Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Devil Kings delivers a fast-paced, arcade-style hack-and-slash experience that will appeal to fans of the Dynasty Warriors series while carving out its own distinct identity. Players wade through hordes of enemies with a streamlined combo system, chaining light and heavy attacks to maintain an unrelenting onslaught. The introduction of modern firearms—such as chain guns and shotguns—alongside traditional swords, spears, and axes gives combat an unpredictable edge, allowing for sudden shifts in strategy when the battlefield grows crowded.

Magic also plays a central role in Devil Kings’ gameplay loop. Each character can unleash devastating spells to clear out clusters of foes, turning the tide of battle in moments of desperation. The “primer” mechanic, borrowed and reimagined from the Japanese version, adds another strategic layer: using a primer attack makes enemies more vulnerable, setting them up for follow-up onslaughts or spectacular finishing moves. Timing these attacks effectively can mean the difference between victory and defeat in higher difficulty settings.

With twelve playable warriors, each boasting unique weapons, spell sets, and movement styles, Devil Kings encourages experimentation. The Conquest mode guides players through the game’s central narrative, unlocking stages, characters, and cutscenes as you progress. Free Mode then grants access to any completed level, perfect for grinding out upgrades, hunting high scores, or simply retrying favorite battles with a different champion. This dual-mode structure ensures that both story-driven and completionist players will find plenty of replay value.

Graphics

Visually, Devil Kings embraces a bold, stylized aesthetic that diverges from the more realistic veneer of its Koei counterpart. The game’s art direction leans into vibrant color palettes and exaggerated proportions, giving each character a cartoonish flair that highlights their larger-than-life personalities. Whether you’re running through mist-shrouded forests or storm-lashed fortresses, every environment feels distinct, with ornate gates, crumbling towers, and eerie ghost ships showcasing the game’s fantasy twist on feudal Japan.

Cutscenes, rendered in a mix of CG and anime-inspired illustrations, punctuate each character’s journey with dramatic flair. These sequences not only flesh out backstories and motivations but also serve as rewards for completing key missions. Despite the mid-2000s hardware limitations of the PlayStation 2 era, the animation remains surprisingly fluid, with exaggerated camera angles and dynamic framing enhancing the sense of scale when armies clash.

On the battlefield itself, special effects shine bright. Magic spells burst with vivid elemental visuals, explosions from modern weaponry light up night skies, and the primer attack’s glow effect telegraphs enemy vulnerability in a satisfying way. Occasional frame-rate dips during the most chaotic encounters can occur, but they rarely detract from the spectacle of cutting down dozens of foes in a single screen-clearing move.

Story

At the heart of Devil Kings lies a dark, fantastical tale set against a backdrop of feudal-era kingdoms. The titular Devil King—a monarch possessed by an ancient demonic soul—has unleashed an unholy army to conquer the realm. As one of the twelve heroes, you embark on a perilous quest to quell this infernal threat, facing legions of nightmarish minions and twisted generals along the way.

Each villain you encounter is as memorable as the bosses in any action RPG. Lady Butterfly, with her deadly dance of crimson petals; the towering Red Minotaur, whose brute strength can shatter battlements; and the cunning assassins Scorpio and Venus, who strike from the shadows—these confrontations unfold in tense set-piece battles that test your mastery of the combo and primer systems. Their larger-than-life designs and thematic arenas make each showdown feel unique and cinematic.

Since Devil Kings is a localized version of Sengoku Basara, the narrative departs from historical accuracy, embracing a mythic, high-fantasy approach. Character names, settings, and lore were all reimagined to fit this new universe, resulting in a story that stands apart from its Japanese counterpart. While purists of samurai epics may miss the historical references, those seeking a more fantastical adventure will find the game’s world rich with supernatural intrigue and dramatic twists.

Overall Experience

Devil Kings stands out as an accessible yet deep action game that balances chaotic mass battles with moments of strategic decision-making. Newcomers will appreciate the straightforward controls and overwhelming sense of power, while veteran hack-and-slash aficionados will find challenge in mastering the primer system and tackling higher difficulties. The dual-mode structure—story-driven Conquest and free-form Free Mode—ensures the title remains engaging long after the credits roll.

The game’s distinctive visual style and imaginative reinterpretation of feudal Japan into a fantasy realm offer a refreshing change of pace from more historically grounded titles. While hardware limitations occasionally show through in the form of frame-rate dips, the overall presentation remains bold and captivating. The heroic score and atmospheric sound effects further heighten the tension of each battlefield, making every clash feel epic.

For players seeking a vibrant hack-and-slash adventure with a unique twist on the genre, Devil Kings delivers plenty of thrills. Its blend of modern weaponry, magic spells, and fantastical storytelling sets it apart from contemporaries, making each playthrough an adrenaline-pumping journey. Whether you’re drawn in by its stylized graphics, varied character roster, or the lure of defeating a demonic usurper, Devil Kings offers a memorable ride from start to finish.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10