Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Chō Aniki: Kyūkyoku Muteki Ginga Saikyō Otoko stays faithful to its 2D shooter roots while embracing the extra horsepower of 32-bit hardware. Players once again select between Idaten and Benten, each boasting unique shot patterns and speed attributes that cater to different play styles. The addition of semi-nude bodybuilders Adon and Samson as floating “option” characters injects a bold aesthetic choice into the familiar formula, allowing for varied firepower configurations and encouraging experimentation.

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The core loop is deceptively simple: dodge incoming bullets, chain weapon upgrades, and clear wave after wave of flamboyant enemies. However, the devil is in the details. Enemy placement and bullet patterns ramp up quickly, demanding well-timed maneuvers and quick reflexes. Boss encounters punctuate each stage with absurdly creative designs and multi-phase attacks, making memorization and strategic use of screen-clearing “bomb” specials essential for progression.

Newcomers to the series might find the learning curve steep at first, but a steady rise in difficulty ensures that each victory feels earned. Co-op support on the Saturn version adds a layer of camaraderie (and chaos), as two players juggle power-up priorities and share the screen real estate with musclebound entourage options. In either solo or cooperative mode, the game’s pacing remains brisk, pushing you forward through seven vividly themed stages without much downtime.

Graphics

One of the most striking aspects of this sequel is its bold graphical overhaul. Departing from the original TurboCD’s sprite-based artwork, Masaya opted for fully digitized photographs to give characters like Adon and Samson a hyper-realistic sheen. This choice amplifies the game’s signature campiness, making every musculature flex and surprised expression pop off the screen.

Stage backgrounds blend imaginative sci-fi vistas with surreal imagery—ranging from floating gymnasiums in orbit to cosmic bodybuilding contests—each rendered in lush 32-bit color. Enemies sport exaggerated proportions and vibrant palettes, ensuring they stand out against the dynamic backdrops. Particle effects and explosion animations have also received an upgrade, filling the screen with dazzling light shows when special weapons are unleashed.

Despite the leap to digitized assets, character movement remains fluid and responsive. There’s no hint of slowdown even in the most hectic moments, a testament to the developers’ optimization on both PSOne and Saturn hardware. Text and HUD elements are crisp and legible, providing clear feedback on weapon levels, lives, and bomb counts without distracting from the onslaught.

Story

The plot of Chō Aniki: Kyūkyoku Muteki Ginga Saikyō Otoko doesn’t veil itself in complexity—it’s a gleefully over-the-top narrative that serves as a perfect backdrop for the action. The Galaxy’s strongest men—our hulking protagonists—must defend the universe against an eccentric army of cosmic perverts and gym-obsessed fiends. It sounds absurd, and that’s exactly the point: the game revels in its own silliness.

Cutscenes between stages lean heavily on digitized photography and quirky voice snippets, delivering tongue-in-cheek humor that pokes fun at traditional shmup tropes. Story beats are brief, ensuring you’re back in the cockpit before the punchline wears thin. Yet these short interludes do a surprisingly good job of building a cohesive world where bodybuilding contests double as intergalactic warfare.

Character personalities shine through small details: Idaten’s cocky one-liners, Benten’s steely determination, and the option duo’s dramatic poses all contribute to an atmosphere that never takes itself too seriously. While you won’t find deep lore or emotional arcs here, the narrative does its job as a colorful stage-setter for the offbeat action that follows.

Overall Experience

Chō Aniki: Kyūkyoku Muteki Ginga Saikyō Otoko is a wild ride that marries classic 2D shooter mechanics with a delightfully ridiculous aesthetic. For veterans of the first Cho Aniki, it offers enough familiar gameplay hooks—weapon pickups, tight bullet-dodging, memorable bosses—to feel like a genuine sequel, while the graphical reinvention provides a fresh coat of paint that demands attention.

The game’s unapologetic camp humor and audacious character design ensure it stands out in a crowded shmup landscape. Casual players may be taken aback by the unconventional visuals, but those with an appetite for niche gaming experiences will find themselves grinning through every wave of absurd adversaries. Replay value is high, too, thanks to multiple difficulty settings, hidden power-ups, and the lure of cooperative play.

While it may not redefine the genre, Chō Aniki: Kyūkyoku Muteki Ginga Saikyō Otoko succeeds admirably at what it sets out to do—deliver fast-paced shooting action wrapped in a bizarre, bodybuilding-themed package. It’s a must-try for fans of quirky Japanese imports and anyone seeking a shooter that dares to flex its muscles both literally and figuratively.

Retro Replay Score

null/10