Castle of Shikigami III

 Wii
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
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  1. 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 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.
  2. PaulD
    May 22, 2008
    7
    This game is niche. So if you like bullet-hell sh'mups, anime, and campy voiceacting look no further.
  3. 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 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.    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 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

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best Wii Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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]
  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]
  3. 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]
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