Shikigami no Shiro - internal build (V1.02J 2001/09/27 18:45)

Alfa System and Taito’s Shikigami no Shiro, also known as Castle of Gods, is a vertically scrolling shooter released in Japan in 2001. Players control one of six selectable characters navigating through five distinct levels, each divided into three stages. Utilizing the Taito G-Net system, this cooperative game allows for two players to join forces against waves of enemies and challenging boss encounters. Gameplay centers around utilizing a standard shot button and a bomb attack, with each character possessing unique variations on these abilities. Collecting coins dropped by defeated enemies powers up the player’s attacks, increasing point values and attracting more coins. A "tension" system provides a bonus multiplier based on proximity to danger; a visible aura indicates activation, culminating in increased firepower and scoring potential at its highest level. Shikigami no Shiro launched the beginning of a series that would later expand onto home consoles like the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, and eventually continue with sequels. A secret character can be unlocked through specific button combinations either upon starting a new game or within test mode, allowing for further experimentation with different playstyles.