Hesitant to buy shmups on DLsite

[A Skeleton]

I caught the first day of Shmup Slam 3 and bookmarked a few games that looked really good. There's just a few things I'm concerned about. They're all on DLsite, a site I've never used before. I'm concerned about buying a game on there, discovering that it doesn't work and I can't fix it for whatever reason, and not being able to get a refund. Or games not being in English, though I'm sure there are fan patches for that.

Any advice for DLsite shopping? Is it trustworthy? Also do they have sales?

[BulletMagnet]

Couple things about DLSite from my own experience:

- There are pseudo-separate Japanese and English sites, though if you buy/bookmark something on either site it will all appear together on your account page. The same goes for all-ages and 18+ content, the latter of which you need to enable to view (though you'll still encounter some weird stuff from time to time either way).

- Some stuff has been translated, but most products on both the Japanese or English side are not; if the product page doesn't state that it's translated, assume it's in Japanese.

- I've never had to ask for a refund so I can't speak to that, but a lot of stuff there has a demo you can try out to see if it works on your computer.

- The site does have sales and/or coupons it sends out from time to time.

- Most everything you buy there is DRM-free and comes as a zip file.

Hopefully that helps a little.

[A Skeleton]

That's very helpful. Thank you.

[BareKnuckleRoo]

Most of the doujin games on DLSite are made with Windows XP or Windows 7 in mind as far as I know, and you should have no issues getting them running. If you do have trouble, there's enough knowledgable folks around that can suggest fixes like compatibility mode settings, separate tools like AppLocale or DXWND, or such. I've bought a few games off DLSite like Battle Traverse and haven't had any issues.

[Turrican]

I'm getting old. I've read the entire thread not understanding what was the problem with shmups on DS Lite. I mean, sure, there weren't many noticeably or worthy, but with the GBA slot a good session of Steel Empire or Gradius Galaxies was assured.

[Arthandas]

What games are you talking about? I browsed DL site and so far only Battle Traverse caught my eye.

[A Skeleton]

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 91855.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 57191.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 92078.html

[CStarFlare]

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 81041.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 37951.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 46068.html

EDIT: How could I forget???

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 82335.html

The whole shmup category is here. There's plenty of stuff I've kind of looked at but never bothered to try. Some things that look promising, or at least competent:

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 51300.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 46887.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 42774.html

There is one maker who seems to have a dozen very similar looking titles (I think it's Rayhawk? Don't feel like looking them up). I'm curious if any of them are decent but I expect shovelware. DL Site seems to essentially be Japanese itch.io - lots of very amateurish games along side things that are at least good enough to make it onto Steam.

[Jeneki]

Some games there have a demo, if you scroll down the page. I've yet to find one that didn't work, but it was nice to try first.

[A Skeleton]

I plan to. Thanks.

[floralcateyes]

Sorry to derail this, but well, fuck me, of course something got broken when I wasn't looking. There seems to be obnoxious FPS drops in StellaVanity it's nigh unplayable now. Just yesterday I installed the Win 10 feature update and installed a geforce 1050ti - the first directx12 card on this machine, so good luck me debugging this now. Anyone had to deal with this?

Near the bottom of this page of the game's thread (dunno how to link individual posts, sorry), Zaarock posts a possible solution for Win 8 & 10. Still only just considering getting this game, so I haven't tried it myself, but hopefully it helps you.

[Arthandas]

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 81041.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 37951.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 46068.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 82335.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 51300.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 46887.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 42774.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 91855.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 57191.html

https://www.dlsite.com/home/work/=/prod ... 92078.html

Interesting, though most of those games seem rather off-putting. Obviously the one game to get is Battle Traverse but I'll also keep my eye on CrisisScarlet though there are better Touhou fan games. Impetuth could be fun if it wasn't sooooooo slow. テンとティルの冒険 is also really good but that's not a DL site exclusive, it's on Steam (Adventures of Ten and Till).

What about shmups exclusive to itch.io, are there any hidden gems?
I know of those three but only the first one is in "completed" state:
https://casiopea.itch.io/taskforcekampas
https://boghog.itch.io/mechstarastra
https://breakingbytes.itch.io/xydonia

[floralcateyes]

What about shmups exclusive to itch.io, are there any hidden gems?

For starters, Twin Tiger Shark and Broken Pearl (developed by a member of this forum, apparently) were both quite enjoyable for what they are.

To stay sorta kinda on topic, Artesneit has/had a dedicated following, but their character designs... might not be for everyone. Have heard good things about Yakouga 4 in the past though.

[Arthandas]

Artesneit

Thanks, I tried Yakouga 4 demo and it seems great.

[Jeneki]

Twin Tiger Shark

Oh sweet, I didn't know that had a pc release. Played a bit of the android version and liked it.