There’s something interesting about today’s market, as we’re seeing more games being given a second chance on the market. That’s not to say they’ll be instant hits, mind you, but the fact they get another opportunity to “catch on” is still noteworthy. Clear River Games is a huge driving factor in this, with games like R-Type Delta HD Boosted and Under Defeat stepping up to the plate. In the midst of all this is their latest release, Mamorukun Recurse!, a remaster of the 2013 G.Rev shooter Mamorukun Curse!
If you haven’t heard of the game, you’re not alone. It came out in 2013 for the PlayStation 3 in the U.S., as well as the Xbox 360 in overseas markets. And it got very little marketing at the time, relying on the hardcore “shmup” fans that remember it from its limited arcade release. With this re-release, however, fans can rediscover its quirky, inventive nature, as you guide spirits against a growing darkness that could consume the world if they aren’t careful.
The game’s visuals and audio retain the same level of fresh, funky shooter vibes as the original. It looks weird and benefits greatly from it; and the music is about what you’d expect from an old-school arcade release. Where ReCurse! really shines, however, is with gameplay improvements. This time around, you can use twin stick controls for better precision. That said, be on the lookout – the difficulty can definitely increase, especially when you use your cursed bullets to get the point across.
Mamorukun ReCurse! may not appeal to everyone, especially given its offbeat nature. But there’s more than enough to take a chance on here, with its variety of modes and exceptional gameplay improvements. “Shmup” fans should definitely take notice, and those that enjoy forgotten classics will find this to be a magical time.
Mamorukun ReCurse! Works Its Magic On Presentation
The game’s main story mode, oddly structured but still worth experiencing, focuses on Mamoru. He’s found himself suddenly cast into the afterlife, and put into a battle with a dark, sinister force that poses a threat. As part of a team of powerful spellcasters, he pushes back against these enemies, using “curse” powers to make a difference. It’s not an easy journey, but one that’s worth taking anyway. Be prepared for fireworks, though. This game has a ton of them.
Considering that Mamorukun ReCurse! is a 2008 arcade release – nearly two decades old – it does show a slight bit of age. I’m sure Clear River wanted to keep that classic look intact for the remaster, and it did the job here. The game’s stages retain their delightfully weird nature as you blast through enemies and dodge incoming environmental threats. The characters look great for the most part, and there’s a distinct variety of enemies here as well. Not every day you see spirits popping out of every corner like this.
That said, the remaster does have its moments of magic, especially when things really get frantic in the game – which is often. You’ll find yourself fighting for survival in more ways than one, trying to save all five of your team members before having to start the stage again.
As for the audio, it’s true to the original Mamorukun. The music is loyal to the arcade themes of old, and the cute sound effects and voice samples will no doubt appeal to fans of this type of game.
It doesn’t rewrite what a shooter is supposed to be, obviously, but Mamorukun ReCurse! has its appeal. It looks and sounds just like the original game, and is polished enough to hold up well on modern consoles. What’s more, the Japanese-style physical box art (also from Clear River Games) is a good fit for your collection as well.
How Does Mamorukun ReCurse! Play, and What Modes Does It Have?
Perhaps the best thing that Mamorukun ReCurse! has going for it is its gameplay. Whereas the original was tough to grasp with its ancient control style, the remaster sees one grand improvement – twin-stick controls.
I can’t emphasize enough how cool it is to use these, as movement and aim now feel smoother than ever before. This is especially helpful given how quickly the game ramps up in difficulty by the time it reaches its final stages. Fortunately, you’ll be well-trained enough to take on whatever it hands you at this point (unless, you know, you’re not that great at “shmups”).
It’s also cool utilizing “curse bullets” to add more damage to enemies, though this obviously ramps up how many shots they fire at you as well. This adds a great tactic to the overall game, something that fans of the genre will appreciate.
Plus there’s a lot to do here. The main Story Mode is just part of it. There’s also an Arcade Mode akin to the original game’s release, along with a bunch of DLC characters (free of charge!) and a Gallery Mode. For those really seeking an, ahem, spirited approach, the Challenge Courses will keep you occupied as well.
All of this is great if you get into the nature of the gameplay. That said, it is a “shmup,” and it may not be everyone’s speed. But if you read this far, something tells me you’re a fan. So, yeah, I believe this is a surefire hit for you.
What a Good Night For a Mamorukun ReCurse!
Provided you can accept its imperfect nature and its odd difficulty spikes, Mamorukun ReCurse! is another winner for Clear River Games. They’ve plucked a forgotten shooter out of the past and are giving it a second chance at life, and how. The presentation, though not amazing, is great enough to indulge. And the inclusion of extra modes and twin-stick gameplay should keep hardcore fans and newcomers alike very pleased.
Mamorukun ReCurse! definitely deserves a spot in your collection if you’re a fan of the genre or “weird” overseas releases. Besides, if it sells well, Clear River Games will give us even more like it. That’s a spell we really don’t mind being a part of.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Clear River Games for the review code! Mamorukun ReCurse! is available now for Xbox,PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC/Steam. You can get it physically as well!
