Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Shodai: Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun stays true to its beat ’em up roots while integrating an RPG-style progression system that adds depth to each brawl. Players guide Kunio or Riki through side-scrolling stages, unleashing basic punches and kicks before chaining together acquired special moves. Collectible items scattered throughout levels unlock devastating techniques, giving combat a rewarding sense of discovery.

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Experience points reward every defeated foe, and upon leveling up, you can allocate stats such as strength, defense, and speed. This role-playing layer encourages experimentation: do you bolster Kunio’s attack to clear waves faster, or invest in defense to weather enemy onslaughts? The balance of planning and button-mashing keeps each playthrough fresh.

Unlike traditional continuous scrolls, battles in Shodai: NKKK are structured into distinct waves. You must defeat every hostile—and sometimes neutral—combatant before proceeding. This wave-based format injects tactical variety: friendly NPCs might join your side, while policemen and rival gangs can turn on you if you’re reckless. Adapting to shifting alliances and crowded skirmishes is key to survival.

Branching plot points further diversify gameplay. Decisions at certain junctures direct you down alternative routes, unlocking unique boss encounters and even completely different endings. This nonlinearity greatly boosts replay value, as each choice reshapes both your combat challenges and the story’s ultimate outcome.

Graphics

As the series’ first next-gen outing on the 16-bit SNES, Shodai: NKKK boasts a complete graphical overhaul. Character sprites adopt more realistic proportions compared to the original arcade originals, allowing finer facial expressions and more fluid animations. Kunio’s trademark white jacket billows convincingly as he lunges into a tackle, and Riki’s hefty frame carries genuine weight during heavy attacks.

Backgrounds capture the neon-lit streets and narrow alleys of Osaka in vibrant detail. Shop signs scroll by overhead, and dynamic foreground elements—such as trash cans that shatter or parked cars that can be overturned—lend environments an interactive, lived-in feel. Occasional parallax layers add depth, transporting you from schoolyards to back-street warehouses without losing visual clarity.

Enemy designs range from classic hoodlum fare to more imposing Yakuzas, each distinguished by unique color palettes and animation sets. Boss characters tower over standard thugs, their elaborate idle poses warning of the tough fight ahead. Even minor foes exhibit personality—some attempt taunting gestures, while others hesitate before charging, creating a rich tapestry of street-level dangers.

Story

The narrative picks up as the Nekketsu High gang embarks on a field trip to Osaka, ostensibly to experience the city’s culture. It isn’t long, however, before rebel student Kunio and his loyal friend Riki stumble into a turf war with local Yakuzas. What begins as a simple sightseeing excursion quickly spirals into a gritty battle for survival.

Dialogue exchanges are punchy and well-paced, often featuring Kunio’s trademark one-liners and Riki’s boisterous encouragements. Cutscenes blend sprite-based portraits with text boxes, conveying enough humor and tension to keep you invested without slowing down the action. Side characters—like the overzealous policeman who alternately helps or hinders you—add unexpected twists to the plot.

Key decisions during pivotal encounters branch the storyline into distinct paths. Choosing whether to protect a neutral NPC or ignore them can determine if you face a special mini-boss or gain a rare item. These choices lead to multiple endings, encouraging players to re-explore levels and uncover secrets that shed new light on Kunio’s motives and Osaka’s underworld hierarchy.

Overall Experience

Shodai: Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun expertly balances nostalgic brawling action with modern RPG mechanics, making it accessible to series veterans and newcomers alike. The wave-based encounters inject tactical flair, while the branching narrative ensures no two playthroughs feel identical. A robust leveling system and collectible moves keep progression engaging from start to finish.

On the technical side, the SNES handles the on-screen chaos admirably, though occasional slowdown can occur when too many fighters clash in cramped spaces. Sound and music deserve praise: an energetic chiptune soundtrack pounds in time with your punches, while impactful sound effects underscore every hit and special move, reinforcing the arcade-style excitement.

Replayability is one of Shodai: NKKK’s strongest suits. Multiple endings, alternate routes, and optional bosses beckon players to dive back in, seeking unseen challenges and hidden techniques. Whether you’re drawn by the nostalgic pedigree of the Kunio-kun series or intrigued by its next-gen enhancements, this Osaka adventure delivers a satisfying, adrenaline-fueled ride from first street fight to final showdown.

Retro Replay Score

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