Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tengai Makyō: Dennō Karakuri Kakutōden adopts a unique blend of button-input fighting and anime-style cutscenes that will immediately appeal to fans of cinematic brawlers. Each combatant has a set of offensive and defensive commands that you input in real time, determining both the type and strength of your attack. Once you confirm your move, the game seamlessly transitions to a short animated sequence, illustrating the clash in vivid detail. This system places more emphasis on timing and strategic choice than on rapid-fire combos, offering a fresh take on the 2D fighter formula.

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In versus mode, you can challenge the CPU or face off against a friend in two-player duels. The roster comprises beloved protagonists like Ziria, Manjimaru, and Kabuki, alongside mischievous villains such as Mantou. Each character feels distinct, boasting unique special moves and personality-driven animations. Mastering the timing windows for power-charged strikes and well-timed blocks is key to gaining the upper hand, and the learning curve strikes a comfortable balance between accessibility and depth.

Beyond head-to-head battles, the single-player campaign tasks you with preventing the revival of the ancient demon Yomi. Although story beats are thinly veiled by the focus on fights, the mode does offer progression through a series of increasingly challenging matchups. Victory unlocks additional character portraits and rare illustrations, incentivizing multiple playthroughs. Occasional slowdown can occur when multiple animations trigger simultaneously, but it rarely disrupts the flow of combat.

Graphics

The hallmark of Dennō Karakuri Kakutōden’s visuals is its full-motion anime sequences, which are on par with mid-’90s OVA productions. Each attack flows into the next with fluid keyframes, dynamic camera angles, and dramatic visual effects such as bursts of energy or cinematic slow-motion. While the base 2D sprites are modest by modern standards, they serve primarily as placeholders that transition into the hand-drawn animations, creating a compelling blend of interactivity and spectacle.

Stage backgrounds are rendered in detailed pixel art that evokes traditional Japanese landscapes, from cherry-blossom groves to temple courtyards. The color palette leans toward warm, saturated hues, lending each locale a storybook charm. Even though the action occasionally feels cramped on smaller CRT screens, the battlefields themselves are varied enough to keep matches feeling fresh. Subtle visual cues—like flickering torches or drifting petals—add atmosphere without overwhelming the core fight sequences.

Character designs benefit from the series’ long history, drawing on the iconic aesthetics of the original Tengai Makyō heroes. Proportions, costume details, and facial expressions are faithfully recreated in both sprite and animated form. While these animations occasionally reuse stock footage for lesser moves, the marquee special attacks always receive full-blown sequences, ensuring that blockbuster moments stand out. Overall, the graphics strike a nostalgic chord while showcasing ambitious production values for a mid-’90s fighting game.

Story

The narrative premise centers on the impending resurrection of the demon Yomi, who has loomed over the land of Jipang since time immemorial. Warriors from across the realm have converged to seal away Yomi’s power once again, but only the mightiest fighters can challenge him. This classic “gather the heroes to defeat the final evil” setup provides a loose framework for the sparring matches that drive the gameplay.

Rather than focusing on a deep, branching storyline, the game uses its plot primarily as an excuse for cross-character clashes. Familiar faces from the Tengai Makyō universe—heroes and villains alike—exchange banter, taunts, and dramatic cutscenes before the action begins. Although die-hard fans will appreciate the callbacks and in-jokes, newcomers may find the story thin and episodic, with only brief interludes between battles to advance the narrative.

Dialogue scenes are presented in text boxes accompanied by character portraits, offering just enough context to explain why Kabuki is squaring off with Ziria or why Mantou is stirring up trouble. While the script occasionally winks at series lore, it never feels indispensable to enjoy the fighting mechanics. In essence, the story delivers fan service and a sense of continuity for veteran players, but it avoids overshadowing the core competitive experience.

Overall Experience

Tengai Makyō: Dennō Karakuri Kakutōden shines as a distinctive entry in the mid-’90s fighting genre, particularly for players who appreciate the marriage of gameplay and animation. The pacing is brisk, the matches are satisfying, and the character roster offers enough variety to keep you experimenting with different styles. While it lacks the combo depth of dedicated arcade fighters, its cinematic approach compensates with memorable visual flair.

Multiplayer bouts against friends are the highlight, transforming living rooms into impromptu anime screenings with each decisive blow. For solo players, the quest to thwart Yomi’s return provides a structured path through escalating challenges, punctuated by unlockable artwork and portraits. Occasional technical hiccups—such as brief frame drops during complex animations—are a minor trade-off for the spectacle on display.

Whether you’re a Tengai Makyō enthusiast or a newcomer seeking an alternative to conventional fighters, Dennō Karakuri Kakutōden delivers an engaging, character-driven experience. Its blend of animated combat, colorful presentation, and familiar heroes creates a charming package that remains worth exploring, especially for those curious about the evolution of anime-inspired games. Fans of Battle Heat’s system will feel instantly at home, and everyone else can enjoy a refreshing spin on one-on-one duels.

Retro Replay Score

null/10