Thursday, September 18, 2025

KiKi KaiKai for PCE


Image: MobyGames

KiKi KaiKai

A decent start to the series


Genre: action - gun

Publisher: Taito

Year: 1990

System: PCE


Gameplay Score: 3

Gameplay Notes:

Plays just like the far-superior SNES sequels. You can also wave a stick to deflect enemy projectiles or fire a peashooter for longer distance damage. However, the peashooter only reaches about 25% of the screen so even it isn't terribly helpful. And the hit detection is brutal. Your hotbox is enormous. Combine this with one-hir kills and you've got a frustrating difficulty curve.


Level Design Score: 3

Level Design Notes:

I love the level design of the sequels, but things are far less interesting here. There are a few branching paths to choose from, but the stages lack much variety. Enemies storm in a groups and are often easier to avoid than to engage with, although they swarm and fire too many unblockable projectiles in the later levels.


Theme Score: 3

Theme Notes:

Slight Legend of the Mystical Ninja vibe. The ancient Japan setting is nice and the sprites are cute but the backgrounds lack any personality.


Art Style Score: 3

Art Style Notes:

Super deformed character designs. Unlike the sequels, there's little variety in enemies. Bland colors. Good animation and sprite work, including some fun death animations.


Audio Score: 2

Audio Notes:

I like the music but the sound effects are atrocious! Every single shot plays an ear-piercing screech.


Overall Score: 58

Review ID: 8073



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