Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Shin Gōketsuji Ichizoku: Bonnō no Kaihō builds upon the tight, combo-driven foundation of its predecessor, Matrimelee, by offering a roster that’s both familiar and fresh. The core one-on-one fighting system remains intuitive: players string together light, medium, and heavy attacks to create fluid combos, culminating in powerful super moves that can turn the tide of battle in a single blow. Controls are responsive, with the classic four-button layout enhanced by a dedicated “Special” button that allows access to character-specific techniques and devastating chain attacks.

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One of the standout additions in this PS2 re-release is the new “Mission Mode,” which tasks you with accomplishing unique objectives—such as landing a certain combo, surviving with low health, or defeating an opponent within a time limit. This mode not only extends the game’s longevity but also serves as an excellent tutorial for mastering advanced mechanics. Unlockable rewards, including bonus artworks and hidden characters, provide strong incentives to revisit missions and refine your skills.

Online multiplayer (Japan only) further heightens the competitive spirit, although its regional restriction means that many Western players will be limited to local matches or single-player content. When available, however, the netcode performs admirably, offering smooth, lag-resistant bouts that capture the castle-tournament atmosphere of the Gōketsuji clan. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer, the pick-up-and-play nature combined with hidden depths ensures every fight feels both accessible and challenging.

Graphics

The visual upgrade in Bonnō no Kaihō is immediately apparent on the PS2 hardware: character sprites have been redrawn with sharper outlines and more vibrant color palettes, bringing each fighter’s distinct personality to life. Background stages retain their quirky, anime-inspired charm—castle battlements, moonlit rooftops, and exotic dojo interiors are all rendered with crisp detail and animated flourishes that react dynamically during combat.

Special moves and super attacks are accompanied by flashy visual effects, including dynamic camera zooms and screen-shaking bursts of energy. These cinematic touches make finishing moves feel suitably epic, though they occasionally obscure the fighters themselves in a flurry of particles. Nonetheless, this stylistic choice lends the game a dramatic flair that few contemporary 2D fighters can match.

Character design remains a highlight throughout, showcasing a diverse cast from around the world, each with their own distinctive costumes and fighting styles. The re-release adds several new combatants whose art direction seamlessly blends with the existing roster. Though the game leans heavily on 2D sprites, the animation frames are smooth and fluid, ensuring that every punch, kick, and throw carries the weight and impact it deserves.

Story

The narrative premise in Shin Gōketsuji Ichizoku: Bonnō no Kaihō is delightfully straightforward: another year, another grand tournament to determine the ruler of the Gōketsuji clan. This simple setup serves as a perfect backdrop for one-on-one clashes, with each family’s fiercest warriors converging to fight for supremacy. While the story mode itself doesn’t unfold through extensive cutscenes, brief character introductions and victory quotes inject personality into the proceedings.

Each fighter’s personal motivation—be it honor, vengeance, or the desire to uphold family tradition—is sketched out in concise pre-fight text, giving context to the high-octane battles. These mini-narratives help to humanize the eclectic roster, turning each matchup into more than just another fight on the scoreboard. For those seeking deeper lore, the mission mode challenges occasionally hint at hidden rivalries and alliances, rewarding fans who pay close attention.

Though the emphasis is squarely on arcade-style action rather than a sprawling story campaign, Bonnō no Kaihō strikes a satisfying balance. It offers just enough narrative flavor to make each victory meaningful, while ensuring that the pace never slows down. If you’re looking for a plot that unfolds over hours, you might feel underserved, but as a framework for a competitive fighting tournament, it hits all the right beats.

Overall Experience

Shin Gōketsuji Ichizoku: Bonnō no Kaihō stands out as a robust re-release that honors its arcade roots while introducing modern enhancements. Mission Mode and the expanded roster inject fresh life into the familiar fighting mechanics, giving both solo players and competitive enthusiasts ample reasons to dive in. Even without universal online support, local multiplayer matchups can deliver hours of spirited rivalry.

Visually, the game presents a colorful, energetic world that never grows stale, and the smooth animations ensure the action remains readable even during the most frantic exchanges. The subtle narrative touches lend purpose to each bout without bogging down the core gameplay loop, making every victory feel earned and every defeat a lesson in mastery.

For fans of classic 2D fighters or anyone curious about the Gōketsuji clan’s storied tournaments, Bonnō no Kaihō offers a polished, content-rich package. Its blend of responsive controls, varied modes, and vibrant presentation make it a compelling addition to any fighting game library—particularly on the PS2, where it marks one of the console’s more underappreciated gems.

Retro Replay Score

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