Developed by G.rev in collaboration with City Connection and published by Clear River Games, Mamorukun ReCurse! brings a fresh coat of paint to a niche arcade gem. This particular vertical shoot 'em up is actually a remastered take on the 2008 original Mamorukun Curse!, blending fast-paced bullet-dodging action with a unique curse mechanic that lets players tweak difficulty on the fly. Compared to the arcade and earlier console versions, this edition shines with widescreen support, modern twin-stick controls for smoother aiming, included DLC content like extra characters and costumes, a new gallery mode, and online leaderboards, making it feel more polished and accessible while preserving the core chaos.
The Story ...
The plot unfolds in the whimsical Netherworld, where the young protagonist Mamoru finds himself after an untimely demise, tasked with sealing a ominous gate to the World of Darkness to stop it from engulfing everything in shadow. Drawing from Japanese folklore, the story mixes lighthearted supernatural elements with a save-the-world urgency, delivered through quirky dialogues and cutscenes.
Returning characters include Mamoru himself, the plucky schoolgirl Fululu, the energetic Beniko, and others from the original lineup, each with distinct personalities like Mamoru's reluctant heroism or Fululu's optimistic vibe. The remaster incorporates previously DLC-exclusive additions like the mysterious Luchino and the tough Kinya, expanding the roster without introducing entirely new faces, but enhancing variety through their unique abilities.
The Gameplay ...
Gameplay splits into three core modes that cater to different playstyles. Story Mode weaves the narrative through a series of levels, complete with branching paths based on performance and curse usage, offering a guided experience with cutscenes that flesh out the characters' backstories and the Netherworld's lore. Netherworld Adventures, also known as Netherworld Action Mode, ramps up the challenge with remixed stages featuring altered enemy patterns and objectives, encouraging experimentation with curses for high scores in bite-sized scenarios. Arcade Mode strips things back to the classic roots, providing a straightforward run through the main courses with unlimited continues, ideal for purists chasing that one-credit clear or leaderboard dominance.
At its heart, the mechanics revolve around fluid movement and strategic shooting. Players navigate with one stick for character positioning, while the other (in twin-stick mode) handles aiming, allowing precise control in crowded bullet hell situations. A welcome upgrade from the original's more rigid schemes. The basic shot varies by character, from wide-spreading barrages that cover the screen to focused lasers or homing projectiles that track foes automatically. The standout cursed shot adds depth. Fire it to "curse" areas, instantly destroying weak enemies and absorbing incoming bullets for a brief safe zone, or target bosses to amplify their power and aggression, which in turn boosts potential rewards if defeated.
Alternatively Cursing yourself temporarily heightens your damage output but leaves you vulnerable without the ability to use curses again until it wears off, creating tense risk-reward decisions. The scoring system ties into this, multiplying points for chaining kills, surviving cursed enemy onslaughts, and collecting soul orbs from defeated foes, with end-stage bonuses for speed, survival, and curse efficiency.
Power-ups in the game appear sporadically as floating items, granting time extensions by the seconds, or life recoveries to extend your run. Optional difficulty tiers let you select novice, intermediate, or expert at the start, but the real customization comes from curse manipulation mid-stage, turning easy sections intense or vice versa. Each stage's main objectives involve progressing upward through enemy waves, mid-boss encounters, and a final guardian battle, all while managing a timer that pushes you forward to avoid penalties.
The Extras ...
Beyond the core loop, the game packs in extras for longevity. Alternate costumes let you tweak character appearances, from school uniforms to festive outfits, adding a fun cosmetic layer. The gallery unlocks artwork, concept sketches, and replay videos as you progress, serving as a nice reward hub. Sound and graphics options include toggles for effects like blur, and volume mixes for music, effects, and voices (which are in Japanese with English subtitles). Gameplay menus also offer a practice mode for risk-free stage drills.
Presentation ...
Visually, Mamorukun ReCurse! embraces a vibrant, cartoonish art style that's adorably cute and family-friendly, with chibi-like characters zipping through fantastical backdrops inspired by mythical realms. Think floating islands, spooky forests, and ethereal gates. The graphic design has been upscaled for modern displays, smoothing out the original's rougher edges without a full overhaul, resulting in sharper sprites and more fluid animations compared to the arcade version's blockier look.
Anime influences that are included alongside the 3D counterparts shine through in the border wallpapers that frame the action with decorative patterns and character portraits, as well as in the story segments where expressive, manga-style illustrations pop up during dialogues and mode intros, adding personality to the otherwise abstract shooter framework. The soundtrack seals the package with upbeat electronic tunes composed by Yosuke Yasui, mixing chiptune flair with orchestral swells for boss fights. This remaster includes both original tracks and new arrangements, keeping the energy high and nostalgic.
The Verdict ...
Overall, Mamorukun ReCurse! nails a solid revival with its enhanced design, diverse modes, and clever mechanics that encourage repeated plays to master curses and chase scores. While it's short, clocking in around a couple hours for a first run, the replay value soars through character variety, branching paths, and online competition, making it a worthwhile pickup for under-the-radar shmup enthusiasts. It's best suited for fans of bullet hell games who crave innovation beyond standard dodging, or retro arcade lovers seeking a charming, mythology-tinged twist without overwhelming complexity. In closing I'd like to thank City Connection, and Clear River Games for providing the review code! It made this review possible!!! Thank you!!!
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