Supports local and online co-op play, allowing players to work together to complete the game."
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Creativity4
"Players can customize loadouts with various weapons, magic, and beads; the game includes unique combos and special moves."
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Domination-3
"No evidence of trash talk or power imposition; interactions appear balanced and cooperative."
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Escapism4
"Dark, gritty atmosphere with intense combat and gore provides strong escapism and immersion away from real life."
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Expectation-4
"Players express intrinsic motivation and enthusiasm for the game, often citing personal desire and nostalgia."
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Experimenting3
"Players experiment with different weapons, combos, and strategies to master combat and progress."
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Exploration2
"Includes some metroidvania elements and hidden secrets, though mostly linear progression."
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Expression2
"Customization through beads and weapon upgrades allows some player expression, though no avatar personalization noted."
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Fantasy4
"Set in a dark, dystopian moon world with vampires, cyborgs, and magic, featuring a highly stylized fictional narrative."
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Fellowship2
"Community aspects exist through co-op play and shared experiences, though many players also enjoy solo play."
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Growth4
"Players develop skills in fast-paced combat, learn enemy patterns, and improve mastery over weapons and combos."
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Health-4
"Requires long sessions of intense, sedentary play with high visual stimulation; no physical activity involved."
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Idle-4
"Requires constant attention and focus due to fast-paced, challenging combat and quick reflexes."
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Intimacy0
"Limited data on forming close relationships; co-op play suggests some social interaction but no deep intimacy."
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Leadership-2
"No evidence of leadership roles; cooperative play appears balanced without hierarchical control."
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Progression4
"Players accumulate upgrades, weapons, magic, and beads that enhance abilities and combat effectiveness."
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Relaxation-3
"Fast, intense, and sometimes stressful gameplay with flashing effects and high difficulty reduces relaxation."
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Sensation5
"Strong sensory stimulation from fast combat, gore, flashing visuals, and energetic soundtrack."
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Status0
"No clear evidence of social recognition or status seeking in reviews or gameplay."
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Story2
"Story told through comic-style cutscenes and character perspectives; narrative is present but secondary to gameplay."
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Strategy4
"Requires strategic weapon switching, timing, and combo execution to overcome enemies and bosses."
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Thrill4
"High tension and adrenaline from challenging combat, boss fights, and fast-paced action."
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Value5
"Players report excellent value for price with many hours of gameplay and replayability."
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Violence5
"Extremely violent with abundant gore, brutal executions, and blood effects integral to gameplay and style."
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Survival3
"Players must avoid damage and manage health in challenging combat scenarios to survive."
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Last update: 06/03/2026