[Review] Shockman Zero – Nintendo Switch

Developed and Published By: Ratalaika Games
Categories: Retro, Platformer
Release Date: 07.05.24
Price: $6.99

We did it, we finally got a overall, polished, and good Shockman title! Of course, it’s the one that originally released for the Japan only Super Famicom Satellaview. THIS is the kind of game we need more re-releases of. Games that (and yes I know it did have a licensed repro for carts in 2017) would otherwise be trapped on ill dated services. Nintendo has a lot of these, as did Sega.

We’re not playing a slasher into shooter anymore, this is more of a side scrolling beatemup. You’re still platforming, but it feels so much smoother and you’re in much more control. Like before, holding the attack button gives you a charge beam to shoot out. It’s stronger, but I find it might just be better to attack normally, as you can’t move when charging outside of jumps. The best news however is how hitboxes are finally accurate and functional. Praise heavens. If you get hit by something it’ll be fair, you’ll know where you can hit enemies too. It only took four games.

Remember. Batteries heal you, those black batteries are always a sight to behold and you’re going to want to get them ASAP if you see them for a full recover. Everything else is good for points and eventually raising your HP.

The game can like before be played co-op. However, Player 1 is always the boy. Kind of a bummer, but its not too big a deal. It is a bummer when each character is unique though.

A Shockman game with consistently good graphics and music? It’s *shocking*, but it’s here. I do miss the animation and more voice acting from a CD based game, but I’ll take it overall looking and sounding better as a tradeoff.

Unfortunately, there’s nothing in terms of extras like an art gallery or anything. Of course, what can you do when it comes to more niche games like this, but it is disappointing nonetheless. However…this is one of the few times I’ve seen a Ratalaika port give such an array of debug and flag editing tools. Want to make the first boss of the game dance for you? Go nuts. How about stage selects and karaoke intros?

Final Thoughts

I can die peacefully now. We have a all around good Shockman title. And better yet, it’s such a niche release getting a modern port. Yes I applauded this before. But I will hammer in how important re-releasing games like this is. Especially ones that were previously only on these streaming/cable services. Hoping this gets a physical release soon, it’s the kind of game that needs it.