Overview and Gameplay
An ancient spirit escapes confinement, sending shrine maidens Pocky and Becky and the tanuki Rocky through seven chapters filled with supernatural enemies. Each character has a distinct projectile style, but all three follow the same objective: explore each area, collect required keys, reach the boss, and complete the chapter.
Password codes preserve progress between sessions. Completing the adventure also opens access to Expert Mode, which changes enemy placement, key locations, dialogue, boss patterns, and selected visual details.
Controls And Mechanics
The directional pad moves the chosen character in eight directions. A fires cards or leaves, while B performs a close-range wand or tail strike. Properly timed close attacks can reflect many enemy projectiles.
Colored upgrades improve firing speed, range, power, or character-specific attack behavior. Crescendo charges activate a powerful screen-clearing attack during regular stages, but they cannot be used during boss battles. The North American release allows two hits before a life is lost.
Version Notes
The North American localization renames Sayo-chan, Manuke, and Miki-chan as Pocky, Rocky, and Becky. Its two-hit life system is more forgiving than the Japanese release, which uses one-hit defeats.
Release And Credits
- Release year: 2002
- Developer: Altron Corporation
- Publisher: Natsume
- Original platform: Game Boy Advance
- Japanese title: Kiki Kaikai Advance
