Time Warner Interactive 2D action run-and-gun, visually impressive for Saturn. Traditional Japanese horror atmosphere, varied enemies, memorable bosses. Extremely rare and expensive today, but its quality reputation is well earned.
Your verdict
Category
Shooter1 player16+
Co-op
Description
Spectacular action game in which a spiritual exorcist rids a city of supernatural creatures. Published by Time Warner Interactive, released in Japan in 1997. Character with lightning and spiritual attacks, enemies inspired by Japanese folklore and carefully animated, impressive bosses, superb hand-drawn 2D visuals and an atmospheric soundtrack. A rare and highly sought-after Saturn title.
Shinrei Jusatsushi Taroumaru review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
Snappy ninja action of colourful sprites and teeming settings: the game unfurls a lively, polished 2D aesthetic, rare and sought-after today. The fluidity of the animation and the richness of the backgrounds overflow with energy. This visual direction, sleek and dynamic, stands as a confidential gem of the console.
Nervy and atmospheric, the music blends Japanese percussion and tense themes that match the frantic ninja action of the game. Each level pulses with a dark energy perfectly in tune with the urgency of the fights. This sleek sonic identity, polished for a rare title, accompanies the hero's deadly elegance with brio.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Difficult"
Lifespan
"Average"
Technical info
💾0,45 GB📅17/01/1997
Published by Time Warner Interactive
Shinrei Jusatsushi Taroumaru (Saturn) price, value & rarity
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
A hand-drawn 2D action game from Time Warner Interactive, Taroumaru shipped in very early 1997 in a tiny Japanese run that sold through fast and was never reissued or localised. Its reputation as an overlooked top-tier action title made it one of the costliest Saturn discs, with complete copies reaching peak figures. Refined animation, folklore-rooted bosses and full Japan exclusivity make it a benchmark import.
Is Shinrei Jusatsushi Taroumaru still worth playing in 2026?
A spectacular action game from Time Warner Interactive, Shinrei Jusatsushi Taroumaru stages a spiritual exorcist who rids a town of spirits and supernatural creatures, in a snappy action game of fearsome difficulty and marked Japanese art direction. The frantic pace, the imposing bosses and the singular mood make it a cult, rare title, prized by Saturn collectors. The punishing difficulty and the brevity divide. A sought-after gem for fans of demanding retro action and enthusiasts of the Saturn catalog.
