(LAST UPDATE: 6/24/2009)
Developer(s): Square Co. / Lightweight
Publisher(s): Square Co. (JP), Square Electronic Arts (NA)
Platform(s): Playstation
Release Date(s): March 19th 1998 (
), October 27th 1998
(
)
Characters: Kannuki, Mikado, Kaun, Gengoro, Jo, Isohachi, Suminagashi, Tatsumi, Tony Umeda, Chihiro, Highway man, Nightstalker, Matsumushi, Utamaru, Hongou, Red Shadow, Sazanka, Utsusemi
Related Games: Bushido Blade
Story:
In the 13th century, on the island
of Konoshima (in the Seto Naikai, Inland Sea, of Japan) there existed two feudal
clans, the Kagami and the Sue, both aligned to the same Daimyo. They lived in
peace until war on mainland Japan crushed the Daimyo. The Kagami swore fealty to
the new Daimyo while the Sue were loyal to their master until the end. The
conflict between the two began with the Kagami drawing the Sue off of the island
and into battle. The Sue, having been defeated in battle, then lost their sacred
sword the Yugiri. For centuries after, secretive battles were fought that were
fierce, but not widespread. Some 800 years
later the Shainto school, comprised of the remaining descendants from the Sue
clan, attacked the Narukagami Shintoryu, the Kagami clan dojo, at their
headquarters: the Meikyokan. To redeem their honor, they move to recover the
Sacred Sword Yugiri and wipe out the last descendant of the Kagami family.
.
.
Review: Bushido Blade
was an innovative weapon based fighting game for the Playstation, and the sequel
brought back and improved on all of the aspects that made the first game stand
out! More characters and weapons were introduced, as well as much better looking,
more diverse, and more interactive environments. This time around, each
of the characters have "special" abilities with certain weapons, and are much
more dynamic and stronger with particular weapons. Each character also follows
his or her own story and path throughout the story mode, adding a lot of personality to each character.
.
A few notable gameplay features
introduced in Bushido Blade 2 are the ability to use throws (unique to each
character), the ability for some characters
to wield two swords, and also use sub weapons (which players could throw at their
enemy, some with the ability to kill on impact). There are a ton of secret characters
to unlock by playing through the story mode, many of which are rather decent
designs. Two secret characters even fight with guns! *cough* Dishonor!
*cough*... However, it is quite exciting to play a gun VS samurai sword battle, especially
when you can win with the underdog swordsman... And it's quite possible, by the
way. 
They
actually balanced it rather well.
.
Overall, the game has an distinct
mood and feel about it, especially when compared to the original Bushido
Blade, which seems like such a hollow game now. The graphics are definitely better
than the original, but still quite pixilated. The music and sound is great however, and does
it's job to get you into the setting. Once again, the 1 hit kill
gameplay is innovative and fun, and while it may not be as technical (or fun) as a traditional fighting
game with life bars, it's still a blast when playing with a fellow skilled
opponent! The Slash mode also returns from the first game, where your character ascends
through a tower full of ninjas and such, and yes, you have to kill them ALL
without dying! 
...Too fun!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 / 10 |
Closing Comment: Bushido Blade 2 is well balanced, has a rather decent gameplay system for a non-traditional fighting game, and has a distinct setting along with some memorable characters. On that note, I'm surprised they haven't made a "true" sequel. The Kengo series really didn't live up to the Bushido series. ~F.Yagami, Webmaster of TFG
.
.