KiKi KaiKai: Dotou-hen (1987). Play online

Summary

The Family Computer Disk System’s KiKi KaiKai: Dotou‑hen took the original shooter and crammed it with fresh levels and tougher Japanese‑mythology enemies. One noticeable tweak was the reduction of Sayo‑chan’s o‑fuda projectile uses, forcing players to time the attack more carefully.

A bigger surprise was the addition of a second character, Miki‑chan, a shrine maiden who can be swapped in for player two. The game uses alternating two‑player mode, letting friends take turns after each life.

The Disk’s packaging even promoted idol singer Miki Ito, whose single featured the game’s title song “Sayo Carnival” as a B‑side. That crossover of J‑pop and a niche arcade title makes the original box a collector’s gem.

I love how these small but meaningful tweaks give the Disk version its own personality without breaking the classic overhead shooter feel.

Storyline

KiKi KaiKai: Dotou-hen (often just called Dotou‑hen) follows Sayo‑chan, a young Shinto shrine maiden living in feudal Japan. One night, while fanning a ceremonial fire, she is visited by the Seven Lucky Gods, who warn her of an impending great danger. A mischievous band of youkai then appears, kidnaps the gods, and retreats to a distant mountain range. Determined to rescue the deities, Sayo‑chan sets off on a journey across the countryside. Along the way she confronts a variety of creatures from Japanese mythology, including obake and yurei, as she battles toward the mountain to free the captured gods.