Pocky & Rocky

A young Shinto priestess with sacred talismans and, at her side, a raccoon in a kimono, together facing a horde of Japanese spirits and demons. Pocky & Rocky is an adorably zany action shooter that pumps a dose of folklore, color and uncompromising two-player action into your veins.

The game is a top-down run-and-gun affair in which you advance through levels and repel waves of enemies by throwing talismans or leaves, complemented by a melee strike and a roll to dodge. The key to survival is constant movement and thinking about where to turn, because enemies attack from all sides and the screen quickly fills with projectiles. The game carries a cheerful tone inspired by Japanese folk tales and yokai demons, so despite the hectic action it radiates a distinctive charm.

It was made by Taito and builds on that maker's arcade tradition. The Super Nintendo version became famous for its two-player cooperation, in which one player controls the priestess Pocky and the other the raccoon Rocky, with the teamwork of both being necessary to overcome the dense waves of enemies and inventive bosses. Playing together makes it a sought-after title for anyone who wants honest cooperative action on one couch.

Among retro game fans, Pocky & Rocky earned a reputation as a well-made but fairly demanding title that rewards teamwork and patience. The cute graphics can be misleading, for beneath them hides brisk and at times genuinely tough action that tests both players' reflexes. Original cartridges are today among the more prized pieces in genre enthusiasts' collections.

Anyone looking for a game that combines a specific Japanese charm with adrenaline-fueled shooting action will not go wrong with Pocky & Rocky. It is a title best savored in pairs and one that reminds you how diverse and colorful the Super Nintendo library could be beyond the big Western names. A few rounds with a friend easily stretch into a whole evening.

Why play: Brisk run-and-gun action with Japanese folklore charm and great co-op for two. Ideal when you want something distinctive and unexpectedly challenging.