Introduction

Ladies and gentlemen, dust off your retro hats and strap in your pixelated seatbelts because we’re diving into the wonderfully kooky world of cybernetic combat with 'Cyber Citizen Shockman 3: The Princess from Another World.' You might be asking, what the heck is a 'Shockman'? Is he just a guy with a superhero complex who also really enjoys the occasional power surge? The answers await as we slice and dice our way through this action-packed sequel that originally graced the PC Engine back in the day. Spoiler alert: Yes, it features a princess. And yes, it’s weirdly entertaining.

Gameplay

So, what can you expect when you boot up this delightful dish of side-scrolling orbs, robotic thwacks, and ultra-quirky levels? First of all, expect to jump, slash, and glide through vibrantly colorful worlds with as much finesse as a toddler in a sugar-fueled dance-off. You’re armed with your trusty sword, which is basically a fancy stick that does some serious slicing, and a variety of powers, because who doesn’t want to deal damage with pizzazz? Throughout your journey, you’ll face off against an array of foes, most of whom look like they were designed during a particularly conspicuous brainstorming session over too much energy drink. Each level’s design ranges from the mean streets of very pixel-y Japan to some seriously over-the-top bosses that’ll make you question your sense of reality. The gameplay is definitely more hack-and-slash than it is sneak-and-glide, so bring your sword skills because enemies won’t hesitate to stomp you into the pixelated floor if you’re not quick on the controls. Multiplayer is also an option for the competitive or nostalgic. Grab a buddy and see who can channel their inner 'Shockman' better while also risking your friendships over who really was the best at not dying in neon melt-downs.

Graphics

Graphically, you might argue that 'Cyber Citizen Shockman 3' looks like a love letter to the 90s with a slight twist of modern flair. While it was originally designed for the 16-bit glory that was the 'PC Engine,' the colors pop as if someone had just unscrewed the cap of reality and splashed everything with pure, radiant joy. Everything is beyond cute… or just downright bizarre. Embrace the absurdity! The animation is charmingly old-school that evokes a sense of nostalgia – as if you’ve jumped through the screen directly into an arcade cabinet. And let's not ignore the bosses each flaunt extensive designs, so much so that you might burn a little incense in their honor before the fight commences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Cyber Citizen Shockman 3: The Princess from Another World' is like that weird cousin you have— brimming with eccentricities, often hilariously chaotic, but always brings the fun. It's not perfect and may not appease the ultra-critical gamer, but what it lacks in flawless execution, it more than compensates with good-spirited antics and retro charm. With a solid score of 7.5 out of 10, it's ready to reclaim its place in your game library when it drops on May 3, 2024. So, grab your sword, suit up in your cyber gear, and get ready to save a princess— because if there’s anything we’ve learned from video games, it’s that someone’s always in trouble, and it’s just your luck that it’s now a princess from another world!

See Latest Prices for Cyber Citizen Shockman 3: The Princess from Another World on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon