Developer: Light Weight

Kengo: Master of Bushido (2000)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Kengo: Master of Bushido (2000)

A Masterpiece of Samurai Swordsmanship

In the annals of video gaming, few titles have captured the essence of the samurai warrior with the same authenticity and intensity as Kengo: Master of Bushido. Released in 2000 for the PlayStation 2, Kengo is a fighting game that transcends the boundaries of the genre, offering a profound exploration of Japanese culture, philosophy, and the art of swordsmanship.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Kengo’s narrative follows the journey of a young samurai named Takamaru, who embarks on a quest to avenge the death of his master. Along the way, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations and perspectives on the nature of bushido, the code of honor that governs the samurai.

Through these interactions and the challenges he faces in battle, Takamaru grapples with the complexities of his own identity and the true meaning of being a samurai. The game’s story is a compelling blend of action and introspection, inviting players to reflect on the nature of honor, loyalty, and the pursuit of mastery.

The Art of Swordsmanship

At its core, Kengo is a fighting game that showcases the art of swordsmanship with unparalleled realism. The game’s combat system is based on the principles of iaido, the Japanese art of quickly drawing and cutting with a sword. Players must master a variety of techniques, including precise strikes, parries, and counters, to overcome their opponents.

Kengo’s combat is both exhilarating and demanding, requiring players to develop a deep understanding of timing, spacing, and the nuances of swordplay. The game’s AI opponents are formidable adversaries, each with their own unique fighting styles and strategies. Defeating them requires patience, skill, and an unwavering focus.

A Symphony of Sound and Vision

Kengo’s presentation is a masterpiece in its own right. The game’s visuals are stunning, with vibrant colors, detailed character models, and lush environments that evoke the beauty and grandeur of feudal Japan. The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a blend of traditional Japanese instruments and modern electronic beats that perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere of tension and excitement.

A Timeless Classic

Over two decades after its initial release, Kengo: Master of Bushido remains a revered classic among fighting game enthusiasts and samurai enthusiasts alike. Its innovative combat system, compelling story, and stunning presentation have ensured its place as one of the most influential and beloved games of its era.

Whether you’re a seasoned samurai aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, Kengo: Master of Bushido is an essential experience. It is a game that transcends the boundaries of entertainment, offering a profound meditation on the nature of honor, skill, and the human spirit.

Key Features:

  • Unparalleled swordsmanship combat: Master the art of iaido and engage in intense, realistic sword duels.
  • Compelling story: Embark on a journey of self-discovery and explore the complexities of bushido.
  • Diverse cast of characters: Encounter a range of samurai warriors, each with their own unique motivations and fighting styles.
  • Stunning visuals and soundtrack: Immerse yourself in the beauty and grandeur of feudal Japan with vibrant colors, detailed graphics, and an evocative soundtrack.
  • Timeless appeal: Experience a game that has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic among fighting game enthusiasts.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Bushido Blade (1997)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

With its groundbreaking approach to combat, deep narrative, and homage to the samurai code of bushido, ‘Bushido Blade’ offers a unique and memorable experience that challenges conventional gaming mechanics and immerses players in the soul of Japan.

Introduction

Bushido Blade, developed by Light Weight and published by Square for the PlayStation in 1997, presents a revolutionary fighting game that brings the ancient Japanese samurai honor code, bushido, to the forefront of its gameplay mechanics. This game distinguishes itself with one-hit kill potential, a vast array of weapons, and open-ended 3D arenas.

Synopsis

Bushido Blade, released in 1997 for the PlayStation, is a unique fighting game that defies conventions. Developed by Lightweight and published by Square and Sony Computer Entertainment, it stands out for its realistic combat mechanics and adherence to the ancient Japanese code of honor, bushidō.

The game unfolds within the Meikyokan dojo, a place steeped in tradition and martial arts. Here, warriors train diligently, guided by the principles of honor and discipline. But beneath the serene surface lies a dark secret—the cursed sword known as Yugiri. This blade, once revered, now corrupts the hearts of those who wield it.

