In a world where video games have been making us feel like superheroes since the dawn of time, we have "Cyber Citizen Shockman" squeezing its way into our nostalgic hearts on the Nintendo Switch! Originally released in Japan in 1989, this classic title has recently been resurrected for Western audiences. Let's deep dive into this unique saga that dares to blend platforming action with shocking android transformations. Spoiler alert: it's weird in every possible way.
So here's the scoop: you play as a couple of school kids-Tasuke and Kyapiko-who get zapped into androids by a mad scientist named Doc. Because what's a typical day in the life of a kid without a burst of electroshock therapy, am I right? Your mission? To defeat the dastardly Dark Skull and save the day. This involves running, jumping, and slicing your way through enemies, earning gold, and collecting hostages for well-deserved loot at the end of each level. Gameplay predominantly consists of familiar side-scrolling action, which may feel nostalgic to seasoned gamers but could be a throwback in the wrong way. Tackling enemies with your trusty sword feels satisfying until you realize later that you cannot escape the glaring issues with hit detection. Oh, and don't even get me started on the level design, which has all the inspiration of a soggy sandwich left out overnight. Despite that, cooperative gameplay shines, allowing you to bring a friend (or your mom) along for the chaotic ride as you fight evil together-making room for double the fun and double the rage quits!
Pixels, pixels everywhere! "Cyber Citizen Shockman" greets you with the charmingly blocky visuals of the late '80s-a delightful time capsule for those who appreciate the roots of gaming. Characters are animated with what can only be described as an impressive lack of fluidity, providing a unique style that only the most devoted retro enthusiasts can truly appreciate. The environments look like a mishmash of concepts strung together like a spaghetti dinner gone awry. You might find yourself genuinely puzzled as to whether you're in a futuristic city or a neighborhood playground. But hey, at least the 8-bit soundtrack is probably the best example of audio nostalgia since that long-forgotten mixtape you found under your bed.
Let's wrap this up like a shiny new robotic gift! "Cyber Citizen Shockman" is a wild ride into retro gaming that manages to capture that raw, unfiltered essence of classic platformers. With its unique blend of absurdity, lovable characters, and occasionally frustrating gameplay, it may not rewrite history, but it certainly provides a delightful, albeit bumpy, stroll down memory lane. If you have a penchant for charmingly dated graphics and plenty of quirk, this title holds up better than expected-and it is absolutely worth a go for retro aficionados. Just remember to invite a friend, because tackling the glitches of yesteryear is always more fun with company!