Kaizou Choujin Shubibinman III - Ikai no Princess Play

Summary

Kaizou Choujin Shubibinman III – Ikai no Princess, often shortened to Shockman 3, feels like a hidden gem from the TurboGrafx‑CD era. When it finally resurfaced on modern consoles in 2024 via Ratalaika Games, I was surprised to see the same large, well‑animated sprites that Hardcore Gaming 101 praised as some of the best‑looking on the CD‑ROM² format. The hard‑rock soundtrack still punches through the chaos, a point repeatedly highlighted by Retro Gamer and Joypad, even if the two‑player mode can feel a bit forgiving. Japanese magazines gave it solid scores—Famitsu’s mixed 6/10s and Gekkan PC Engine’s 85/100—while readers placed it among the top PC Engine titles of the early ’90s. Critics loved the visual flair and boss set‑pieces, though some, like Video Games, warned that the frantic action can become overwhelming. The 2016 Project Egg re‑release kept the original charm alive, proving that even a cancelled North‑American launch can’t erase a game’s lasting appeal.

Storyline

In Kaizou Choujin Shubibinman III – Ikai no Princess (often just called Shubibinman III), the adventure kicks off with the heroes Tasuke and Kyapiko enjoying a peaceful day at the beach. Their relaxation is shattered when a massive alien spaceship looms overhead, signalling an unexpected invasion. Without hesitation, the duo dons their combat gear and launches into action, determined to thwart the extraterrestrial threat. The game’s opening sets a light‑hearted yet urgent tone, hinting that the conflict might be more of a misunderstanding than a full‑blown war. Players are thrust into a vibrant side‑scrolling quest to uncover the truth behind the mysterious visitors.

Edited by Maya Carter