title image

AKA TO BLUE

Shoot'em up, Bullet Hell !!!

Ratings

Age

9+

Category

Action

Languages

English

AKA TO BLUE is a high-performance vertical scrolling shooter that brings the 'bullet hell' arcade experience to mobile. Featuring silky smooth 60fps gameplay, the game challenges players to navigate through 5 stages of intense enemy fire. The core mechanic involves using 'Bombs' to cancel out enemy bullets and convert them into high-score points. Designed for both veterans and beginners, it includes an auto-bomb safety net and intuitive one-finger controls.

Dinsun Expert Review

Our Expert Score

90/100

Aka to Blue is a masterclass in mobile bullet hell (shmup) design. Developed by ex-Cave veterans, it brings arcade-quality precision to touchscreens in a way that feels natural. The 'Bomb' mechanic is the heart of the game; unlike other shooters where bombs are a last-resort panic button, here they are an offensive tool for scoring. Canceling a screen full of bullets with a flick turns them into points and recharges your bomb, creating a rhythmic loop of 'Assault and Defense' that is incredibly satisfying.

The production values are through the roof. The 3D backgrounds and 60fps performance provide a sense of speed that rivals console releases. The Japanese voice acting and the shredding guitar soundtrack by Ikedaminorock add an intense, frenetic energy to every boss fight. It's challenging, yes, but the auto-bomb feature makes it accessible for newcomers to learn the patterns. This is arguably the definitive mobile shmup experience.

Dinsun reviewed on: Thu Mar 21 2024

Features

1

Console-quality 60fps bullet hell action.

2

Unique 'Bomb' scoring system that cancels enemy attacks.

3

Beginner-friendly auto-bomb and regenerating life system.

4

Powerhouse soundtrack featuring arcade legend Ikedaminorock.

5

Full Japanese voice cast for immersive action.

Tips & Walkthrough

Gameplays

Screenshot

screenshot 0screenshot 1screenshot 2screenshot 3screenshot 4screenshot 5screenshot 6screenshot 7screenshot 8screenshot 9

Q&A

Yes, it features an 'Auto-Bomb' system that automatically protects you if you get hit, making it much more accessible than traditional shmups.

Ratings & Reviews

This game is the BOMB
Thu Jan 25 2018 justjustni

Not only does this game overcome the shortcomings of the mobile platform for action gaming, it pushes the genre forward with fun, unique, agressive bombing and scoring mechanics tied to your survival! If you enjoy Cave-style shooting games, I recommend you bite the bullet and pick this game up. No, it won’t quite push you like the games from the arcade, but it still rewards your skill and knowledge with equally explosive spectacle. It’s fun in a surprising way. Great for players who just want to beat the game or keep playing for score. I look forward to playing this in an arcade someday, too!

Total fix for CAVE bullet hell games!
Sat Feb 02 2019 Nole2d2

Heart totally broke when I lost all my CAVE CO., LTD. games after IOS10. All of the newer variations by other devs are pay to play, with IAPs for credits to keep on playing. CAVE games were a little expensive, but you paid once, and the quality and replay value was always there. This game totally brings that feel back! Aside from the voice dialogue being only in Japanese, which I unfortunately don’t understand, I’m very happy to have found this game!

THE modern Cave shooter, up there with the best of them
Fri Dec 22 2017 DunkinDopenuts

What an incredibly good game. It’s just as good as a Cave shooter (better than some actually). Controls are smooth, frame rate and graphics are crisp, and the bombing mechanic is quite fun! I was worried about the lack of difficulty settings but the bomb is really forgiving. It is still relentlessly difficult yet equally rewarding when you finally succeed. I truly hope Tanoshimasu releases future shooters! Thank you for this wonderful game after years of waiting.

Best Arcade Shooting Game on Mobile
Sun Dec 26 2021 Meme Jihadist

Graphics, sound, patterns and scoring are all up to the level of other Cave Co. titles. This game feels like it was designed to be played with touch controls from the bottom up, you get some very creative enemy patterns you probably wouldn’t find in a console or arcade shooting game. Definitely worth 8 bucks, now put it on PC so I can buy it again haha. I find this more fun than Gothic Wa Mahou Otome as well.

First bullet hell game I played, great for beginners
Mon Jun 01 2020 NDTrooper

I’ve always wanted to try bullet hells but could never get over how old and outdated they look. This game looks great and sounds great, which convinced me to finally make the plunge. Love the bomb mechanic, it helps beginners like me increase skill without dying instantly. This game needs more attention. It’s a shame the developers don’t seem active anymore.

As good as Cave shooters
Sat Sep 30 2017 Neo_Review

I played this on my iPad mini 2, and it runs pretty well; doesn't get 60 fps most of the time but it is still great. The graphics are sharp and the controls are tight like Cave shooters. I want to thank the developer for making this game supporting ios 11, because I can't play all my Cave shooters now because they stopped updating them 😞

One of the best iOS shmups I’ve ever played!
Sat Jan 28 2023 br1an s3rra

I downloaded this on a whim, and man, am I happy I did. This is currently my favorite iOS shmup. The bomb/meter/scoring system is simple, but satisfying. I do wish that there were more levels and ship types, but oh, well. I’ll be crossing my fingers for a sequel!

Excellent Shooting Game
Wed Sep 27 2017 Reckless Rave

This game is very fun and addictive. If you like games like Deathsmiles, Mushihimesama, or Touhou games you will probably love this. It captures that Cave magic. Be sure to check out the settings. I tweaked the shot, bomb, and movement settings to get it to control exactly how I like. Looks, sounds, and plays amazing on iPad Pro.

Some Youtube Videos found!

News found!

[Interview] Hiroyuki Kimura (Tanoshimasu CEO) : ”My ambition is to become a company like Treasure”[Interview] Hiroyuki Kimura (Tanoshimasu CEO) : ”My ambition is to become a company like Treasure”

Stunfest 2018 was undoubtedly an opportunity to showcase the recent developers and publishers of shooting games, and Shmup'Em-All had the privilege to meet...

Shmup'Em-All Sun Sep 16 2018

Aka to Blue review - Cave fans take noteAka to Blue review - Cave fans take note

Are you a fan of hardcore bullet hell shoot-'em-ups? Do you pine for more mobile output from the master of the form, Japanese developer Cave...

Pocket Gamer Sat Dec 16 2017

The Top Ten Best Shoot-Em-Up Games in Mobile GamingThe Top Ten Best Shoot-Em-Up Games in Mobile Gaming

In a surprising turn of events, one of the classic gaming genres that turned out to be best-suited to mobile gaming was the humble...

TouchArcade Wed Nov 16 2022

exA-Arcadia (Concept)exA-Arcadia (Concept)

A PC-based arcade platform released in late 2019, bringing a modern take into classic multi-game cartridge-based conversion kits.

Giant Bomb Thu Oct 02 2025

You may also like