Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Last Blade: Beyond the Destiny retains the tight, weapon-based combat that made the original arcade release such a hit. On the NeoGeo Pocket Color, every slash, parry, and special move translates surprisingly well to the handheld format. Despite the limited button layout, the game’s combo system remains robust, encouraging skilled timing and strategic use of each character’s unique arsenal. Players who appreciate methodical, timing-based fighters will find plenty to love here.

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One of the standout features of this port is the inclusion of nearly all the characters from the original Last Blade, each brought into the super-deformed art style without sacrificing their distinct move sets. From rapid-firing thrusts to sweeping arcane slashes, every fighter feels true to their arcade counterpart. The game also introduces deep risk-reward mechanics: commit to a super move and you leave yourself vulnerable, or play it safe and chip away at your opponent’s health bit by bit.

Beyond the main roster, unlockable characters from Last Blade 2 add depth and longevity. As you conquer each stage in the story mode, new warriors become available, effectively merging both titles into one comprehensive package. This approach keeps you hooked, with each successive unlock rewarding your progress in both challenge and narrative content.

Graphics

Visually, Beyond the Destiny embraces a vibrant, super-deformed aesthetic that works surprisingly well on the NeoGeo Pocket Color’s limited screen. Characters boast big heads and expressive animations, making every victory pose and hit reaction pop with personality. While you won’t find the lush backgrounds of the arcade original, each stage retains enough detail to set the mood—moonlit temples, snowy rooftops, and atmospheric dojos come to life through clever palette swaps.

The color palette, though restricted, is put to excellent use. Bold primary shades differentiate fighters and backgrounds, ensuring clarity even in the heat of a combo exchange. Special attacks trigger simple but satisfying visual effects—flashes of light, spinning blades, and silhouette overlays—that preserve the spectacle of the arcade version without overwhelming the handheld’s limitations.

Animation frames are surprisingly fluid, given the hardware constraints. Each character’s walk, guard, and strike animations flow seamlessly, reinforcing the feel of a high-end fighting game. Minor details—such as a character rummaging in their kimono before a match or drawing breath after a power move—add charm and underscore the developers’ commitment to faithfully adapting the source material.

Story

The narrative framework in Beyond the Destiny mirrors the tournament-driven plot of the original Last Blade while weaving in the sequel’s storyline as you unlock new characters. Initially, you’ll follow familiar figures like Kaede and Yuki as they clash with rival swordsmen in a battle to decide the fate of their era. Short dialogue sequences and title-card illustration accompany each matchup, delivering bite-sized story beats between fights.

As you progress and unlock Last Blade 2 combatants, the plot branches out to explore new conflicts and character motivations. These additional chapters reveal post-tournament repercussions and expand on the mystical forces hinted at in the first game. Although the handheld format limits cutscene length, each new arc feels substantive, giving fans of the series a consolidated narrative experience.

Localization is clear and concise, with no awkward translations to distract from the immersive tale. While voice clips are absent, the text-based dialogue is well-written and often punctuated by expressive character portraits. For players who enjoy a fighter that delivers lore alongside lethal combos, this port offers a surprisingly rich story mode for a handheld fighting game.

Overall Experience

The Last Blade: Beyond the Destiny shines as one of the best fighting game adaptations on the NeoGeo Pocket Color. It delivers arcade-quality mechanics in a portable package, complete with a deep roster, unlockable sequel content, and faithfully adapted super-deformed visuals. For enthusiasts of weapon-based fighters, this port provides hours of intense duels both solo and—when linked—against friends.

Despite the hardware’s limitations, the game never feels watered down. The carefully optimized controls, engaging animation, and layered combat system offset any graphical compromises, resulting in a title that stands on its own merits. Beginners will appreciate the straightforward button layout, while veterans can explore advanced tactics like guard breaks, counters, and specialized super moves.

Beyond the Destiny is more than a nostalgic curiosity—it’s a comprehensive fighting experience that unites two beloved entries in The Last Blade series. Whether you’re a devoted NeoGeo Pocket collector or a newcomer seeking a portable samurai showdown, this game delivers satisfying depth, charming visuals, and a robust progression system that keeps the swordplay fresh long after the first victory.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10