Shikigami no Shiro is an original vertical danmaku shooter. A risk-and-reward system tied to bullet proximity and a gothic, eerie atmosphere. A very endearing niche pick.
Your verdict
Category
Shooter2 players12+
Co-op
Description
An Alfa System vertical shoot-em-up released in 2002, the first entry in the Castle of Shikigami franchise in Japan. Female pilots with psychic powers (Fumiko Odette, Roger Sasuke) traverse a contemporary Japan haunted by yokai and demons. Tension system that rewards grazing passages, alternative scenarios depending on teammates. A Japanese shoot-em-up niche.
Shikigami no Shiro review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
3/5
Music
★★★★★
"Memorable"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Gameplay
"Solid"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Engaging"
Difficulty
"Punishing"
The first entry in a series built on risk, it invites you to skim the bullets to rack up points, turning fear into reward. Dense fire, cunning bosses and reading patterns ahead call for constant composure. Demanding but deep, it lays the foundations of a proximity mechanic that became cult among scoring devotees.