Time journey. A dangerous story-telling gadget, to make sure. It could actually repair issues. It could actually trigger issues. Often it does each. However, it’s a crowd-pleasing plot gadget 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 glorious presentation attracted loads of gamers within the early period of the NEOGEO. Crucial opinions have been much less sort, however that didn’t appear to carry the sport again within the least. With the event workforce given the nod to do a sequel, one might solely think about how the ante can be upped.
Time journey. In distinction to different types of media, time journey hardly ever goes fallacious 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 profitable 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 via time to battle the forces of the warlord wherever they pop up.
The gameplay doesn’t have an entire ton of modifications from the primary. The a number of weapons of the unique sport are gone, which is form of unlucky. As an alternative, you begin with a sword that you simply’ll at all times wield. You are able to do excessive and low assaults together with your weapon, and by pushing each on the similar time you’ll block. Orbs will 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 obtainable. Selections embrace a doggo, a tengu with a prolonged rod weapon, and the world’s worst-dressed ninja. You may remodel 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 a scarcity of enjoyable combos and chain strikes. That stated, it’s a sooner and smoother sport than its predecessor, making for an total extra fulfilling expertise. There are additionally some horse-riding sections within the sport that assist add a bit of 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 isn’t an awesome beat-em-up. It’s barely a superb one. I wouldn’t say this collection had a very glorious installment till its third and ultimate outing. However Sengoku 2 is sweet sufficient. A enjoyable little diversion to run via in your cellular gadget 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 the whole lot it’s essential make that occur.
On that word, let’s speak concerning the typical stuff. You should utilize an exterior controller in case you have one, and that’s a nice method to play. Should you’re caught with contact controls, you’ll nonetheless have an honest time with it. Beat-em-ups typically appear to deal with nicely 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 sturdy array of choices to select from. On-line leaderboards provide you with an additional incentive to maintain coming again and are a most welcome characteristic.
Should you loved taking part in via Sengoku on iOS, that is a simple suggestion. Sengoku 2 is a greater sport than the primary and its conversion for cellular has been dealt with in a equally competent style. I nonetheless wouldn’t name it a very wonderful title, however slashing your means via its weird and delightful locales is a lovely 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.
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