Shikigami sequel with improved graphics and new characters. The proximity bullet bonus system enriched with new mechanics. Superior to the first. The series reference for demanding Japanese shmup fans on Xbox.
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Category
Shooter1 player12+
Description
Second entry in the Japanese vertical shoot-em-up series, featuring new characters and original stages in the shikigami spirit combat universe. Published by Taito, released in Japan in 2004. Expands on the first game with an enlarged character roster with even more distinct shooting styles, imposing bosses, deeper scoring mechanics, and the series' characteristically high difficulty.
Shikigami no Shiro II review
3/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Polished"
3/5
Music
★★★★★
"Memorable"
2/5
Story
★★★★★
"Classic"
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Engaging"
Difficulty
"Difficult"
Lifespan
"Very short"
A vertical shooter cut for performance, it sends its shikigami-powered fighters into clouds of bullets, the span of one intense session. Its brevity is the cabinet's, where the scoring system rewards daring closest to danger. You return less to progress than to climb the ranking and tame spectacular bosses.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
A vertical Taito shoot'em up (Alfa System), a refined sequel to Shikigami no Shiro, exclusive to Japan on Xbox. Its reasonable price for the genre reflects solid underlying demand: Xbox shmups are a coveted segment, and this entry, judged better than the first, appeals to discerning bullet-hell fans. Japanese territorial scarcity coupled with real play interest, not just a print-run effect.
Is Shikigami no Shiro II still worth playing in 2026?
A sequel to Alfa System's vertical shoot 'em up, Shikigami no Shiro II extends the graze based scoring system with a widened cast, more ambitious staging and polished voice acting. The richness of the Tension Bonus, the readability of the patterns and the depth of scoring make it a demanding shmup for risk-reward fans. The high difficulty and the divisive anime aesthetic can deter. A title for vertical shoot 'em up scoring devotees and fans of polished Japanese bullet hell.
