Castle of Shikigami III

 Wii
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  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.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best Wii Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  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!    … Full Review »
  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.… Full Review »
  3. PaulD
    May 22, 2008
    7
    This game is niche. So if you like bullet-hell sh'mups, anime, and campy voiceacting look no further.
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