Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The “Bakumatsu Roman Gekka no Kenshi 1･2” compilation brings together the deep, weapon-based combat systems of both Last Blade titles in a polished package. Each fighter wields a unique weapon – from katanas and polearms to kunai and naginata – making matchups feel distinct and strategic. The core mechanics revolve around slashing, parrying, and footwork, rewarding precise timing and spacing more than button-mashing, which will please fans of technical, cerebral fighting games.

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One of the defining features is the dual power gauge system. Players can choose between different styles—Speed Mode for faster meter gain and enhanced mobility, or Power Mode for stronger individual strikes and multi-hit supers. This choice drastically alters character matchups and opens up a variety of playstyles, from hit-and-run zoning with rapid combos to slow, punishing setups with devastating single hits. It keeps the experience fresh, especially when you mix characters from both Last Blade 1 and 2 into casual or ranked online matches.

Beyond the classic arcade-style arcade mode, the port adds online lobbies, matchmaking, and replay sharing, letting you test your skills against a global community. Local multiplayer remains rock-solid as well, making this a strong package for both home gatherings and online tournaments. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer drawn in by the elegant animations and Japanese-period setting, the gameplay loop offers depth, balance, and replayability that few 2D fighters can match.

Graphics

Visually, the games retain the exquisite hand-drawn sprites and lush backgrounds that defined the original NEOGEO releases. Characters move with fluidity and grace, their weapons glinting in the moonlight as cherry blossoms drift across your screen. Special moves are highlighted with dramatic flashes and stylized effects, immersing players in a world where ancient gods and samurai clash in cinematic duels.

Textures and color palettes have been carefully preserved, allowing the original pixel art to shine on modern displays without appearing fuzzy or stretched. Backgrounds range from foggy temple courtyards and snow-covered villages to ominous caves and ornate shrines, offering visual variety between bouts. Animations for parries, counters, and supers feel weighty—each slash lands with satisfying impact, reinforcing the tactile nature of the weapon-based combat.

The bonus galleries included in the compilation showcase high-resolution artwork, character sketches, and lore illustrations, providing a welcome break from the action. Exploring concept art gives insight into each fighter’s design, from the stoic ronin to the ethereal goddess incarnate. These extras not only serve as collectibles but also deepen appreciation for the art direction that makes The Last Blade series stand out in SNK’s catalog.

Story

Set during Japan’s Bakumatsu Roman period—a time of social upheaval and the fall of the shogunate—Last Blade weaves myth and history into its narrative. The first game introduces the premise: an angry earth god known as Orochi threatens humanity by cracking open the gates of hell. To stop the apocalypse, rival gods and warriors descend into mortal forms and face off in duels to suppress the cataclysmic power.

Last Blade 2 picks up years later, reuniting familiar heroes and villains as a new faction seeks to reopen the hellish seal. Character arcs gain resolution, secrets are unveiled, and relationships between fighters deepen. The story mode, told through character-specific endings and evocative cutscenes, serves less as a driving force for match-to-match action and more as a flavorful backdrop, enriching each duel with personal stakes.

While the narrative isn’t as text-heavy as some modern fighting games, it strikes a balance between brevity and thematic resonance. The samurai code, supernatural elements, and tragic backstories lend weight to each confrontation, even if you’re only dipping in for the combat. For those interested in the lore, the included art galleries and character bios round out the world-building, making this compilation a true celebration of SNK’s mythic vision.

Overall Experience

“Bakumatsu Roman Gekka no Kenshi 1･2” is both a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and a compelling entry point for newcomers to the Last Blade series. The refined fighting system, pristine pixel art, and haunting soundtrack blend to create an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you’re pulling off intricate roman cancels or simply savoring the clash of steel, there’s a timeless quality to the gameplay that transcends the era in which it was first released.

The addition of online play breathes new life into these classic fighters, though netcode performance may vary depending on region and connection. Casual lobbies fill quickly, and dedicated servers help reduce lag, ensuring that ranked bouts remain as fair and responsive as possible. Local versus mode, meanwhile, keeps the couch-competitive spirit alive, perfect for tournament nights or friendly rivalries.

With bonus features like art galleries, music players, and even concept storyboards, this compilation feels more like a deluxe anthology than a simple port. It succeeds in preserving the soul of the original NEOGEO installments while offering modern conveniences. For collectors, genre enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a refined weapon-based fighter, “Bakumatsu Roman Gekka no Kenshi 1･2” stands as one of SNK’s finest offerings—an elegant dance of steel and spirit that remains as striking today as it was decades ago.

Retro Replay Score

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