You step into the shoes of a warrior who has escaped the clutches of the Kage, a secretive assassin organization operating within the Meikyokan. The Kage’s leader, consumed by the malevolent influence of Yugiri, has forsaken honor and tradition. As you flee, you carry with you the weight of your past and the knowledge that the cursed blade threatens not only your life but the very essence of bushidō.

The heart of Bushido Blade lies in its one-on-one battles. Unlike most fighting games, there are no health bars or time limits. Instead, each strike carries immense consequences. A well-placed blow can end a life instantly, emphasizing the lethal nature of combat. But it’s not just about killing; you can also disable opponents without delivering a fatal blow. The innovative “Body Damage System” allows you to cripple their legs, slow their movements, or impair their ability to fight.

Eight weapons await your choice: the katana, nodachi, long sword, saber, broadsword, naginata, rapier, and sledgehammer. Each weapon has realistic weight and length, affecting its power, speed, and blocking capabilities. European weapons, though shorter than their historical counterparts, still pack a punch. The “Motion Shift System” enables intricate attack combinations, chaining swings seamlessly. Stances—high, neutral, and low—determine your available moves.

Select from six playable characters, each with distinct strengths, speeds, and special attacks. Some wield subweapons that can be thrown for tactical advantage. Their proficiency with different weapons varies, and each has a preferred blade. As you clash in battle, the expansive castle compound becomes your arena. Explore cherry blossom groves, moats, and labyrinthine bridges while engaging in deadly duels.

Upon its release, Bushido Blade garnered praise for its realism and innovative combat engine. The absence of health bars and the focus on skill over brute force set it apart. A year later, Bushido Blade 2 continued the saga on the PlayStation. Additionally, Kengo: Master of Bushido explored similar themes on the PlayStation 2.

In the end, Bushido Blade transcends mere gaming—it’s an exploration of honor, sacrifice, and the clash of blades. As you face opponents, remember the ancient code: bushidō demands both skill and integrity. May your strikes be true, and may your honor remain unblemished.

Characters

The game features a diverse cast of characters, including Kaun, a balanced fighter; Red Shadow, a nimble female warrior; and Tatsumi, a slow but powerful giant. Each character has their own unique backstory, fighting style, and choice of weaponry, contributing to a rich narrative woven into their individual paths.

Gameplay

Gameplay in ‘Bushido Blade’ breaks away from traditional fighting game conventions by eliminating health bars and timers. Battles are fought within large, interactive 3D environments, where players must utilize strategy, stealth, and the terrain to their advantage. The game supports a variety of attacks and defensive moves, with the realism of combat enhanced by the possibility of instant death or crippling injuries from a single strike.

Conclusion

‘Bushido Blade’ remains a landmark title in the fighting game genre, remembered for its bold departure from genre norms and its deep respect for the samurai tradition. Its legacy is felt in how it challenged and expanded the possibilities of video game combat, storytelling, and moral complexity.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Kengo 3 (2004)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

As a cult favorite among fighting game enthusiasts and fans of Japanese culture, Kengo 3 offers a challenging and rewarding experience, though it may not cater to everyone’s tastes.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the way of the samurai with Kengo 3, a game that challenges players to master the sword in a quest for honor and glory in feudal Japan.

Synopsis

“Kengo 3” is a captivating video game that was released for the PlayStation 2 on September 22, 2004. Developed by Genki, it is the third installment in the Kengo series. The game is a spiritual successor to the Bushido Blade game series for the PlayStation. It was released only in Japan and is considered a Japanese sword action jidai geki game.

The game is set in the historical period of Japan, known for its samurai culture. The player steps into the shoes of a samurai warrior, navigating through various challenges and battles. The game features six different weapons, providing a variety of combat styles for the player to master.

