Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Shoujo Attack! takes the core puzzle-platforming mechanics pioneered by the classic Lemmings series and adds a distinctly anime-infused twist. You are tasked with guiding squads of pretty Japanese girls through treacherous landscapes filled with pitfalls, chasms, and—of course—the dreaded Tentacled Monsters. By selecting individual characters with a crosshair, you assign them one of 22 unique abilities designed to clear terrain, build bridges, or otherwise manipulate the environment in your favor. The result is a blend of strategic planning and on-the-fly decision making that will keep you engaged across all 70 levels.

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Each level is organized into themed “channels” such as Family, Goddess, Ren’ai, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Sexy. These channels not only provide visual variety, but also introduce specialized skillsets tailored to the theme—for example, the Goddess channel might grant flight powers or protective shields, while the Sci-Fi channel includes teleportation gizmos or energy beams. Mastering each ability and knowing when to deploy it is key to shepherding every girl safely to the Shinto shrine gate that marks the end of a stage.

Progression in Shoujo Attack! is tied directly to your rescue performance. Efficiently guiding your team and completing bonus objectives unlocks supplemental channels, offering new levels of challenge and fresh mechanics to explore. This loop of level design, skill acquisition, and channel expansion gives the game a satisfying forward momentum, encouraging replay when you aim for perfect rescues and hidden bonuses.

Graphics

The visual presentation in Shoujo Attack! channels the vibrant aesthetics of manga and anime. Each character model is lovingly drawn, featuring expressive faces and colorful costumes that clearly reference beloved Japanese pop-culture tropes. The girls’ animations—running, jumping, using powers—are smooth and fluid, imbuing every stage with personality and charm.

Backgrounds and level elements are rendered in crisp, eye-catching detail. From serene bamboo forests to neon-lit cityscapes in the Sci-Fi channel, each environment feels distinct. Parallax scrolling adds depth to the stages, while particle effects accompany abilities like magical shields or explosive demolitions, reinforcing the sense that you’re orchestrating a high-energy anime spectacle.

Performance remains rock-solid even when dozens of girls are on screen and multiple abilities are being deployed. The UI is unobtrusive yet informative, displaying your available skills and rescue count without cluttering the play area. Overall, the graphics strike an excellent balance between style and clarity, ensuring you never lose sight of critical level elements.

Story

While Shoujo Attack! is primarily a puzzle game, it weaves in a light-hearted narrative: a group of charming high-school girls is escaping the dark realm of the Tentacled Monsters. Their goal is to reach the safety of a sacred Shinto shrine, relying on both their innate talents and your strategic guidance. The premise is simple but endearing, and it frames each level as a new chapter in their adventurous flight to freedom.

The channel system serves a dual purpose: introducing new gameplay mechanics and unfolding thematic vignettes. In the Family channel, you’ll encounter playful sibling rivalries; the Ren’ai channel explores budding romances, complete with heart-shaped power effects; and the Fantasy channel transports your heroines into enchanted forests and dungeons. Though these narratives are delivered mostly through environmental cues and brief cutscenes, they enrich the overall experience and keep the tone fresh.

Dialogue is kept to a minimum, favoring expressive sprites and background art to convey mood. However, the occasional text bubble—bursting with Japanese honorifics and anime-style exclamations—adds charm and humor. If you’re a fan of lightweight storytelling that complements rather than overwhelms puzzle gameplay, you’ll appreciate how Shoujo Attack! balances narrative flavor with strategic depth.

Overall Experience

Shoujo Attack! is a delightful fusion of classic puzzle mechanics and anime-inspired presentation. Its 70 levels and 22 ability types offer hours of strategic gameplay, with the channel system continually refreshing the challenge and visual style. Whether you aim for full completion or simply want to guide your squad through to victory, there’s a satisfying mix of skill mastery and level variety to enjoy.

The game’s strength lies in its ability to appeal to both puzzle aficionados and fans of Japanese popular culture. The strategic demands will feel familiar to anyone who’s enjoyed Lemmings-style gameplay, yet the manga-esque character designs, thematic channels, and light narrative trappings give Shoujo Attack! an identity all its own. Bonus channels unlockable through stellar rescues add replay value for completionists and high-score chasers alike.

In the end, Shoujo Attack! offers a polished, engaging experience that feels classic and fresh simultaneously. Its clear visuals, robust level design, and endearing anime motifs come together to create a puzzle-platformer that stands out in a crowded genre. If you’re looking for a game that combines strategic depth with colorful Japanese flair, this title is well worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

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