The Steam version of Shikhondo: Youkai Rampage is finally launching worldwide. The wait won't be too long since this eastern fantasy shoot'em up is coming April 18.
Developed by Korean indie game company Deerfarm, it's a vertically scrolling shoot'em up game that's set to an Eastern background. It's a game where the protagonists have to avoid the attacks of the youkai who have escaped from hell. Of course, they'll need to defeat enemies using powerful attacks and at the same time try and collect souls.
Game publisher CFK meanwhile revealed in a statement that they've partnered with the same team that developed 2017 Shikhondo: Soul Eater to make sure that this upcoming title is the "perfected version." CFK went on to say that to make it happen, they made sure to improve the gameplay while also adding in new modes. With this, the game should be taken to the next level. In addition, CFK also said that they want the game to be more accessible to players, whether they're casual gamers or manic shooter enthusiasts.
What makes this game different from those in the same genre? For starters, it has a unique setting that's difficult to find in similar titles and at the same time it remains true to the shoot'em up genre. It features colorful bullet patterns while also offering quick movement. Then there are the new systems that are clearly unique to the game.
Soul Collect System
One of the interesting features of the game is the "Soul Collect" system. It's where they get to gain souls each time they avoid attacks and obtain even more souls the closer they are to enemy bullets. Once the Soul Gauge has been filled with souls, it can then be activated and results in temporarily turning all the bullets on the screen into souls. This is a good strategy for those who want to make it past those dicey encounters while at the same try to get souls at once and earn more points.
New Modes
The game also offers modes that fans of shoot'em up titles are sure to love. These include:
- Arcade
- A mode for enjoying the classic shoot'em up experience.
- Boss Rush
- A mode for taking on the bosses all in a row.
- Hardcore
- A high difficulty mode that charges the soul gauge twice as quickly, but any damage results in a game over.
- Novice
- A mode that unlocks the bombs and life given as clear rewards.
- Dual
- A new single player mode added to the game.
- Players get to enjoy both characters by switching between the two when moving at lower speeds.
- This allows players to switch out and attack according to the situation or enjoy the co-op story through a new single player mode.
Wishlist Shikhondo: Youkai Rampage on Steam now.
