I’m a big fan of the humble shmup, or shoot ’em up as it’s officially known. Nothing captures the rush of an arcade quite like pumping a king’s ransom of coins into a machine and dodging bullets. So I’m always eager to try the latest releases, though Japanese developer City Connection have slightly hoodwinked me with their latest title, Mamorukun ReCurse!
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It’s technically a remake, sort of, based on Mamorukun Curse!, which first hit Japanese arcades in 2008 before being ported to Xbox 360 and PS3 (Japan only) in 2009. It later saw a digital-only release in the west on PS3.
Preservation
There’s a bit of videogame preservation at play here, which isn’t a bad thing. It also serves as a decent jumping-on point ahead of the sequel currently in development.
The game features a quirky story mode that twists the usual shmup formula. Your lives are actually party members, and you can switch between them to use their unique skills. It takes a little time to get used to, but it’s an interesting system.
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The story follows Mamoru, who wakes in The Netherworld after his untimely death. He meets three strangers, Mayuno, Kinya, and Beniko, and together they encounter Fululu, who explains that The Netherworld is being consumed by darkness.
Naturally, only Mamoru and his new crew can seal the gate to The World of Darkness and save the realm. It’s very Japanese and animé, so much so it could almost be called a ‘cute ’em up’. But let’s be honest, if you’re playing a shmup for the story, you’re missing the point.
Arcade Return
Arcade mode is likely where you’ll spend most of your time. Based on the original release, you get a five-minute timer and must grab power-ups to prepare for the boss fight.
You can choose from several characters, each with different shot patterns and strengths.
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The final mode, Netherworld Action, was added with the console ports and is the most challenging. You pick three characters to tackle set stages, and it’s clear from the start that the difficulty is dialled up.
The more stages you clear, the more unlocks you earn. There’s a detailed gallery to explore, and you’ll also unlock new skins and characters.
Intrigue in Play
The most interesting feature is how the game plays. The screen doesn’t scroll, you control movement and direction. You can’t move backwards unless the stage allows it, which adds a more accessible feel. You can take your time (unless there’s a timer), and choose your own path.
Mamorukun ReCurse! even lets you skip fights entirely. It blends twin-stick shooter mechanics with shmup fundamentals, letting you strategise without the constant pressure of forced scrolling.
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Visually, it’s heavy on anime style, which won’t suit everyone. The polygon art has a PS1-era vibe, backed by detailed anime artwork. The audio is solid, though definitely an acquired taste.
Mamorukun ReCurse! is a shmup that does things differently. And it stands out for it. If you can look past the cute animé aesthetic, there’s a challenging twist on the genre waiting for you. And if you love anime and all things adorable, you’ll feel right at home.
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