As of last week, the infamous PlayStation game Cho Aniki: Kyukyoku Muteki Ginga Saikyo Otoko is available in the U.S. This is perhaps the most well-known and most ridiculous entry in the long-running Cho Aniki shoot-em-up series.
What makes this game so notable is its comically terrible digitized art of body builders. The Cho Aniki series has always had a gleefully maniacal tone and a hefty dose of homoerotic imagery. The PS1 version takes that vibe to a whole new level by abandoning pixel art in favor of real men.
Unfortunately, that comical art style detracts from the fine controls players expect from a bullet-hell game. The sprites are too large, and the controls are so complicated that few have ever beaten it legitimately.
But don't let that keep you from giving the game a shot. Cho Aniki's appeal lies in its hilarious stage designs and disturbing bosses, and the sheer shock factor of it is the leading reason why MonkeyPaw Games decided to bring the game to Western audiences. It is a perfect example of the type of games we've always known are in Japan, but never get to play.
