Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Rurouni Kenshin: Enjō! Kyoto Rinne delivers a hybrid experience that blends arcade-style fighting with light adventure elements. Players navigate Kenshin Himura, Sanosuke Sagara, or Hajime Saito across iconic locations from the Shishio saga, tackling waves of enemies in close-quarters brawls. The combat system is intuitive, centered on chaining standard attacks into satisfying combos, then unleashing powerful special moves that trigger brief, stylized cutscenes. This gives each clash a cinematic flair without interrupting the pace of the action.

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In History Mode, which serves as the single-player campaign, progression is tied to a simple RPG-like upgrade tree. After each skirmish, you earn points to boost attributes such as attack strength, defense, and movement speed. This incremental growth adds a layer of customization and encourages replaying earlier stages with different builds. While only three characters are initially available, completing the saga unlocks a hidden combatant, providing further incentive for completionists.

Though four distinct game modes exist—History, Vs. CPU, Versus two-player, and Training—the primary focus remains the History arc, especially in the early hours. The Vs. and Versus modes spotlight one-on-one duels with a roster of unlockable fighters, offering local competitive fun but no online play. Training mode is a welcome addition for newcomers, allowing extended practice of combos and special attacks without pressure. Across modes, the controls remain responsive, and the camera does a solid job framing larger skirmishes, though it may occasionally struggle in tight quarters.

Enemy variety is handled well, shifting from generic foot soldiers to unique minibosses and principal antagonists like Shishio Makoto himself. Each foe requires different tactics—some demand aggressive rushes, others promote defensive counterattacks—keeping encounters fresh. Health pickups and occasional weapon drops scattered in the environment encourage exploration during the brief adventure segments. Combined with the RPG upgrades, the gameplay loop feels engaging, even if it never strays too far from classic beat ’em up conventions.

Graphics

Visually, Rurouni Kenshin: Enjō! Kyoto Rinne captures the anime’s 19th-century Meiji aesthetic with vibrant color palettes and traditional Japanese architecture. Battle arenas range from bustling Kyoto streets to torch-lit hideouts, each rendered in rich hues that evoke period drama. Character models bear a strong resemblance to their animated counterparts, complete with Kenshin’s fiery red hair and Shishio’s bandaged visage. Although the polygon counts are modest by modern standards, the cel-shading effect keeps the presentation faithful and engaging.

Special attacks trigger short, pre-rendered animations that bring iconic sword techniques to life. These sequences, while reused at times, convey the weight and speed of each strike, reinforcing that arcade feel. Background elements—such as fluttering cherry blossoms or drifting smoke—add ambiance without overwhelming the action. The game runs smoothly on original hardware, maintaining steady frame rates even when multiple adversaries swarm the screen.

Cutscenes that advance the storyline employ 2D artwork in the anime’s signature style, complete with expressive character portraits and dynamic panel transitions. Dialogue boxes are clean and legible, with occasional Japanese voice clips lending authenticity—subtitled in English for clarity. Minor visual hiccups can occur during rapid camera shifts in combat, but these moments are rare and do little to detract from the overall presentation.

Customization is limited to character upgrades rather than cosmetic changes, so you won’t find alternate costumes or color palettes. However, weapon glow effects and hit sparks are satisfyingly vivid, making every strike feel impactful. Environmental hazards—like loose barrels or small fires—are visually distinct, alerting players to potential hazards or strategic opportunities. In balance, the graphics serve the gameplay and fan service admirably, even if they don’t push hardware boundaries.

Story

The narrative focuses on the pivotal Shishio Makoto arc, charting the Meiji government’s uneasy transition from feudal Japan. Fans of the anime will recognize key plot beats: Shishio’s twisted philosophy, his rise to power, and the emotional turmoil Kenshin faces as he confronts his former disciple. By incorporating episodes 28–62 of the series, the game delivers a coherent storyline that unfolds through cutscenes interspersed between battle sequences. Whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime fan, the pacing keeps tension high, with each chapter ending on a dramatic cliffhanger.

One of the game’s strengths is its branching character perspectives. Playing as Kenshin emphasizes redemption and moral conflict; Sanosuke’s path highlights raw strength and unwavering loyalty; Saito’s route explores duty and justice. Each character’s arc presents unique dialogues and minor detours, although the core events remain consistent. This approach boosts replay value, encouraging players to tackle the campaign multiple times to witness all facets of the Shishio saga.

Localization is handled competently, preserving the period tone without lapsing into awkward translation. NPCs you meet along the way contribute brief, color-driven anecdotes that flesh out the world—villagers seeking protection, subordinates doubting Shishio’s cause, and government agents offering cryptic hints. While these interludes are fine-tuned for gameplay rather than deep narrative exploration, they do enrich the backdrop and ground the combat in context.

Despite its arcade emphasis, the story mode offers enough dramatic setpieces—betrayals, moral dilemmas, and epic duels—to feel like an interactive anime episode. Key battles against Shishio’s top lieutenants are staged with theatrical flair, each culminating in a dramatic one-on-one showdown. Though the narrative does not introduce original twists beyond the source material, its faithful adaptation and character-driven retellings make it compelling for both hardcore Kenshin enthusiasts and general action fans.

Overall Experience

Rurouni Kenshin: Enjō! Kyoto Rinne stands out as a solid beat ’em up with anime-inspired flair. Its core gameplay loop of battling diverse enemy types, upgrading abilities, and unlocking secret fighters provides satisfying depth without overwhelming newcomers. The focus on the Shishio arc ensures a tight, dramatic storyline that resonates with fans, while the RPG-lite progression keeps each playthrough rewarding. Even seasoned brawlers will appreciate the balance between accessible controls and nuanced combat options.

Though the graphics reflect the platform’s limitations, they effectively channel the anime’s spirit through expressive character models and crisp cutscenes. The absence of online multiplayer caps its competitive potential, but local versus mode still lends itself to lively couch co-op sessions. Replayability is further bolstered by three distinct campaign routes and the quest to unlock hidden characters, making the investment of time feel worthwhile.

Minor drawbacks include occasional camera challenges during crowded fights and a lack of deeper customization beyond stat upgrades. However, these issues are overshadowed by the game’s overall polish and fan-centric presentation. Whether you’re drawn by Kenshin’s swift swordplay, Sanosuke’s raw power, or Saito’s precise strikes, each character delivers a unique flavor that calls back to the beloved anime.

In the end, Rurouni Kenshin: Enjō! Kyoto Rinne is a passionate homage to a classic series, wrapped in an addictive beat ’em up package. It rewards players who relish fast-paced combat, character progression, and the chance to relive one of the franchise’s darkest chapters. For fans of samurai action and arcade fighters alike, this title offers a memorable journey through Meiji-era turmoil and sword-wielding showdowns.

Retro Replay Score

null/10