Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ai: Chō Aniki retains the fast-paced, side-scrolling shoot ’em up action that fans of the original Cho Aniki: Super Big Brothers fell in love with, but introduces fresh mechanics through its playable “option” bodybuilder avatars. Rather than piloting the traditional hero, you choose between two muscle-bound sprinters outfitted in nothing but speedos, each boasting unique firing patterns and movement styles. Their attacks are executed via button combinations reminiscent of fighting games, adding a layer of depth to memorizing inputs and mastering combo strings.

The level design follows the classic formula of branching paths and hidden power-ups, encouraging repeated runs to fully explore every corner of each stage. Enemies swarm in elaborate formations, and boss encounters demand quick reflexes and strategic use of your special moves. The incorporation of fighting-game style inputs means that learning the move list becomes as vital as dodging incoming fire, keeping you engaged across the game’s eight vibrant stages.

Difficulty ramps smoothly from the opening beach-themed level to the final sky fortress, giving new players a chance to acclimate before tougher gauntlets of projectiles and enemy patterns. Experienced shooters, meanwhile, can dive straight into Hard Mode, where the margin for error shrinks dramatically. The inclusion of adjustable lives and credit options also makes the game more approachable for casual gamers, while preserving the hardcore challenge for genre veterans.

Adding further replay value is the two-player cooperative mode, where both beefcake heroes can team up to unleash devastating tag-team combos. Timing your partner’s attacks for maximum screen coverage becomes a satisfying puzzle unto itself, and it’s a joy to witness the exaggerated finishing moves that render bosses into pixelated confetti. This co-op feature solidifies Ai: Chō Aniki as both a single-player spectacle and a multiplayer party pick.

Graphics

Visually, Ai: Chō Aniki sticks closely to the charm of its predecessor, delivering bright, cartoony sprites adorned with exaggerated musculature and an over-the-top aesthetic. The character designs push the envelope of humor and kitsch, with bodybuilders flexing and contorting in ways that both parody and celebrate the genre. Backgrounds shift from pastel beaches to neon-lit gyms, each stage imbued with tongue-in-cheek details that reward attentive eyes.

Sprite animation remains fluid, with a surprising array of frames for running, shooting, and special attacks—especially when your hero unleashes their ultimate moves. These sequences often feature close-up camera shifts and bold, comic-book style onomatopoeia, injecting personality into every blast. Enemy designs range from whimsical (giant flying dumbbells) to delightfully absurd (textile-themed golems), reinforcing the game’s playful spirit.

The color palette is rich without overwhelming the senses, striking a balance between vibrant pastels and deeper hues for foreground objects. Parallax scrolling adds depth to each scene, whether you’re dodging cannon fire on a seaside boardwalk or navigating crystal caverns. In all, the graphical presentation leans heavily into charm and quirk, making every frame a feast for players who appreciate a healthy dose of camp.

Even by late ’90s shooter standards, the special effects—explosions, power-up glows, and screen-filling finishers—feel impactful and well-timed. The only drawback is that the visual overhaul from the original is modest, meaning returning players will feel an immediate sense of familiarity. Yet this continuity also ensures that the game retains its distinctive identity in a crowded market of shmups.

Story

The narrative of Ai: Chō Aniki is as minimalistic—and as ridiculous—as you’d expect from a series that prides itself on muscle worship and surreal humor. Without spoiling every twist, the premise involves thwarting an evil mastermind who’s weaponized bodybuilder fantasies into an army of buffed-up goons. You take control of two previously secondary characters, now thrust into the spotlight as the world’s only hope against a bicep-driven apocalypse.

Cutscenes are presented in brief, humorous bursts, rarely lasting more than a few lines of text before you’re back in the shooter trenches. Dialogue leans heavily on puns, double entendres, and muscly banter, providing a steady stream of tongue-in-cheek commentary. Fans of wacky Japanese humor will appreciate the self-aware quips and the way the game gleefully parodies macho stereotypes.

While there’s no deep character development or unexpected plot twists, the story serves its primary function: to justify your repeated foray into wave after wave of buff-bodied enemies. Cameos from the original Cast Members—dropping power-ups in support—reinforce the sense of a shared universe, letting longtime followers feel in on the joke even as new players simply enjoy the absurdity.

Ultimately, Ai: Chō Aniki’s narrative should be judged on its comedic merit rather than any dramatic heft. It’s a lighthearted, self-indulgent romp that glorifies pecs and triceps as much as it does bullets and rockets. If you’re looking for a story with deep lore and emotional beats, you won’t find it here—but if you’re in for a brawny laugh-fest, the game delivers aplenty.

Overall Experience

Ai: Chō Aniki isn’t just another shmup—it’s a bold, unapologetic celebration of testosterone-fueled absurdity. From the moment you select your speedo-clad hero, you know you’re in for something different. The fusion of side-scrolling shooting with fighting-game combos feels surprisingly fresh, injecting strategy into what might otherwise be a straightforward barrage of bullets.

The game’s humor is its greatest asset. Whether it’s the campy stage design, the overtly macho character banter, or the over-the-top finishing moves, you’ll find yourself grinning at the sheer audacity of it all. The difficulty curve caters to a range of players, and the cooperative mode elevates the fun for friends seeking a laugh-filled challenge.

If you’re a collector of niche Japanese imports or simply a shooter aficionado hungry for something offbeat, Ai: Chō Aniki is a must-try. Its adherence to the original’s vibrant aesthetic ensures that no significant visual surprises await, but the refined mechanics and expanded move set make it a worthy sequel. Just don’t expect a profound storyline—this game is here to entertain, not to enlighten.

In the crowded world of side-scrolling shooters, Ai: Chō Aniki stands out through sheer personality and inventive gameplay twists. It may not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking traditional sci-fi or military themes, but for players with a taste for the outrageous, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10