Shikhondo: Youkai Rampage opens a world where Youkai – evil spirits from Asian legends – have escaped from hell. They not only sow chaos but also desire to steal human souls. In that ghostly scene, an amnesiac girl and Grim Reaper – the messenger of death – unexpectedly meet. Together they embark on a fierce battle against the demons, gradually delving deeper into the secrets of the cursed world. This vertical-scrolling shoot ’em up game not only retains the traditional arcade spirit but also makes its mark with unique oriental colors and a legendary story.
Symphony of bullets and souls
More than just shooting down enemies, Shikhondo possesses a unique Soul Collect combat system, pushing players into breathtaking dodges. The more you dare to face the bullets, the more powerful energy you accumulate. When the Soul bar is full, you can temporarily disable attacks and counterattack like a dance of death. All take place amidst dense bullet effects, intense game rhythm and creepy music, making every second of battle a life-or-death challenge that you cannot take your eyes off.
Mysterious aesthetic world
The hand-drawn graphic style with a strong Asian touch is the highlight that makes Shikhondo’s unique personality. From the Youkai’s appearance to the background scenery, everything has an elegant artistic touch mixed with a bit of horror. The levels take you into surreal spaces – from the deep, haunted forest to the ancient temple filled with mystery. All are brought to life by professional voiceovers and a mythical musical arrangement, immersing you deep into a world that is both dreamy and deadly dangerous.
A touching story in the dark
Each character in Shikhondo has his own journey. The girl – amnesiac, lost among monsters – longs to find her memories and old home. Meanwhile, the Grim Reaper – cold and tough – carries the mission of hunting down corrupted souls. A chance encounter turns them into allies, fighting side by side to overcome challenges to achieve their personal goals. This contrast creates emotional depth and unexpected moments throughout the journey. You don’t just shoot to win, but also to feel the loss, desire and resurrection in the dark.
Multiple modes, challenging all skills
From Arcade mode for players who want to follow the storyline, to the tense Boss Rush and Hardcore for only master shooters, Shikhondo opens up many options for you to try. With the new Dual mode, players can flexibly switch between two characters to turn the tide of battle and optimize tactics. Along with that is a completely new game screen only available in the remake version – increasing the replay value and expanding the game’s already fascinating mystical world.
