At the outset of the action, players may choose any of the three swordsmen and go through their individual stories. The game is played in fast-paced hack 'n slash action with standard slicing strokes that are coupled with special attacks which light up the screen.
Jan Code: 4983164735871
View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCSX website.
NCS Game Notes
» Eighting designed the game for Banpresto.
» In the title screen, a static image of Himura and Shishio clash swords behind the Rurouni Kenshin logo.
» At the outset of the game, a gal presents a voiceover + scrolling text opens up the storyline of the Kyoto arc with a sequence of Himura meeting old friends and clowning a bit before the seriousness of Shishio's insurgency is realized. Animated sequences are depicted with cel-shaded characters, voice action, and dialogue boxes to lead the story along. In addition to the cel-shaded sequences, footage from the animated series couple with scrolling text and voice overs is also used in the game to retell the story of Rurouni Kenshin.
» Once the game begins, a training sequence opens up where Himura goes against an old dude in straw hat named Kashiwazaki Nenji or Okina.
CONTROLS
L-Analog........Movement
R-Analog........Camera swivel (auto-centering)
Square...........Sword slash (Weak)
Triangle.........Sword slash (Strong)
Circle.............Forward Dash
X-Button........Jump
R1-Trigger......Block
L1-Trigger......Sheath sword and stand at ready
R2-Trigger......Center camera
L2-Trigger......Switch camera view
» Press SQUARE and TRIANGLE for a multi-hit barrage where the sword moves so fast that it leaves a mish-mash of light trails. To sidestep an oncoming attack, press and hold the L1 trigger and press the O button and Himura will move one step to the right which may not seem like much distance but it's enough to dodge an oncoming attack.
» A fighter in a defensive posture cannot be broken and his defenses cannot be pierced. Sword slashes can be pounded out in 5-hit chains before they're reset. .
» After the two-session training mission, a music video of sorts plays which introduces the game with brand new artwork and animated sequences which feature all of the characters in the game practicing their skills against each other and battling in all-out fierce sword clanging action. Shishio and his 10 Swords also make an appearance in the video. It's all very dramatic and exciting to watch as fighters do their best to keep their honor - even Himura in his purple blouse...
» In the next scene, Shishio in full bandage regalia is brought into the picture with information on his treachery and attempted killing by the Meiji government. After that, players may choose to play as any of the three heroes and rotate between them with the d-pad or L-Analog.
» In Sagara's scenario, he starts the game with his little brother and he holds a conversation with Saito Hajime. They have a disagreement and Sagara throws out a punch which Saito dodges with ease and counterattacks with a punch to the side which levels him. His little brother threatens Saito but his quarrel is not with the youngling and he turns around to see Sagara has risen again. Staggered but ambitious, Sagara rushes forward and throws a punch which pushes Segata backwards. After the introductory cinema, a proper battle between the two starts and players are given control. No swords are used and the two rely on their punches to knock the other into submission. We found that upper cuts worked well followed by short body blows. If Saito attacks with a punch sequence, he is left open after his attacks are over so move in and bust him up with a staccato of body blows (press SQUARE and TRIANGLE together). After defeating him, a short animated sequence plays and the player is prompted to save progress to memory card.
» The fighting is crisp and fluid but the AI of the lower-level enemies is in doubt. It's simple to evade their blows since they take so long to pull off an attack and the game is what we would consider very forgiving for even the clumsiest of gamers.
» The voice actors from the animation series provided the speech for the main characters in the game.
» Supporting cast members featured in the game include Shinomori Aoshi, Misao Makimachi, Kashiwazaki Nenji, Yumi Komagata, Seijuro Hiko, and many others. All ten motley members of the Juppongatana also appear in cel-shaded styling.
» Enemy bosses are for the most part, fairly adept at their sword handling and evasive maneuvers. Players will get to battle the members of the Juppongatana as well as Shishio Makato himself in 3D battlefields. The henchmen however are pretty useless. They'll stand around and gawk as Himura or Sagara chop down their numbers without retaliating with any convincing effort or concerted attacks. Some situations are comical because gangs of enemies will chase a hero but once they catch up to him, they just stand around and don't launch any offensive attacks. Some henchmen are better than others but the lower-level hoodlums are worthless.
Region Lock-out
Please note Japanese Playstation 2 games will not boot on USA or European PS2 consoles due to the inherent region-lockout on Playstation 2 game discs.
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