Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

InuYasha: A Feudal Fairy Tale delivers a classic 2D fighting experience that will immediately resonate with fans of the anime. Matches are fast-paced, with each character wielding their signature weapons and special techniques drawn directly from the series. Basic combos are easy to pick up, allowing newcomers to string together attacks without a steep learning curve, while dedicated players can delve deeper into advanced move sets and timing-based cancels for extra damage.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The game offers multiple modes to keep you engaged: a story mode that retells key arcs of the series, one-on-one duels against computer or human opponents, and team battles where you can assemble squads of two or three fighters. As you progress, unlocking new characters and additional play modes provides a steady sense of reward. Hidden fighters, alternate costumes, and extra difficulty levels ensure that there’s always something new waiting once you finish the main storyline.

In terms of balance, the roster remains fairly well matched, though a few of the unlockable characters boast overpowering special moves that can dominate casual matches. The AI difficulty curve is generous, starting off accommodating for beginners and steadily ramping up to challenge seasoned players. Overall, the gameplay loop—which includes unlocking rewards, mastering character matchups, and revisiting modes in pursuit of perfect win streaks—keeps the experience addictive and replayable.

Graphics

The visual presentation stays remarkably true to the original InuYasha anime, featuring hand-drawn sprites that capture the look and personality of each character. Battle stages are richly detailed, from mossy temple grounds to misty forest clearings, transporting players into feudal Japan with vibrant color palettes and atmospheric effects.

Special attack animations stand out as one of the game’s best assets. When characters unleash their ultimate moves—such as InuYasha’s “Wind Scar” or Sesshōmaru’s “Dragon Strike”—the game switches to full-screen animated cut scenes that mirror the anime’s style. These sequences are fluid, well-choreographed, and retain the show’s original voice clips where available, delivering a genuine sense of spectacle.

While the character animations are smooth and expressive, some of the non-combat cut scenes rely on static artwork rather than full animation. Though these stills are beautifully illustrated and convey emotion effectively, players who expect constant motion may find the transitions a bit jarring. Frame rate remains steady during standard fights, but you might notice minor slowdown during the most elaborate onscreen effects on older hardware.

Story

The story mode follows Kagome’s journey from modern-day Tokyo to feudal Japan almost beat for beat, introducing major plot points like the shattering of the Sacred Jewel and the formation of Team InuYasha. Each chapter covers a key arc, from the initial meeting through battles with Naraku’s minions and the gradual gathering of allies such as Miroku, Sango, and Shippo.

Cut scenes blend in-engine gameplay transitions with fully animated special moves, ensuring that major dramatic moments feel impactful. Dialogue is presented in text boxes, accompanied by character portraits that capture shifts in emotion. Although voice acting is limited to battle grunts and attack calls, it’s sufficient to bring characters to life without overstaying its welcome.

For those unfamiliar with the series, the game provides brief summaries before each new chapter, making it easier to follow the plot even if you haven’t watched the show. Dedicated fans will appreciate the faithful adaptation of iconic battles, while newcomers will find a straightforward narrative that emphasizes teamwork, courage, and the quest to reclaim the scattered jewel shards.

Overall Experience

InuYasha: A Feudal Fairy Tale succeeds as a fan-service fighting game that balances accessibility with adequate depth. The combination of story-driven progression and varied match types ensures that both solo players and competitive fighters have reasons to return. Collecting unlockables and mastering each character’s arsenal offers enduring replay value.

Although the reliance on static artwork in certain cut scenes and occasional performance dips during graphically intensive moments are slight drawbacks, they do little to detract from the core enjoyment. If you’re seeking an anime-faithful 2D brawler with a generous roster, cinematic special moves, and a compelling narrative backbone, this title delivers on most fronts.

Whether you’re a long-time InuYasha devotee or simply in search of a solid 2D fighter with charming visuals and fan-favorite characters, InuYasha: A Feudal Fairy Tale stands as an engaging package. Prepare for spirited matchups, nostalgic story beats, and the thrill of watching your favorite half-demon leap into action once more.

Retro Replay Score

null/10