Castle of Shikigami III

 Wii
Castle of Shikigami III Image
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • Summary: Castle of Shikigami III is a vertical scrolling shoot’em-up for the Wii. Tension Bonus System - Your proximity to enemy units and gunfire determines your score and firepower. 10 memorable characters - Each character has their own specialized weapons and powers, anything from chain lightningCastle of Shikigami III is a vertical scrolling shoot’em-up for the Wii. Tension Bonus System - Your proximity to enemy units and gunfire determines your score and firepower. 10 memorable characters - Each character has their own specialized weapons and powers, anything from chain lightning to psychic blades. 55 possible story combinations - Experience a wide variety of scenarios with fully voiced dialogue. 2 Player Co-op Mode - Dodge a never-ending barrage of bullets alone or with a friend. Exclusive console-only Dramatic Change Mode - Switch between two characters in the middle of the fight to improve your chances for survival! [Aksys Games]… Expand
Buy Now
Buy on

Trailer

Play Sound
Please enter your birth date to watch this video:
You are not allowed to view this material at this time.
Shikigami no Shiro 3 Gameplay Movie 1

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. IGN
    79
    Fans of shooters, anime, or just general Japanese weirdness should definitely spend some time in Castle of Shikigami III. It's a fine-tuned shmup that, while not revolutionary, has all the makings of a fun, challenging game.
  2. Nintendo Power
    70
    Ultimately, Castle of Shikigami III is fun and has good replay value since each character feels different and has a unique storyline--the storylines even take a second player into account when you're playing cooperatively, which is a nice touch. [May 2008, p.90]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Play Magazine
    70
    If you like it old school, only updated--the game controls nicely holding the Wiimote sideways--do not hesitate to lock and load. [Apr 2008, p.60]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Game Informer
    65
    The mere fact that it fills a niche on the Wii doesn't excuse this disappointing lack of substance. [May 2008, p.95]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Cheat Code Central
    64
    Castle of Shikigami III is a great title for people who enjoy the occasional classic, arcade-style game. However, it has a decided lack of content and doesn't offer much beyond the initial experience.
  6. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    61
    Frustrating or not, Shikigami isn't a bad shooter. [June 2008, p.78]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. 1UP
    58
    As a port of the arcade game, Shikigami certainly succeeds in delivering the same level of shooting intensity at home on the Wii -- it's just that, fundamentally, this is a game that really only the most hardcore shooter fans will truly master and then enjoy.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. GetGetPoint
    May 19, 2023
    8
    Shmups is the genre, but what you are supposed to do with a Shmup is study, strategise and practice your way through the game until you canShmups is the genre, but what you are supposed to do with a Shmup is study, strategise and practice your way through the game until you can clear it with no continues. That's the hobby that every shmup is designed for, so how does Castle of Shikigami 3 stack up?

    The game is fun to analyse! Enemy and boss shot patterns are dense but can be worked out without too much frustration. Requires an intermediate+ level of tap dodging, especially when you realise that the highest scores require you to stay near enemy shots!

    Quality of life is also good, with a practice mode that allows you to go straight to the boss or non-boss section of each level from the outset. No need to reach the stage in gameplay first to unlock it in training- this is appreciated! My only gripe is that you cannot choose to keep going after your selected training (eg. from the stage into the boss battle).

    The developers want players to enjoy clearing the game with different playstyles. This explains the unusually high number of playable characters, each of whom have wildly different shot and Shikigami attacks. Some of them (e.g. Kohtaro & Reika) make the game easier, while some like Roger and Fumiko will require careful planning. It's a real luxury treat, and will reward time and effort spent in clearing with the whole cast. There is a separate ability to play with any combination of 2 characters in ‘Dramatic Change Mode’, which prompts new dialogue for each pair.

    There is no 'Arrange' mode on the home ports sadly, but the number of playable characters and combinations creates longevity without needing to re-learn every stage. There is also an 'Easy' difficulty for those who find the default difficulty overwhelming.

    There is a real feast here for Shmup hobbyists – highly recommended!    … Expand
  2. RandalZ
    Dec 30, 2008
    8
    This is a game that is fully enjoyed in a single sitting. The replayability is great if you strive to improve your score each time or even This is a game that is fully enjoyed in a single sitting. The replayability is great if you strive to improve your score each time or even beat it on a single credit. This kind of game is best played against another skilled player. Games of this genre are simply about bragging rights they are not meant to be 80 hour long mildly interactive games and should not be compared to such games.… Expand
  4. PaulD
    May 22, 2008
    7
    This game is niche. So if you like bullet-hell sh'mups, anime, and campy voiceacting look no further.

Trailers

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best Wii Game of 2008