One of the unique aspects of “Kengo 3” is its changing day/night system. This system divides each day into morning, noon, evening, and night, with different events occurring at each time period. This feature adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, as players must adapt their strategies based on the time of day.

The game boasts much improved graphics compared to its predecessor, “Kengo 2”. The visual enhancements contribute to a more immersive gaming experience, bringing the historical period of Japan to life. The game’s environments are meticulously designed, reflecting the architectural and natural beauty of the era.

The fighting system in “Kengo 3” is simplified from “Kengo 2”, making it more accessible to new players while still offering depth for veterans. The combat is fluid and responsive, with each weapon offering a unique feel and set of moves. The game rewards skill and precision, with each successful strike feeling satisfying and impactful.

In addition to the main story mode, “Kengo 3” offers a variety of other modes for players to explore. These include a training mode where players can hone their skills and a survival mode where they must fend off waves of enemies. The game also features a character creation feature, allowing players to customize their samurai warrior.

Despite being released only in Japan, “Kengo 3” has garnered attention from gamers worldwide for its engaging gameplay and stunning visuals. Its blend of historical authenticity, strategic combat, and immersive storytelling makes it a standout title in the samurai action genre.

Characters

The game features a wide array of characters, each with their unique fighting style and backstory. From seasoned samurai warriors to ambitious young swordsmen, the cast of Kengo 3 brings feudal Japan to life.

Gameplay

Gameplay in Kengo 3 revolves around one-on-one sword fights, emphasizing timing, precision, and strategy. The game introduces new techniques and stances, expanding on the combat system of its predecessors.

Conclusion

Kengo 3 stands as a solid entry in the fighting game genre, offering a unique samurai experience. However, its appeal might be limited to those with patience and a deep interest in Japanese martial arts.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Bushido Blade 2 (1998)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Bushido Blade 2 is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the late ’90s game development, offering an unparalleled realistic fighting experience that challenges players to think like true samurai.

Introduction

Bushido Blade 2 stands out in the fighting game genre for its realistic approach to combat. With no life bars and timers, every match is a test of skill, timing, and strategy. Players choose from a diverse roster of characters, each wielding different weapons, and battle across various 3D environments.

Synopsis

“Bushido Blade 2” is set in the 13th century, on the island of Konoshima in the Seto Naikai, Inland Sea of Japan. The story revolves around two feudal clans, the Kagami and the Sue, both of which were aligned to the same Daimyō. They lived in peace until war on mainland Japan crushed the Daimyō. The Kagami swore fealty to the new Daimyō while the Sue remained loyal to their master until the end.

Over the centuries, the two families evolved into ninja clans, but their hatred of each other never faded. The game’s plot marks the progress of the chosen character who—depending on the character—either fights to regain a legendary sword, or to destroy the opposing school.

Playable characters are chosen from groups which represent two opposing schools of assassins, the Shainto and Narukagami, and are armed with swords or polearms of varying types. The fights in Bushido Blade 2 mark the progress of the chosen character who—depending on the character—either fights to regain a legendary sword, or to destroy the opposing school.

Levels involve a pattern of fighting several generic ninja followed by a boss, who is one of the playable characters from the opposing school. Two characters in Bushido Blade 2 are exceptions to the typical opponent roster: the gun-wielding Tsubame and Katze. They have sworn loyalty to opposing schools, and battles involving them provide a different kind of challenge.

The player can defend against the firearms with melee weapons. Most of the weapons are straight from the first game, excluding the yari and the M16. The yugiri (a sword which is quite similar to the nodachi but wielded like the katana), which was used by the original Bushido Blade’s final boss Hanzaki is now a selectable weapon, but is only accessible in the final battle versus the unarmed ‘last member of the Kagami clan’.

