Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Toshinden 4 brings the series back to its roots by refining the classic one-on-one weapon-based combat that fans loved in the first two installments. The combat system now allows for dynamic combinations of light and heavy attacks, where each attack type—high, low, or aerial—can be used only once per combo sequence. This restraint encourages thoughtful planning over button-mashing, giving matches a satisfying depth that both newcomers and veterans can appreciate.

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The overdrive mechanic has been overhauled to introduce multiple special meter segments. Each character now wields at least two distinct overdrive attacks, consuming one meter block per use. Saving all three blocks enables the devastating Kishin Kourin mode, which dramatically boosts offensive power at the expense of a sliver of health. This risk-versus-reward dynamic adds a thrilling layer of resource management to every battle.

Combat is further enriched by a simple yet effective parry system. Players can repel incoming weapon strikes with a timely block or execute a special counterattack that consumes an overdrive block. This encourages aggressive mind games as fighters bait opponents into overextending, only to be met with a swift counter. The addition of multiple arena types—standard, edge-less, and collapsing—keeps each match fresh, with hazards that force quick thinking and constantly shifting strategies.

Beyond the main fighting mode, Toshinden 4 offers a wealth of extras to diversify play sessions. Seven themed mini-games, including breakout, air hockey, and a dance-off challenge, unlock over time and provide a playful break from intense duels. For dedicated completionists, a comprehensive database mode features character bios, sound bites, music tracks, and concept art, ensuring there’s always a new milestone to pursue.

Comprehensive competitive features round out the package. Classic arcade, versus, time attack, and survival modes are all present, alongside online leaderboards that track high scores across various challenges. Whether you’re chasing perfect combos or just looking for some casual fun, Toshinden 4 delivers hours of varied gameplay wrapped in its signature weapon-clashing flair.

Graphics

Graphically, Toshinden 4 opts for speed and fluidity over hyper-detailed textures. Character models move with a smoothness that belies their simplified polygons, resulting in fast-paced action that rarely dips below a solid frame rate. While this approach may make backgrounds and character faces appear a bit flat, it ensures that fights remain crisp and responsive—an essential trait for any competitive fighter.

The arenas themselves are cleverly designed to complement the new gameplay systems. Collapsing platforms feature subtle visual cues—cracks forming on the surface—so players can anticipate and adapt to sudden changes in stage layout. Edge-less arenas offer clean vistas that highlight character animations, while traditional rings bring back the satisfying ring-out KOs classic to the series.

Special attacks and overdrive moves come with dramatic camera flourishes, colorful particle effects, and brief slow-motion sequences that underscore their impact. Although these flourishes can sometimes obscure on-screen action, they impart a cinematic quality that makes landing a high-level combo feel genuinely rewarding. Overall, the visuals strike a solid balance between style and performance, favoring instantaneous feedback over static detail.

Story

Set sometime after the events of Toshinden 3, Toshinden 4 continues the saga with a largely new roster. Only three fighters return from previous games—and even they have visibly aged, reflecting the passage of time in the series’ universe. While their presence serves as an anchor for long-time fans, the narrative focus lies on the 13 new combatants who each bring their own motivations and ambitions to the world tournament.

Though few of the old guard are named outright, Toshinden 4 drops plentiful hints and references in dialogue and bios. For instance, one character recounts training under a renowned French nobleman to hone his swordsmanship, while another credits a mysterious spear-wielder for a moment of life-changing inspiration. These nods reward players familiar with the lore, yet remain accessible enough that newcomers can enjoy the backstories without feeling lost.

The single-player story mode unfolds across a series of character-specific arcs, each culminating in a showdown that reveals key plot developments. While the writing doesn’t break new ground, it keeps the pacing brisk and gives each fighter a clear reason to step into the ring. Between bouts, unlockable gallery entries and sound bites flesh out the world further, delivering a satisfying sense of progression as you explore every character’s place in the tournament.

Overall Experience

Toshinden 4 successfully marries nostalgia with modern polish, delivering a package that will please series veterans and intrigue newcomers alike. The stripped-down character roster may disappoint fans expecting familiar faces, but the fresh lineup is brimming with personality and diverse fighting styles that quickly win you over. Coupled with deep combo systems and tactical overdrive management, the game’s core combat is both accessible and strategically rich.

Extra modes and unlockables add tremendous replay value. The mini-games provide a delightful diversion between serious matches, and the database gallery rewards completionists with a treasure trove of art and audio content. Online leaderboards and multiple challenge modes ensure that there’s always a new skill to master or high score to chase—extending the game’s lifespan far beyond its story mode.

While Toshinden 4 may lack the visual fidelity of some contemporaries, its lightning-fast gameplay, inventive arena hazards, and robust feature set make it a standout fighter on its own merits. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of old-school weapon combat or the allure of a fresh cast, Toshinden 4 delivers a well-rounded experience that feels both familiar and boldly reinvigorated. For anyone seeking a solid 3D weapon-based brawler with ample replayability, this tournament is one worth entering.

Retro Replay Score

5.9/10