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In the mid-1990s, the Super Famicom was the premier destination for high-quality anime adaptations, and among the most atmospheric was the 3x3 Eyes series. Following the success of the first title, 3x3 Eyes: Seima Kourinden, Banpresto returned to the franchise with a bold new direction. The result was 3x3 Eyes: Juuma Houkan, a title that shifted away from the traditional role-playing roots of its predecessor to embrace a more action-oriented experience. Also known by its Japanese title 3x3 EYES ～獣魔奉還～ and the translated name 3x3 Eyes: Respectful Restoration of the Magic Beast, this sequel stands as a unique experimental blend of side-scrolling exploration and tactical combat.
For fans of Yuzo Takada’s iconic manga and the subsequent OVA series, this game offered a chance to step directly into the shoes of Yakumo Fujii. While the first game focused on the breadth of a world map and turn-based battles, this second entry focuses on atmosphere, character interaction, and fluid movement. It remains one of the most visually striking titles of the 16-bit era, capturing the dark, supernatural aesthetic that made the source material a global cult phenomenon.
The narrative of 3x3 Eyes: Juuma Houkan is deeply rooted in the lore of the Sanjiyan Unkara, an ancient race of three-eyed immortals. The story follows the relationship between Pai, the last of her kind, and Yakumo Fujii, a young man who becomes her immortal protector, or "Wu," after a fatal accident. Their quest is one of humanity; Pai wishes to become human, and Yakumo wishes to regain his mortality.
In this specific installment, the plot centers on the "Restoration of the Magic Beast," a quest that involves reclaiming and mastering powerful supernatural creatures known as Juuma. The setting spans various locations across Hong Kong and mystical realms, perfectly capturing the urban fantasy vibe of the 1990s. The dialogue-heavy sequences and beautifully drawn character portraits ensure that the emotional weight of the manga is preserved, even within the constraints of a 16-bit cartridge.
The most significant departure in 3x3 Eyes: Juuma Houkan is its gameplay structure. Abandoning the JRPG menus, the game presents itself as a side-scrolling adventure. Players control Yakumo as he navigates through intricate levels, interacting with NPCs to gather information and progressing through a story-driven campaign. This format allows for a more immersive exploration of the game's environments, from neon-lit city streets to eerie, demon-infested ruins.
When combat occurs, the game often transitions into a more cinematic fighting sequence. Rather than simple hack-and-slash mechanics, the battles require strategic use of Yakumo’s abilities and the summoning of Juuma. These magical beasts serve as the core of the combat system; players must choose the right beast for the right situation, balancing their offensive and defensive capabilities. The fusion of adventure-style exploration and fighting-game-inspired encounters makes the pacing feel distinct from other titles in the franchise.
This game was released exclusively for the Japanese market on the Super Famicom, though it has since found a following among import collectors and fans of retro anime games.
3x3 Eyes: Juuma Houkan is remembered as a testament to the versatility of the Super Famicom library. While many anime licenses stuck to a rigid genre formula, this title’s pivot to an adventure/fighting hybrid showed an ambition to try something new. It is often praised by retro enthusiasts for its high-quality sprite work and its faithful recreation of the manga's dark, moody atmosphere.
Though it never saw an official Western release, the game (often referred to by fans as 3x3 Eyes: Respectful Restoration of the Magic Beast) eventually received a fan translation, allowing English-speaking audiences to finally experience the story in full. It remains a staple for fans of the "16-bit anime boom" and a fascinating look at how developers tried to innovate within the technical limits of the SNES hardware.