Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Sengoku unfolds as a classic 2D side-scrolling beat ’em up, putting you and a friend in control of two renegade fighters against wave after wave of ruthless gangs in a grim, post-apocalyptic cityscape. Combat is fast-paced and combo-driven: you can punch, kick, guard, and throw enemies, chaining attacks into satisfying strings. Pickups in the form of colored orbs keep you on your toes—collect green orbs to boost your health gauge, red orbs to arm yourself with a samurai sword, blue orbs for twin blades, and purple orbs to unleash a powerful holy sword.

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What truly distinguishes Sengoku is its time-warping twist. At certain points, the screen shimmers and you’re plunged into a spirit realm populated by Japanese mythic creatures—oni, tengu, and ghostly samurai. Here you’ll face foes steeped in Sengoku-era lore, and freeing three haunted spirits lets you summon their powers at the press of the C button. One moment you’re brawling with bare fists, the next you’re lunging as an armored wolf or flipping through the air as a nimble ninja with new special attacks.

The level design strikes a solid balance between urban ruins and otherworldly arenas. Each stage builds in difficulty with minibosses and large, imposing end-level bosses, often drawing on both futuristic tech and feudal weaponry. The pacing is brisk—between freeway wastelands, neon-lit alleyways, and spectral shrines you’ll find enough variety to keep every hour of gameplay feeling fresh.

Graphics

Sengoku’s 2D pixel art evokes nostalgia while delivering modern flair. City backdrops are rendered in muted grays and rusted browns, punctuated by flickering neon signs and burning debris, giving the post-apocalyptic setting real atmosphere. Transition to the spirit realm, and the palette shifts to misty purples and blues with swirling fog effects that make each battlefield feel otherworldly.

Character and enemy sprites are well-animated, with detailed frames that convey the weight of every punch and kick. The summoned spirit forms—wolf, samurai, ninja—each sport unique designs and smooth attack animations that contrast nicely with your base character. Visual effects for energy slashes, sword trails, and ghostly auras are crisp and impactful, ensuring your special moves stand out in the fray.

On the technical side, Sengoku maintains a steady frame rate even when dozens of enemies swarm the screen. Parallax background layers add depth without detracting from the action, and sprite scaling is handled cleanly so there’s no awkward pop-in. Whether you play on a large HDTV or a smaller monitor, the game’s retro-styled graphics hold up beautifully.

Story

At first glance, Sengoku’s narrative is straightforward: two fighters clash with street gangs in a bleak future. But when the malevolent warlord Nobunaga hijacks time itself, the plot gains surprising depth. His scheme to summon legendary warriors and demonic creatures from Japan’s Sengoku period sets the stage for a cross-era showdown that blends sci-fi and folklore.

While our protagonists remain silent archetypes, the game enriches its world through brief but evocative cutscenes. You learn about Nobunaga’s obsession with conquering all timelines, and the tragic backstories of the spirits you rescue emerge in snatches of dialogue. It’s minimalist storytelling, but it serves the emphasis on action—each boss battle feels like the next chapter in a cosmic war.

The mix of futuristic and feudal aesthetics ties directly into the narrative: crumbling skyscrapers juxtapose torii gates and haunted shrines. The ebb and flow between city streets and spirit planes underline the time-travel premise, keeping the story’s stakes clear even when you’re mashing buttons in the heat of combat.

Overall Experience

Sengoku successfully marries the tried-and-true formula of side-scrolling brawlers with a creative time-travel twist. The core combat is instantly accessible yet layered enough to reward mastery, and the ability to collect and summon legendary spirits introduces strategic depth. No two runs feel identical once you start experimenting with different orb combinations and spirit forms.

Co-op play is where Sengoku truly shines—team up and coordinate summons, cover each other’s backs, or combine special moves for spectacular crowd-control. Even solo players will appreciate the game’s balance: checkpoints are generous, and you’ll rarely feel completely overwhelmed, though boss fights can still deliver tough, satisfying challenges.

Fans of retro brawlers and Japanese mythology should not hesitate to give Sengoku a try. It stands out among genre peers with its unique theme, polished presentation, and engaging mechanics. Whether you’re reliving arcade memories or seeking a fresh take on beat ’em ups, Sengoku offers a rewarding journey through time, steel, and spirit.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10