Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Kishin Dōji Zenki FX: Vajra Fight delivers a classic side-scrolling beat-’em-up experience that will feel instantly familiar to fans of the genre. Players step into the shoes of either Zenki or Chiaki, each offering a distinct combat style: Zenki excels in close-range brawling with powerful grabs and ground slams, while Chiaki keeps foes at bay using her energy orbs and can call upon Zenki’s might for a devastating combo. The alternating melee/ranged dynamic keeps the action fresh as you learn to switch tactics on the fly.

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The controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing you to chain basic attacks into fluid combos or unleash special moves by tapping a dedicated button. As you progress, you’ll collect bracelet power-ups that temporarily boost Zenki’s strength or enable Chiaki to summon him mid-stage, creating memorable “power surge” moments that can turn the tide of battle. Mapping these special attacks to shoulder buttons lets you execute them without breaking stride.

Stage design varies from urban streets littered with demonic debris to eerie temple ruins and sprawling forest paths infested by the Seeds of Karuma. Enemies appear in waves, sometimes in tight corridors to force close-quarters combat, other times in open arenas where ranged play shines. Boss battles punctuate each level, challenging you with learning patterns, timing defenses, and exploiting openings. The two-player co-op mode adds an extra layer of enjoyment, encouraging teamwork as one player keeps enemies off your back while the other delivers crowd-clearing specials.

Graphics

Visually, Vajra Fight stands out on the Super Famicom with large, detailed sprites and colorful backgrounds that capture the manga’s demonic aesthetic. Zenki’s hulking form and Chiaki’s delicate figure are rendered with expressive animations—Zenki’s roar shakes the screen, and Chiaki’s energy bolts leave glowing trails that light up dark stages. These effects add weight to every attack.

Backgrounds shift from modern cityscapes to ancient shrines, each with layered parallax scrolling that gives a sense of depth. Crumbling stone walls, flickering torches, and swirling spectral energies come alive as you battle through each area. The designers also pepper stages with interactive elements—broken pillars to smash for health pickups, crates that drop ammunition, and environmental hazards that can be used against foes.

While the onscreen action can become hectic, occasional slowdown during large boss encounters is the only blemish on an otherwise polished presentation. Bosses themselves are impressively large, occupying half the screen height, and animated with multiple frames that illustrate each phase of their attack cycle. Even today, the game’s visual fidelity and attention to detail make it a standout example of 16-bit artistry.

Story

The narrative in Vajra Fight draws directly from Kikuhide Tani’s Kishin Dōji Zenki manga, delivering a concise but engaging plot setup. Centuries ago, the priest Enno defeated the demon lord Zenki, sealing him in a magical bracelet. In modern-day Japan, the return of the Seeds of Karuma—demonic followers of an ancient evil goddess—spells chaos once more.

When the new inheritor, Chiaki Enno, reluctantly dons the bracelet, she frees Zenki—but only as a pint-sized, mischievous boy with all the demon’s power locked inside. The game explores their uneasy partnership through brief interstitial scenes before and after stages, illustrating Chiaki’s determination and Zenki’s bratty humor. This balance of lighthearted banter and high-stakes demon slaying elevates the story above a mere beat-’em-up backdrop.

Though the plot doesn’t branch or offer player choices, its linear progression feels satisfying with each victory bringing players closer to the climactic battle against the Seeds’ goddess. Fans of the source material will appreciate seeing key moments from the manga come to life, while newcomers get enough context to care about the fate of both heroine and reluctant demon ally.

Overall Experience

Kishin Dōji Zenki FX: Vajra Fight is a must-play for beat-’em-up enthusiasts and fans of the Zenki manga alike. Its tight controls, varied level design, and robust two-player mode deliver hours of cooperative demon-bashing fun. While the core gameplay loop follows familiar tropes, the interplay between melee and ranged characters offers a strategic edge missing in more one-dimensional titles.

The combination of polished graphics, energetic soundtrack, and spirited storytelling ensures Vajra Fight holds up as a nostalgic treat and a testament to 16-bit beat-’em-up design. Even modern players can appreciate the game’s pace and the satisfying impact of special attacks, complete with screen-filling effects and booming sound cues that make every powered-up moment feel earned.

In the end, Vajra Fight succeeds by blending fan-service for manga followers with solid arcade action that stands on its own merits. Whether you’re teaming up with a friend to clean house or tackling the Seeds of Karuma solo, the game’s strengths far outweigh minor slowdowns or a straightforward plot. This is one demon-busting adventure you won’t want to miss.

Retro Replay Score

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