The 4^th Cyber Citizen Shockman game to be re-released over the last year or so, Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero is the most playable and enjoyable. Originally released on Super Famicom, Shinyuden and Ratalaika once again translated this Japan-exclusive title and released it on modern platforms at an affordable price. They deserve a lot of credit for shining light on this hidden series.

As a quick summary, Shockman 1 is impossibly difficult. Shockman 2 improved the gameplay over the original but still provides a steep challenge. Shockman 3 featured the highest amount of production values thanks to its original CD format and was my favorite in the sequel… until I played Shockman Zero. Like these previous games, the challenge is still near impossible levels but remains the most playable. The best way to play this retro release made modern is to activate the very considerate invincibility mode.

This Super Famicom original almost straddles the line between a straightforward platformer and brawler. Armed with simple melee attacks, it is possible to throw hodokens and dragon punches by inputting Street Fighter-like button combinations. Also, if you do not activate the one-hit kill option found on the main menu, another thoughtful addition, players can also combo their way through enemies. It is still much more action platformer based as opposed to a beat’em up brawler but there is just enough there to add that extra flavor to the run’n jump gameplay.  Also, like the other games, co-op is also available, which adds another layer of fun.

For the most part, the same quality of life features present in the other games are available here. This includes save states and numerous CRT scan/visual options. Unfortunately, there is a lack of extras like viewing box/instruction scans and there still is no option to adjust volume levels, making the game seem much louder than it needs to be so streamers beware. However, the soundtrack is rather good this time around. There is also plenty of Mega Man inspiration around every turn.

With invincibility active, I was able to clear the campaign in about 30 minutes which is on par in comparison to the other games in the series. It lacks replay value, but this is one of those games you won’t mind blasting through with a friend in co-op every so often.

Although there are plenty of nods to classic Mega Man, I am glad this obscure and forgotten series has been given new life. Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero is basically on par with the third game in terms of overall quality but find myself enjoying this edition the most. It also makes me hopeful for Shockman’s future. Will any other games resurface? Will a new version be created? What other forgotten, retro games will Ratalaika re-release? I do not know the answer but continued with anticipation. 

SCORE: 7/10

Not As Good As: Rider’s Spirits

Better Than: the first couple Shockman titles

Wait For It: the Shadow of the Ninja: Reborn

By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com

Twitter: @ZackGaz

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