Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Makeruna! Makendō 2 delivers a fast-paced VS fighting experience built around its signature Makendo meter system. Each bout is a best two-out-of-three clash where you juggle your life bar against a secondary Makendo gauge that fuels flashy special moves. Balancing regular attacks with energy-consuming techniques keeps matches dynamic, as you’ll often feel torn between safe pokes and riskier bursts that can turn the tide in a matter of seconds.

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The rosters spans an eclectic mix of fighters, from a nimble soccer player and a shambling zombie to a musclebound merman and a towering giant robot. Each character boasts unique animations and move sets, ensuring you never tire of experimenting with different playstyles. Mastering combos and learning how to chain normal strikes into Makendo-fueled supers is central to climbing the difficulty curve.

Story mode adds structure to the action, placing 14-year-old Hikari Tsurugino—the “second Mighty Makendo”—into a ghostly tournament organized by the nefarious Ghost Prime Minister. You’ll battle all sorts of weird apparitions before encountering familiar faces from the original Kendo Rage, such as Mai Tsurugino. Beyond the solo campaign, the two-player versus mode shines by letting you go head-to-head with friends, turning every match into a chance to refine your strategy or unleash friendly rivalries.

Graphics

The visual presentation in Makeruna! Makendō 2 embraces a colorful, cartoonish pixel-art style that pops on screen. Characters are drawn with bold outlines and exaggerated proportions, giving each fighter a distinct silhouette that’s easy to spot even in the heat of combat. Background stages range from creepy haunted halls to vibrant practice gyms, each brimming with small details like flickering torches or bouncing spectators.

Special attacks are accompanied by eye-catching effects—flashing aura bursts, spinning hitboxes, and oversized projectiles all look crisp and readable. The game’s frame rate remains steady during most exchanges, ensuring input responsiveness when you need to block or counter at a moment’s notice. Animations are fluid enough to convey weight and impact, with every punch or energy blast carrying satisfying visual feedback.

Menus and HUD elements adopt a playful, comic-book flair. Life bars and Makendo meters are clearly color-coded, so you can always track your resource management at a glance. Character portraits displayed during story segments capture each fighter’s personality, while the occasional cut-in art adds charm to boss encounters. Overall, the graphical package strikes a fine balance between retro nostalgia and lively design.

Story

At its core, Makeruna! Makendō 2 weaves a whimsical tale of good versus ghostly evil. When the Ghost Prime Minister issues a challenge to test the world’s mightiest warriors, Hikari Tsurugino steps up as the new Mighty Makendo. Though only 14 years old, her determination and inherited Makendo power drive her through one absurdly fun fight after another.

The narrative unfolds through brief but amusing cutscenes between matches. You’ll meet an array of opponents—everything from clumsy poltergeists to spectral athletes—each sporting their own backstory one-liner. Returning characters like Mai Tsurugino, Hikari’s sister and original Makendo hero, appear to lend advice or offer cameo support, creating a warm thread that links back to the first game in the series.

While the story mode isn’t a deep role-playing experience, it provides enough context to motivate each battle. Every level feels like part of a wacky, world-spanning tournament where the stakes are high yet the tone remains lighthearted. Dialogue is occasionally cheesy, but that only adds to the game’s charm, making you eager to see who you’ll fight next and what comedic twist awaits.

Overall Experience

Makeruna! Makendō 2 stands out as a quirky, retro-styled fighting game that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Its varied character roster and straightforward mechanics make it accessible for newcomers, while the energy-based Makendo system rewards deeper experimentation for more seasoned players. Whether you’re grinding through story mode or duking it out with a friend, the learning curve is gentle yet engaging.

Replay value is high thanks to the diverse cast and multiple modes. Unlocking all characters and discovering every special move keeps you coming back, and the two-player versus matches inject a social spark that’s perfect for casual tournaments among friends. Speedy load times and intuitive controls mean you’ll spend more time fighting than navigating menus.

If you’re a fan of retro-fueled brawlers with a healthy dose of humor, Makeruna! Makendō 2 is a delightful pick. Its vibrant pixel art, catchy sound effects, and light-hearted narrative combine into an experience that’s equal parts charming and challenging. For anyone seeking a unique twist on the classic VS fighting formula, Hikari’s ghost-busting tournament is well worth entering.

Retro Replay Score

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