Sengoku (1991 Video Game)

''Sengoku'' is a beat 'em up arcade game. It is the first entry of the ''Sengoku'' trilogy by SNK. It was ported to numerous home consoles including the Neo Geo, Neo Geo CD, Mega-CD and Super Famicom. The arcade version was part of '' SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1'', released in 2008. The Neo Geo version was re-released on the Japanese Virtual Console in 2011, with the sequels for the North American Virtual Console on November 8, 2012 ('' Sengoku 2'') and June 6, 2013 ('' Sengoku 3'') and for the PAL region on February 7, 2013 (''Sengoku 2'') and September 5, 2013 (''Sengoku 3''). In 2009, the series was compiled on the '' Sengoku Anthology'' for PlayStation 2 and Windows.

Gameplay

A player has a maximum of six health points. When certain enemies are defeated, spirits of powerful forms are available to transform into. In the SNES version, transformation cannot be toggled, but stays constant for a limited time. The three different forms are a samurai, an armor-clad wolf and a more agile ninja. These forms have a limited use. Their attacks and jumps differ from the original form and their powers are enhanced by any power-ups collected.

Throughout the game the player would need to survive the hordes of enemies by collecting colored orbs as power-ups. Ten Green orbs heal one health point. A Red orb gives the player a single sword, a Cyan orb gives the player a dual swords, the Purple orb gives the player a two-handed holy sword and a Yellow orb gives the player a limited magical attack. All swords are equally powerful and have no unique abilities over another. Although the magical projectiles is finite and can be deflected, it's the only one that does not clash into combat during sword fights.

Plot

Centuries ago a cruel and insanely tyrannical warlord was defeated by the two elite Samurai but had sworn to return in the future. When he does he unleashes undead forces of feudal Japanese warriors to destroy the world and its people. The warlord is opposed only by the two protagonists, the red-jacketed Claude Yamamoto and cowboy hat-wearing Jack Stone (also known as Dan and Bill in the SNES version), martial artists who turn out to be descendants of the two elite Samurai responsible for vanquishing the wicked warlord centuries ago.

Reception

In Japan, ''Game Machine'' listed ''Sengoku'' on their March 15, 1991 issue as being the thirteenth most-successful table arcade unit of the month. Likewise, ''RePlay'' reported ''Sengoku'' to be the fourth most-popular arcade game at the time.

On release, '' Famicom Tsūshin'' scored the Neo Geo version of the game a 19 out of 40.NEO GEO GAMES CROSS REVIEW: 戦国伝承. Weekly Famicom Tsūshin. No.332. Pg.25. 28 April 1995. ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' gave the Super NES version a 4.4 out of 10, commenting that it "has an interesting concept as you can change into different types of fighters, yet it just doesn't come together." ''Power Unlimited'' gave the Neo Geo version a score of 85%, writing: "A top-shelf brawler, even for people who aren't much of a fighter. The game gives you a real fighting feeling, thanks to the great sounds and images."

Notes

References

External links

''Sengoku''
at GameFAQs
''Sengoku''
at Giant Bomb
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sengoku (1991 video game)
1991 video games
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