
Salamander
1991 Action
Shockman feels like a hidden gem on the TurboGrafx‑16, especially since it was the sole entry in the Cyber Citizen Shockman series to see a Western release before the recent Ratalaika re‑issues. The game blends side‑view action with classic shoot‑'em‑up stages, giving you eight varied levels that switch between platform‑jumping with special techniques and pure horizontal shooting. What really stands out is the cooperative play: both players share a life pool and can unleash a Team Shockbeam, a powerful blast that only works when you’re side‑by‑side.
The design strips away the swordplay of its predecessor, swapping it for a Mega Buster‑style ranged weapon, and it drops the world‑map and hostage rescue mechanics for a tighter, more arcade‑like flow. Critics were split—Eurogamer and Nintendo Life gave it a modest 6/10, while French magazines like Génération 4 and Joystick praised its execution with scores in the 70‑80% range. For anyone who enjoys retro co‑op shooters, Shockman offers a concise, well‑paced experience that still feels fresh today.
Shockman, sometimes referred to by its casual title Cyber Citizen Shockman, picks up roughly two years after the original adventure. Arnold, now working as a cook in a local restaurant, teams up with his former classmate Sonya, who is still a student. Since the fall of the Dark Skull, Doc has been warning them of a looming invasion, but their searches have come up empty until Doc is suddenly kidnapped.
The duo soon learns that an alien empire led by the ruthless Ryo is planning to seize the world. Adding to the danger are two dark Shockmen, Jeeta and Mue, who wield powers similar to Arnold and Sonya. Their mission is to rescue Doc, thwart Ryo’s takeover, and survive the assaults of the new villains.
Edited by Maya Carter

1991 Action

1988 Shoot 'em Up

1990 Shooter

1990 Role-Playing