Time journey. A dangerous story-telling system, to make certain. It may well repair issues. It may well trigger issues. Often it does each. However, it’s a crowd-pleasing plot system that may boost a narrative in some ways. The unique Sengoku ($3.99) already had a little bit of a time mash-up occurring with its story of an evil feudal warlord showing within the fashionable period and unleashing a military of undead Japanese warriors in a bid to take over the world. With the warlord having been vanquished by the samurai descendants Ninja Dave and Cowboy Kev, it appeared that peace had returned. Sadly for the world, Sengoku was a success. Sengoku 2 ($3.99) was inevitable.
Of all of SNK’s NEOGEO beat-em-up makes an attempt, Sengoku was the one which had the best reception with coin-dropping arcade-goers all over the world. Regardless of having some barely stiff controls, the compelling premise, character-swapping mechanic, and wonderful presentation attracted loads of gamers within the early period of the NEOGEO. Essential opinions have been much less form, however that didn’t appear to carry the sport again within the least. With the event group given the nod to do a sequel, one may solely think about how the ante could be upped.
Time journey. In distinction to different types of media, time journey not often goes improper in video video games. We love that stuff. Chrono Set off. Turtles in Time. Ocarina of Time. Day of the Tentacle. Blinx the Time Sweeper. Nothing however legends there. Add in the truth that beat-em-ups lean heavier than most genres on a flashy attention-grabbing premise, and time journey is a full-on successful play. So when the feudal warlord returns in Sengoku 2, he doesn’t simply assault modern-day Washington once more. No, this time he’s going to assault and take over a number of main moments in historical past. Ninja Dave and Cowboy Kev, with the assistance of a priestess, will journey by way of time to battle the forces of the warlord wherever they pop up.
The gameplay doesn’t have an entire ton of adjustments from the primary. The a number of weapons of the unique sport are gone, which is sort of unlucky. As a substitute, you begin with a sword that you just’ll all the time wield. You are able to do excessive and low assaults together with your weapon, and by pushing each on the identical time you’ll block. Orbs could be picked up as earlier than, however this time they’ll simply improve your assaults. The character transformations return, however this time you begin the sport with all three accessible. Decisions embrace a doggo, a tengu with a prolonged rod weapon, and the world’s worst-dressed ninja. You possibly can rework into them quickly, and the tengu particularly could be very helpful. It’s as enjoyable of a gimmick because it was within the first, although often simply as pointless.
It’s nonetheless pretty stiff in comparison with the choices of Capcom, Konami, and even Jaleco, with an absence of enjoyable combos and chain strikes. That stated, it’s a quicker and smoother sport than its predecessor, making for an total extra pleasant expertise. There are additionally some horse-riding sections within the sport that assist add just a little sizzle to the oft-repetitive slicing and dicing of the usual gameplay. It’s additionally improved from a presentation standpoint, with higher animation, extra intimidating enemies, and a few wild stage backdrops as you get tossed round in time. There’s no query which of the 2 video games is superior; Sengoku 2 handily bests the unique sport.
I received’t beat across the bush an excessive amount of longer, nevertheless. Sengoku 2 will not be an important beat-em-up. It’s barely a superb one. I wouldn’t say this sequence had a really wonderful installment till its third and remaining outing. However Sengoku 2 is nice sufficient. A enjoyable little diversion to run by way of in your cellular system with nevertheless many credit you select to make use of. The sport is extra enjoyable with a buddy, however as is the norm with these ACA NEOGEO cellular releases, you’re most likely not going to have every little thing you should make that occur.
On that be aware, let’s discuss concerning the normal stuff. You should utilize an exterior controller when you’ve got one, and that’s a high quality option to play. In case you’re caught with contact controls, you’ll nonetheless have a good time with it. Beat-em-ups usually appear to deal with effectively sufficient with contact controls and that is no exception. You get the identical further modes as we’ve seen in different ACA NEOGEO releases, and the identical strong array of choices to select from. On-line leaderboards offer you an additional incentive to maintain coming again and are a most welcome function.
In case you loved taking part in by way of Sengoku on iOS, that is a straightforward advice. Sengoku 2 is a greater sport than the primary and its conversion for cellular has been dealt with in a equally competent trend. I nonetheless wouldn’t name it a very wonderful title, however slashing your means by way of its weird and delightful locales is a delightful sufficient use of your time and digital cash. Right here’s hoping we received’t have to attend one other 12 months for the excellent follow-up to make its look within the ACA NEOGEO line.
