Mashou

The lack of shadowing does make a few leaps of faith feel unfair, but the level design is so well-structured that you can usually recover. Irem really packed some impressive depth into those castle layouts.

The castle layout really rewards paying attention to where you're stepping, and the depth in each level keeps things interesting without feeling unfair. I spent a solid evening working through it, and the way the stages are set out made me want to keep going even when I got knocked around.

The lack of shadowing keeps you on your toes; I find myself leaning into the screen to spot those castle hazards. The level design is solid, and the depth in each area makes every attempt feel fresh.