You may recall earlier this year when we reviewed Cyber Citizen Shockman, another of Ratalaika Games’ ongoing classic game revivals for modern consoles. And yet, despite its appeal, something was missing in its magic, mainly with its gameplay. Still, even with its shortcomings, it was reasonably priced enough for fans to enjoy.
Now, just mere months later, we have Cyber Citizen Shockman 2: A New Menace, another affordable piece of retro goodness that follows the events of the original. But we’re happy to report that it’s managed to overcome most of the pratfalls that affected the first game; and though it’s hardly platforming perfection, there’s enough here to warrant a purchase. And that’s a good shock to the system.
Back To Work!
The game once again focuses on Arnold and Sonya, two cybernetic heroes who find themselves facing double the odds. First up is Doc, their creator, who isn’t too fond about making them human again since they’re so good at what they do. But then there’s the Ryho Empire, a group of deadly robots that want to take over the world. That forces the duo to spring into action and save the day, even if it costs them everything.
The game features the original Japanese dialogue, as well as translated English. It’s not a necessary option for all, but it is nice to have, showing shades of the game’s original release from back in “the day.” There’s also a better story here, compared to the garbled mess that the first game provided.
But it’s the gameplay that’s the difference maker here. While the game is still hard, it doesn’t pound you relentlessly; and the controls seem a little better balanced this time around, especially with the platforming sections. The “shmup” sequences are good, too, and provide a nice break from the norm. It’s also a bit longer than the first, with some truly great boss encounters. Be prepared for some really tough ones near the end, though.
On top of that, Ratalaika includes those helpful modern options, like the ability to save at any time or even rewind if you find yourself in a particularly tough spot. For a game that only costs $6, that’s not bad in the least.
A Shock-ing Presentation
To go along with the gameplay improvements, Cyber Citizen Shockman 2 also benefits from an improved presentation. This game certainly looks better than the first, with focused animations and beautiful backgrounds, compared to the plain ones we’ve seen before. I’m also a fan of the in-between game sequences, though you can easily skip ahead to the action if you prefer.
The music is also much better, with compositions that actually rival some of the Mega Man games on the market. Koji Hayama did a great job here, pairing these fine tunes with fun little sound effects. It’ll make you feel like you’re back in the 80s, even if it’s just temporary. (Though feel free to get that A Flock of Seagulls haircut you always wanted.)
A Good Value For the Money
Cyber Citizen Shockman 2 is still an acquired taste for the retro crowd, especially those that are seeking out a challenge. If you weren’t crazy about the first game, this one might not really sway you either.
However, it’s got notable improvements over the original, and a strong presentation that warrants the nice price of a mere $6. If you’re looking for something that delivers on the retro front this holiday season, Shockman just might help you get through the holidays.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5/5
(Thanks to Ratalaika Games for the review code!)
