Pocky & Rocky Reshrined (known as Kiki Kaikai in Japan) storms onto modern platforms like a tanuki-charged talisman, blending the chaotic charm of the 1992 Super Nintendo Entertainment System classic with a vibrant overhaul that feels both reverent and fresh. Developed by Tengo Project, this top-down shooter reimagines the adventures of shrine maiden Pocky and her raccoon pal Rocky as they battle yokai unleashed by the sinister Black Mantle. It’s a visual feast, a punishing challenge, and a love letter to retro arcade action, though some odd design choices keep it from reaching its full potential.
Pocky & Rocky Reshrined wastes no time with a familiar setup: the shrine maiden and Rocky the tanuki are tackling rogue spirits in a Japanese folklore-inspired world. The story, told through simple cutscenes, dives into time travel shenanigans and introduces new characters like Hotaru Gozen, whose melee-focused combat shakes up the traditional projectile spam. The first two stages echo the SNES original, but the game soon carves its path with new levels, enemies, and bosses. The seven-stage campaign, clocking in at about two hours, feels compact yet is packed with variety, from serene shrines to flame-engulfed Edo cities.
Reshrined‘s pixel art is a triumph. The new visuals are a stunning array of handcrafted sprites that range from scampering goblins to towering bosses, bursting with Studio Ghibli-esque charm. Falling leaves scatter as Pocky dashes across cobblestones, and weather effects add a cinematic flair. Characters and enemies are given more frames of animation and carry palpable weight. There is a bounciness and liveliness to the movement. Background art is especially impressive and lush with detail and animated elements. The soundtrack, a remixed take on the SNES version, perfectly captures nostalgia with flute-driven melodies that complement the action.
Gameplay remains the heart of the experience, delivering the same frenetic, pattern-heavy chaos that made the original a cult hit. Players move in eight directions, firing projectiles or unleashing melee attacks to deflect enemy barrages. Both of the playable characters, Pocky and Rocky (plus three unlockable ones), have distinct play styles, adding replay value. The controls commit to a traditional single-stick setup, forcing players to fire in the direction they move. The lack of an option to separate movement and aiming is hard to get used to when compared to modern twin-stick shooters. Once mastered, though, the system feels balanced, rewarding precise positioning and quick reflexes.
Difficulty is where Pocky & Rocky Reshrined bares its teeth. Even on Normal, the game is a brutal gauntlet of enemy waves and relentless bosses. Checkpoints after bosses offer some relief, but dying sends players back to the start of a stage, which can feel punishingly old-school. This was always a difficult run-and-gun action game, and Reshrined ups the ante. The decision to lock Extra Easy mode behind 3,000 in-game coins and co-op Free Mode behind 10,000 or a full story clear is excessive. Forcing players to grind through a tough game to access an easier difficulty or multiplayer undercuts accessibility. Co-op, when unlocked, recaptures the SNES original’s magic, but its inaccessibility is a missed opportunity.
