DoDonPachi

Game Details:

"DoDonPachi" is the sequel to the classic 1995 game "Dodonpachi," and a key work that established the CAVE bullet hell style. The core mechanics of the game lie in its "Firepower Mode" and "Combo System." Players can choose between two attack methods: Type A (Aiming Shot) and Type B (Wide-Area Bombardment). Type A has concentrated firepower, suitable for dealing with large enemies and Bosses; Type B has dispersed firepower, suitable for clearing a large number of grunts and triggering combos. The combo system is the key to achieving high scores: players must quickly destroy the next enemy after destroying one, keeping the combo counter active, otherwise the combo will be interrupted and the score will be greatly reduced. The game is designed with extremely high-density enemy bullets, forming a gorgeous and terrifying "bullet curtain," requiring players to move through the gaps between bullets with an extremely small "hitbox." The game is extremely difficult, usually having a "second loop" or a hidden "true final Boss," which only the most skilled players can challenge.

Game Strategy:

As a top-tier bullet hell shooter, the core strategy of "DoDonPachi" lies in understanding and utilizing the game's scoring mechanics, especially "combos" and "grazing." The initial goal for beginners is to "clear the game," and the advanced goal is to "get a high score."

1. Familiarize Yourself with Your Ship's Hitbox:

• The actual hitbox of the player's ship in most CAVE STGs (shooting games) is very small, usually just a small point in the center of the ship. Beginners need to learn to ignore the ship model itself and focus on observing this tiny hitbox. In dense bullet curtains, you need to utilize the advantage of the extremely small hitbox and calmly move through the gaps between bullets, which is the foundation of "grazing."

2. Master Firepower Mode Switching:

The game usually offers two main firepower modes, for example:

• Concentrated Shot (A Mode): High damage, concentrated firepower, slow movement speed (usually by holding down the fire button). Suitable for dealing with Bosses and tough elite enemies.
• Wide-Area Shot (B Mode): Dispersed damage, wide firepower range, fast movement speed (usually by tapping the fire button). Suitable for clearing grunts and triggering combos. Beginners need to practice quickly switching between these two modes based on the battlefield situation, especially using the slow movement of concentrated shots for precise dodging.

3. Core Mechanics:

• Combo System: High scores must rely on combos. The combo system requires players to destroy the next enemy before the extremely short "combo countdown" ends after destroying one enemy.
• Use of Bombs: Bombs are not only used for clearing the screen to save lives, but also for forcibly extending combo time or clearing obstacles on the current screen in high-score play.
• Combo Route Planning: Veteran players will plan in advance the order and position of grunts appearing in the level, using the "splash" effect of wide-area shots or **"grazing"** to maintain combos. Grazing means letting the enemy's bullets get very close to your ship's hitbox without being hit, which usually charges the combo gauge or directly increases combo time.
• Master "Big Combos": In some Boss battles, by precisely outputting damage to a specific part or phase of the Boss, you can trigger a "big combo" and get a huge score in a short time.

4. Resource Management:

• Bombs and Remaining Lives: Don't hesitate to use bombs! Bombs can not only save lives, but can also be used to clear scoring items in some levels. Learn to use bombs to deal with bullet curtains that you absolutely cannot dodge, or use them to get high scores when you have a surplus of remaining lives. Remember, you can only score if you're alive.