Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

3×3 Eyes: Jūma Hōkan delivers a unique blend of puzzle-solving and side-scrolling action that keeps players on their toes. The core gameplay revolves around Yakumo’s exploration of diverse environments—from the bustling streets of Hong Kong to the remote mountain paths of Nepal—where you pick up and manipulate key items to unlock new areas or progress the narrative. Each object interaction feels intentional, whether you’re combining ancient relics or deciphering cryptic notes left by Fujii. The emphasis on intelligent problem-solving gives an almost point-and-click adventure feel, while still retaining the agility and momentum of a platformer.

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Combat encounters are relatively infrequent but well-placed, offering a refreshing change of pace from brain-teasing puzzles. When Yakumo does engage enemies, the side-scrolling segments require precise timing—jumping, climbing ladders, and landing attacks in rapid succession. These action sequences aren’t overly complex, serving more as a welcome diversion than the main attraction. Still, they add an extra layer of tension, especially when you’re juggling health management and environmental hazards in tighter corridors.

Dialogue and NPC interactions form another critical pillar of the gameplay loop. Talking to Li Lingling’s agents or local traders yields vital clues and sometimes triggers side quests that reward you with additional lore or supplies. The pacing ensures that you’re rarely stuck without direction; most puzzles include subtle hints embedded in character conversations or in the detailed environment art. This design choice strikes a solid balance between challenge and guidance, making Jūma Hōkan approachable for both series veterans and newcomers.

Graphics

The visual presentation of 3×3 Eyes: Jūma Hōkan captures the spirit of the original manga with vibrant, hand-drawn backgrounds that bring ancient ruins and urban sprawls to life. Each area features a distinct color palette, from the misty grays of Himalayan passes to the neon glow of Hong Kong’s night markets. Sprite work for Yakumo, Pai, and the various supernatural foes is crisp and expressive, ensuring that even minor characters have personality. Animations are fluid, especially during cutscenes where dramatic camera angles and smooth character motions heighten the narrative impact.

While the game doesn’t push the bounds of modern rendering technology, it embraces a stylized aesthetic that honors its 1990s roots. Textures are clean, with minimal pop-in or visual clutter, allowing you to focus on puzzle elements without distraction. Transitional effects—such as fade-ins for secret chambers or magical glows around ancient talismans—are tastefully done, adding just enough flair to keep exploration exciting. In motion, the environments feel alive: fluttering banners, drifting snow in the mountains, and flickering street lamps all contribute to a fully realized world.

Character portraits that accompany dialogue sequences stand out as one of the game’s strongest graphical assets. Detailed line work and shading reflect the emotional nuance of each conversation, whether Pai’s longing for mortality or Yakumo’s quiet determination. Even the minor villains and beast-control tribe members feature distinctive designs that reinforce the mystical tone of the story. Together, these visual elements create an art style that harmonizes with the atmospheric soundtrack, resulting in an immersive aesthetic experience.

Story

Adapted from volumes 8 to 11 of the 3×3 Eyes manga, Jūma Hōkan picks up the saga as Lingling uncovers Fujii’s cryptic report on a beast-wielding tribe in Nepal. The narrative thrust is immediate: Yakumo must piece together his father’s last clues while guarding Pai from mounting threats. This tight focus on character motivations drives most of the plot, weaving themes of mortality, loyalty, and supernatural intrigue into each chapter. Fans of the original series will appreciate the faithful recreation of key story beats and emotional moments.

Dialogue writing strikes a good balance between exposition and personality. Pai’s yearning for humanity is ever-present, providing poignant counterpoint to Yakumo’s occasionally stoic demeanor. Secondary characters—such as the Monster Fighting Agency’s operatives—inject lighthearted banter and world-building snippets that flesh out the setting. The pacing benefits from this variety, alternating between investigative sequences in Hong Kong and high-stakes encounters deep in the mountains.

While the main storyline remains engaging throughout, a few side narratives occasionally feel undercooked, offering tantalizing hints at broader sanzhiyan lore without fully exploring it. However, these mini-arcs add optional depth: diving into them can unlock extra puzzles or hidden cutscenes that enrich the overarching mythos. Overall, Jūma Hōkan delivers a narrative experience that honors its source material while offering enough fresh twists to captivate new players.

Overall Experience

3×3 Eyes: Jūma Hōkan stands out as a faithful, well-crafted adaptation of a beloved manga that successfully marries cerebral puzzles with action-platforming. Its measured difficulty curve and built-in hint signaling make it accessible without sacrificing challenge, while the atmospheric graphics and evocative soundtrack draw you deeper into Pai and Yakumo’s journey. Whether you’re solving intricate object-based puzzles or fending off supernatural adversaries, the gameplay always feels purposeful and rewarding.

The game’s strengths lie in its storytelling and art direction, which combine to create an immersive retelling of volumes 8–11. There are minor pacing hiccups and a few narrative threads that could have been better fleshed out, but these quibbles rarely diminish the overall enjoyment. Replay value comes from hunting down all hidden puzzles, optional dialogues, and alternative pathways that reveal extra lore. Exploration is consistently satisfying, thanks to the rich environmental detail and engaging NPC interactions.

For fans of the 3×3 Eyes series, Jūma Hōkan is a must-play that deepens appreciation for the characters and mythos. Newcomers interested in supernatural adventures will find a polished, story-driven title with approachable mechanics and captivating world-building. The balance of mind-bending puzzles and side-scrolling action makes it a standout in the adventure genre, offering dozens of hours of exploration and discovery. Ultimately, 3×3 Eyes: Jūma Hōkan delivers a well-rounded, memorable experience that both honors its source material and stands on its own merits.

Retro Replay Score

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