When hearing the term “shoot 'em up game,” some people might picture a simple game where you just keep shooting while dodging enemy bullets. However, “Shikigami no Shiro III” is a work that subverts that image in a good way. It has captivated many fans with its unique worldview, characterful personalities, and a game design that fuses narrative elements with the exhilarating feeling of a shoot 'em up. Marking the 20-year milestone since its arcade debut in 2006, the fact that it can now be played again on the Nintendo Switch must be an incredibly joyful event for those who have loved the series for many years.

The greatest charm of this work lies in the fact that you control unique characters to fight, rather than mere fighter jets or spaceships. The “Shikigami no Shiro” series is sometimes referred to as a “character shoot 'em up,” and the reason for this becomes immediately clear once you actually play it. Each character possesses different abilities and attack methods, showing great individuality in their fighting styles. It has a charm that makes you want to know what lies ahead, wondering “what kind of story awaits this character” instead of just defeating enemies, allowing you to enjoy the fun of following a story even though it is a shoot 'em up game.

In this work, as many as 10 playable characters are provided, offering a highly substantial volume of content. Furthermore, Munchhausen, who appeared as a hidden character in the arcade version, is also usable, making it irresistible for fans of the series. Since the performance and attack styles differ for each character, it does not end with clearing the game just once. Because you can play with a different feel every time you choose a new character, it has a depth that makes you want to challenge it over and over again. “Shikigami no Shiro III” includes two types of modes: ARCADE mode, which faithfully reproduces the arcade version, and DIRECTOR'S mode, which features re-adjusted game balance. Those who used to play it in arcades in the past can enjoy ARCADE mode while feeling nostalgic, and for those who want to play in a more refined environment, DIRECTOR'S mode is available. Being able to enjoy different sensations from the same work and select according to the player's preference is a major attraction.

Among the various additional elements, the “Dramatic Change Mode” deserves special attention. In this mode, one player selects two characters and can advance while switching between them during gameplay. It creates a strategy different from the traditional approach, allowing players to alter their fighting style depending on the situation or research their own unique combinations. Rather than being a mere additional mode, it can be called a system that proposes a whole new way to play. The Nintendo Switch version enables two-player simultaneous gameplay by sharing Joy-Cons. While shoot 'em up games tend to be perceived as something played silently alone, this work is also attractive because you can get excited together with friends or family. The sense of achievement when breaking through a difficult scene cooperatively is exceptional, offering a different kind of fun compared to playing alone. An environment where cooperative play can be enjoyed casually is a delightful point unique to modern home video game consoles.

One of the reasons why “Shikigami no Shiro III” has continued to be loved for a long time lies in its unique worldview. While being fantastical, it carries a somewhat modern atmosphere, and the story woven by the highly unique characters radiates a charm not found in other shoot 'em up games. Because players can progress while enjoying the relationships between characters and the story rather than simply aiming for a high score, it leaves a strong impression even on narrative-focused players. The online ranking board implemented as a replayability element also cannot be missed. Since you can compete with players around the world to see how well your score holds up, the motivation to keep challenging yourself continues even after clearing the game. The fun of researching gameplay to aim for a higher score even by a little bit and breaking your own records is the true essence unique to shoot 'em up games.

“Shikigami no Shiro III” is crafted into a work that can be enjoyed for a long time, not only due to its fun as an exhilarating shoot 'em up game, but also through its attractive characters, deep story, and a rich variety of game modes. The fact that it continues to possess a charm that does not fade even after a period of 20 years is precisely because it is a work with such a high degree of perfection. It is a piece that provides new discoveries and surprises, not only for veteran players seeking nostalgia but also for those with no prior experience in the series. Why not take this opportunity to experience this work, which possesses its own unique charm that goes beyond the framework of a shoot 'em up game?