Game: Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero
Genre: Action, Adventure, Platformer
System: Nintendo Switch (also available on PS4 & Xbox)
Developer | Publisher: Masiya | Ratalaika games
Age Rating: EU 7+ | US Everyone 10+
Price: US $6.99 | UK £6.99 | EU € 6,99
Release Date: July 5th, 2024
A review code was provided, with many thanks to Pr Hound
Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero: A Retro Gem
Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero is the fourth game in the action platformer Shockman series. Originally released on the Broadcast Satellaview satellite download service in Japan, it later became available as a physical cartridge for the Super Famicom. Due to its initial limited release, many retro gaming fans might not have played or even heard of this game. Now, with the entire Shockman series available on the Nintendo Switch, this entry is worth exploring for both series fans and retro gaming enthusiasts.
Save the City
Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero follows Raita and Azuki, regular school kids by day who transform into super bionic heroes when trouble arises. The evil Galko has attacked the city with his robotic minions, and it’s up to this dynamic duo to save the day. In this instalment, you play as new protagonists, so no prior knowledge of the series is necessary.
The plot feels like an old-fashioned Saturday morning kids’ show, complete with charming anime-style characters and a cheesy sense of humour that carries the game through to its conclusion. Notably, this is the first time the game has been translated into English, and the translation is excellent.
Beat ’Em Up Platformer
The gameplay remains true to the series’ roots. You can play solo or in local co-op with a friend, progressing through various levels and defeating enemies, culminating in epic boss fights. This time, combat has a beat ’em-up feel. Raita wields large boxing gloves, while Azuki uses a laser sword.
The combat is responsive and satisfying, with simple combos and a powerful charged projectile attack. Defeated enemies often drop treasures that provide extra points, which can unlock more health bars. The controls are intuitive and accessible to all players. One minor drawback is that you can’t select your character in single-player mode; if you play alone, you can only play as Raita, unlike in previous games where character selection was available.
Level Design
The level design in Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero varies in quality, taking you through diverse locations such as cities, jungles, and robotic fortresses. While much of the game involves basic platforming with occasional bottomless pits, there are standout moments. One level, for instance, is filled with pressure pads that activate traps, affecting both you and your enemies, a feature rarely seen in video games.
Another highlight is a thrilling train level where you must dodge a devastating laser weapon. Although the game is short, with a full run achievable in under an hour, it took me a few attempts to complete. Despite its brevity, I can see myself replaying it in the future.
Extra Features
This port includes standard modern enhancements: save states, fast forward, rewind, button mapping, and various display options. Cheats like invincibility and one-hit kills can be toggled on, and instructions are provided for inputting cheats to increase credits. These features are optional, allowing purists to play the game in its original form. However, the lack of historical context or original instruction manuals is a missed opportunity, especially given the series’ relative obscurity in the West.
Conclusion: Complete Your Collection
Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero is a solid retro platformer. Despite its age, it still offers plenty of fun. While it may not be the best in the series, it’s a great starting point for newcomers. With all four games now available on the Nintendo Switch, it’s worth considering for your next retro game night, especially if you can share the experience with a friend.
Final Verdict: I Like It
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