Game Info --------------------------------------------------- Developer: SNK Publisher: SNK Year of Release: 1991 Game Review & Impressions --------------------------------------------------- Sengoku is the first in a trilogy of beat 'em ups for the Neo Geo console, with the original entry being released in 1991. It's pretty representative of the console's capabilities, featuring detailed 2D graphics and impressive digitised audio for the time. The game's attract mode introduces players to the game's plot, which involves the demise of an ancient Japanese warlord. Deposed by a pair of samurai for his evil deeds, the warlord prophesises his return to life 400 years in the future, whereupon he intends to wreak havoc on the world and its inhabitants in an act of revenge. Sure enough, the ghostly visage of the dead warlord shows up in modern-day Japan with an ethereal host of undead warriors in tow, ready to cause havoc. The only individuals capable of preventing the end of the world are Ninja Dave and Cowboy Kev, descendants of the samurai who overthrew the warlord centuries ago, possessing the fighting skills necessary to get the job done, as well two of the most ridiculous names in video game history. On the surface, Sengoku is your typical belt-scrolling affair: move right and beat up anything and everything which stands in your way. However, the game features a range of weapons and powers with which players can upgrade their fighting ability. Defeated enemies will drop coloured orbs which bestow the collector with weapons that include swords and the ability to throw hadoken-style energy waves. There's also a separate system which allows you to change your form completely, transforming into an armour-clad samurai or cartwheeling ninja. Learning which combinations of equipment and form suit both your playstyle and the given situation are a major part of the game, and very reminiscent of Magician Lord. As far as actual gameplay is concerned, I found it rather average. The trudging pace of the player characters, overly-telegraphed moves and lack of a dash mechanic or grapples make for what is, in my opinion, a rather dull experience. For all its spectacle, I'd rather play Double Dragon or Final Fight, chiefly because the core combat in those titles feels more rewarding. Chapters --------------------------------------------------- TBC
