Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core gameplay of Mitsume ga Tōru revolves around fast-paced platforming and precise shooting, giving players control of Hosuke Sharaku as he battles through five distinct stages. Sharaku’s signature ability—a powerful energy blast from his sealed third eye—can be unleashed for devastating attacks, but only once the bandage is removed. This mechanic adds a strategic layer: should you use your stored energy early to clear a room, or save it for a tougher boss encounter?

Beyond his third-eye blasts, Sharaku is equipped with the Red Condor, a versatile harpoon functioning both as an offensive tool and a grappling hook. Players will find mastering the Red Condor crucial for reaching hidden platforms, avoiding traps, and pulling enemies closer for combo attacks. As you progress, shops scattered throughout levels offer upgrades—extra lives, improved weaponry, and an enhanced Red Condor—purchased with coins collected from foes or from cleverly hidden chickens lurking in the environment.

The game’s difficulty curve is typical of classic 8-bit platformers: early levels serve as a tutorial to familiarize you with movement, shooting, and grappling, but the challenge ramps up sharply in the later stages. Learning how to chain shots, time your grapples, and maximize coin collection by repeatedly shooting fallen coins keeps the gameplay engaging. For completionists, achieving full upgrade sets and hunting down every bonus chicken adds considerable replay value.

Graphics

Mitsume ga Tōru sports vibrant, cartoon-inspired pixel art that captures the essence of the original manga and anime. Character sprites are well-defined, with Sharaku’s innocent façade giving way to a more menacing expression whenever his third eye is activated. Enemy designs are varied—urban thugs, mechanical drones, and supernatural foes—each animated with a surprising range of motion for an eight-bit title.

The stage backgrounds blend cityscapes, ancient ruins, and shadowy interiors, offering visual variety across the five levels. Parallax scrolling is limited by hardware constraints, but subtle details—flickering lights, shifting clouds—help bring each environment to life. Color palettes shift appropriately between levels, from the gray concrete of the city to the earthy tones of mountainous ruins and the ominous hues of a villain’s lair.

Special effects, like the pulsating glow of Sharaku’s third eye shot or the recoil animation of the Red Condor, punch above their weight. While the onscreen action can become hectic, sprites rarely flicker or disappear, demonstrating stable programming. For retro enthusiasts, the graphics deliver a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of action-platformers.

Story

Mitsume ga Tōru faithfully adapts the premise of Osamu Tezuka’s manga: Hosuke Sharaku, a seemingly ordinary boy, hides a powerful third eye sealed by a bandage that also suppresses his memories. When a malevolent three-eyed man attacks his city and kidnaps Sharaku’s friend Wato, the young hero must embrace his hidden power to set things right. This straightforward narrative provides ample motivation for each stage’s gauntlet of enemies.

Storytelling in the game is primarily handled through brief cutscenes before and after boss battles. While not overly detailed, these glimpses capture key emotional beats: Wato’s terror in captivity, Sharaku’s hesitant acceptance of his true nature, and the growing menace of his three-eyed adversary. Fans of the source material will appreciate these narrative nods, even if newcomers may wish for more context.

Dialogue is sparse but effective, delivering plot points without overstaying their welcome. Boss introductions come with a few lines of text and a portrait, heightening the drama before each clash. Though the storyline adheres to a linear progression—no branching paths or side quests—it remains compelling enough to drive players through all five stages and witness the climactic showdown.

Overall Experience

Mitsume ga Tōru offers a satisfying blend of challenge, charm, and retro aesthetics. The unique fusion of Sharaku’s energy blasts, the multipurpose Red Condor, and the shop-based upgrade system keeps gameplay fresh across its five levels. Difficulty spikes may frustrate casual gamers, but they also reward persistence and skill development.

Graphically, the game stands out among its contemporaries with expressive sprites, colorful environments, and smooth animations. Audio complements the visuals with catchy chiptune music and punchy sound effects that underscore every blast and grapple. The faithful adaptation of the manga’s storyline, though concise, gives players just enough narrative drive to care about saving Wato and defeating the villain.

Ultimately, Mitsume ga Tōru is a nostalgic treat for fans of classic action-platformers and admirers of Tezuka’s work. Its mix of strategic combat mechanics, hidden secrets, and retro charm makes it a worthwhile addition to any retro collection or for newcomers seeking a pure, challenging platforming experience. If you’re ready to harness the power of the third eye and embark on a high-stakes rescue mission, Sharaku’s adventure awaits.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10