The details of throwback-Bit's next throwback reissue have been revealed. This time, Kaizō Chōjin Shubibinman Zero, a previous Super Famicom Satellaview exclusive, will be localized for the SNES as Shockman Zero.
In case this sounds familiar, Shiyuden and Ratalaika just announced not too long ago, Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero, and a digital version. Additionally, a fan translation was finished last year. Since Retro-Bit's version has its own unique translation, it has nothing to do with any of those releases.
The Retro-Bit edition is packaged in a hardback container with an instruction manual and comes on a transparent orange cartridge (dubbed "Shock Orange" by the company). Notably, Moises Juarez, also known as Danmakuman, created all of the brand-new artwork for the release, and it looks fantastic. I've written about Retro-Bit's reissues before, and I'll say it again: they're excellent. Shockman Zero's transparent shell is a welcome sight, since their circuit board designs are often rather clever.
If Shockman Zero is new to you, it's like a hybrid of Mega Man and a beat-'em-up. Action platforming is included, but you must physically strike opponents rather than fire them. Several fans believe that this fourth entry in the Shubibibman (Shockman) series is the finest one thus far. Since it could only be accessed via the Satellaview system at first, purchasing it was almost difficult unless someone had left it encoded on a BS-X cartridge. Columbus Circle released the first cartridges for it only in Japan in 2017. (also unrelated to this one). As a result, this is the West's first cartridge release.
Pre-orders for Shockman Zero will be accepted from June 25 to July 28, with deliveries scheduled to start in Q4 of 2024. For $59.99, Limited Run Games, Rondo Products, and Castlemania Entertainment are the retailers where you can get it. After manufacturing is finished, there will also be limited numbers available at independent merchants, so don't miss out.