Developers: Masaya Games, Shinyuden
Publishers: Ratalaika Games
Genre: Arcade, Action,
Price: $6.99
Platforms: Switch, PSN,
Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero throws you into a neon-drenched world of a troubled city, and casts you as the unlikely hero, Shockman. This 2D side-scrolling beat ’em up takes heavy inspiration from classic arcade titles, offering a dose of nostalgia with a modern twist.
The Story: Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero injects a dash of mad science and robotic rebellion into its retro beat ’em up core. The story centers around the bustling Neo Tokyo, a metropolis where humans and advanced technology coexist. However, this harmonious balance is shattered when the nefarious B.B. Dan group emerges.
Led by the enigmatic Dr. Shen Kung, the B.B. Dan group covets Dr. Gotokuji’s revolutionary energy engine. This powerful invention has the potential to revolutionize the city, but in the wrong hands, it could become a weapon of mass destruction.
Enter Raita and Azuki, two seemingly ordinary high school students. Little do most people know, they are secretly cyborgs, creations of Dr. Gotokuji imbued with incredible abilities. When the B.B. Dan group stages a daring heist, stealing the energy engine, it falls upon Raita and Azuki to transform into the legendary Shockman.
As Shockman, they become the city’s last line of defense. Their mission takes them across a variety of environments within Neo Tokyo. They’ll have to battle through the neon-lit streets, overrun with malfunctioning security robots, infiltrate the B.B. Dan’s secret hideout nestled within a high-tech museum, and even venture beyond the city limits to Dr. Shen Kung’s hidden lair.
The story unfolds through brief cutscenes and environmental details scattered throughout the game. The narrative is lighthearted and serves mainly as a backdrop for the action-packed gameplay. However, there are hints of a deeper conspiracy at play. Dr. Shen Kung’s motivations remain shrouded in mystery, and the true purpose of the stolen energy engine might be more sinister than initially suspected.
Throughout their journey, Raita and Azuki encounter a cast of quirky characters. They might receive cryptic messages from a mysterious informant or find themselves aided by a resourceful tech-savvy youngster. These encounters add a touch of humor and intrigue to the world of Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero.
While the story might not be the most complex, it provides a satisfying reason for Raita and Azuki to unleash their cybernetic fury. It’s a classic tale of good versus evil with a healthy dose of technological mayhem thrown in for good measure.
The core gameplay of Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero revolves around punching and maneuvering through environments. Shockman packs a mean right hook, and you’ll be satisfyingly disposing of robotic enemies with combos and powerful special attacks. The combat system has a focus on chaining punches and kicks together, with the ability to unleash charged attacks for devastating damage. But be warned, enemies can also dish it out, so mastering dodging and maneuvering is key to survival.
In Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero, you have a choice between two heroes: Raita and Azuki. Here’s how they differ:
- Fighting Style: Raita is a close-quarters brawler. He excels at punching and throwing powerful punches with a focus on physical attacks and combos. Imagine a classic beat ’em up protagonist.
- Azuki: Azuki is a nimble swordfighter. She utilizes a katana for quick strikes and special moves that prioritize agility and swift attacks. Think of her as a more technical combatant.
This difference in fighting style translates into gameplay. Raita might be better suited for players who enjoy a more aggressive approach, wading into enemies with a flurry of punches. Azuki, on the other hand, might appeal to those who prefer a more strategic approach, relying on precise sword swings and dodging enemy attacks.
While both characters share the core abilities like jumping, special attacks, and power-ups, their unique fighting styles offer a chance to tailor the experience to your playstyle preference.
Platforming is another important aspect of Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero. You’ll be leaping between platforms, navigating hazards, and collecting hidden items scattered throughout the levels. The levels themselves offer a variety of environments, from city streets crawling with malfunctioning machines to lush jungles filled with technological terrors.
The game throws in some additional mechanics to keep things interesting. You’ll find power-ups that grant temporary abilities, such as increased punching power or a health boost. Scattered throughout the world are also hidden batteries that can be collected to upgrade Shockman’s stats.
Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero boasts a local co-op mode, allowing you to team up with a friend and tackle the city’s problems together. This adds a whole new layer of strategy and fun to the game, as you can combo attacks and work together to overcome challenges.
In Closing:
While the core gameplay loop might seem familiar to fans of classic beat ’em ups, Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero offers a vibrant presentation and a tongue-in-cheek story to keep things fresh. If you’re looking for a challenging and nostalgic adventure, then Shockman’s electrically charged fists are waiting to deliver some old-school fun.