Some of the original Bushido Blade’s selectable weapons— rapier (which does not appear as a selectable weapon, but only in Highwayman’s two-sword stance when he has the long sword equipped), sledgehammer and ninjato —as well as the boss-specific “Double-Bladed Sword-Staff” and “Special Sabre”, have been eliminated. The weapons usable by both schools (such as the katana) have a slightly different design for each school.

While each character wields a specific weapon when fought as a boss, when played as, they can wield whichever weapon the player chooses. The yari is exclusive to characters from the Shainto school, and the naginata is exclusive to characters from the Narukagami school.

Characters

Bushido Blade 2 features a total of 20 warriors, each with unique weapons, fighting styles, and backstories. Characters include the agile Red Shadow, the powerful Tatsumi, and the skilled swordsman Kanuki, among others.

Gameplay

Gameplay in Bushido Blade 2 focuses on one-on-one sword fights, where players must utilize different stances, strikes, and parries to outmaneuver their opponent. The game introduces new weapons, subweapons, and the ability to perform two-handed swordplay and throwing attacks. Players must also navigate through the environment, using terrain to their advantage.

Conclusion

Bushido Blade 2 remains a cult classic, cherished for its departure from conventional fighting games. Its emphasis on realistic swordplay and strategy over button-mashing and combos offers a unique and memorable experience for those who seek depth and authenticity in their fighting games.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Kengo 2: Sword of the Samurai (2002)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Kengo 2: Sword of the Samurai is a PlayStation 2 game set in feudal Japan, where players create their own samurai and engage in realistic sword fights. With over 100 swords to choose from and a variety of opponents, the game offers a deep and immersive samurai experience.

Introduction

Kengo 2: Sword of the Samurai is a samurai-themed action game released for the PlayStation 2 in 2002. Developed by Genki and published by Ubisoft, the game offers players a deep dive into the world of samurai swordsmanship.

Synopsis

“Kengo 2: Sword of the Samurai”, also known as “Kengo 2: Legacy of the Blade”, is a captivating video game that immerses players in the world of the samurai. Released for the PlayStation 2 in Japan on June 27, 2002, and in Europe on February 14, 2003, this game is the second installment in the Kengo series developed by Genki.

The game begins with you, a samurai, arriving in a small city in Japan. Your goal is to rise through the ranks and become the most famous swordsman in the country. This journey is not just about physical combat, but also about mental strength, patience, and skill.

One of the unique features of “Kengo 2: Sword of the Samurai” is its character creation feature. This allows players to customize their samurai character, giving them a personal touch and making the gaming experience more immersive.

Another notable feature of the game is the selection of over 100 detailed swords. Each sword is intricately designed, and players can choose the one that best suits their character and fighting style. The choice of sword can significantly impact the gameplay, adding another layer of strategy to the game.

The game is not just about fighting, but also about training and improving your samurai skills. There are various tests of physical and mental strength that players must pass to progress in the game. This focus on training and improvement sets “Kengo 2: Sword of the Samurai” apart from typical fight-to-the-death combat games.

The game was published by Ubisoft. Although a US release was announced under the title “Kengo: Legacy of the Blade”, the deal fell through, and the game was never released in North America.

Despite this, “Kengo 2: Sword of the Samurai” has garnered a following among fans of samurai games. Its focus on character development, strategic combat, and the journey to becoming the most famous swordsman in Japan offers a unique and engaging gaming experience.

Characters

The game primarily focuses on the player-created samurai character. Other characters include a wide range of opponents, each with their own unique fighting styles and characteristics.

Gameplay

Kengo 2: Sword of the Samurai features a character creation system, a vast selection of swords, and realistic sword fighting mechanics. Players can engage in duels, participate in tournaments, and undertake missions to hone their skills and become the ultimate samurai.

Conclusion

Kengo 2: Sword of the Samurai is a unique addition to the samurai game genre, offering players an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of feudal Japan and master the art of swordsmanship. Despite its shortcomings, it remains a cult favorite among fans of samurai games.

Review Score

6/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More