Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Guren Tensho: Rasetsu builds upon the non-RPG structure established in its predecessor, Guren Tensho: Shura, offering a rhythm that blends visual novel–style exposition with strategic grid-based exploration. Players spend a significant portion of their time reading or listening to well-acted dialogue, guiding Lee Rekka and his all-female Guren squad through the political turmoil of feudal Japan. The transitions between story beats are seamless: once a conversation concludes, the game automatically moves you to the next location, keeping the pace steady without manual navigation.

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Where Rasetsu truly distinguishes itself is in its dungeon mode. Rather than simply triggering battles through menus, you roll a six-sided die and advance across a top-down, grid-based map. Each die result propels your character a different number of spaces, uncovering poison traps, treasure chests, or puzzle fragments that piece together beautiful anime-style cards of the Guren girls. This mechanic injects an element of chance and planning—deciding whether to risk advancing for a trap or aim for a healing tile adds genuine tension to each descent.

Combat remains turn-based and pre-set, reminiscent of classic tactical titles but streamlined for faster encounters. You cannot alter enemy placement, but every skirmish demands smart use of character skills and items. Battles are generally brief, acting as gatekeepers to the next story segment rather than marathon fights. If you prefer high-octane combat, these encounters may feel light, but fans of narrative-driven strategy will appreciate how they punctuate the storytelling without overwhelming it.

Graphics

Visually, Rasetsu embraces a vibrant anime aesthetic. Character portraits are richly detailed, capturing expressions from steely determination to playful banter. Background art ranges from misty bamboo forests to the stone corridors of abandoned castles, rendered with a soft color palette that evokes the atmosphere of old Japan while maintaining crisp modern linework.

The top-down dungeon corridors are functional but nicely stylized. Gridded floors, torches flickering on stone walls, and subtle particle effects for poison clouds or healing auras keep exploration engaging. Puzzle pieces collected during dungeon runs gradually reveal high-quality images of each Guren squad member—an added collectible incentive that rewards thorough exploration.

UI elements are clean and intuitive. Dialogue boxes are well-positioned without obscuring character art, and the dice-rolling interface clearly indicates possible outcomes. Battle animations are limited but effective, with skill icons and attack effects that strike a balance between readability and flair. Overall, the graphics serve both form and function, ensuring you stay immersed in the world while never losing track of vital information.

Story

Picking up immediately after Guren Tensho: Shura, Rasetsu thrusts you into the aftermath of the Tetsu organization’s downfall. Just as Lee Rekka and his Guren squad dare to hope for lasting peace, an assassination attempt on a Guren commander sets the stage for a perilous new chase. The narrative hook is strong: you pursue the elusive assassin Naotaka, only to uncover that the remnants of the Tetsu clan still fester in the shadows.

The writing balances intrigue and character moments. Rekka’s unwavering resolve contrasts with the diverse personalities of his squadmates—each with their own motivations, backstories, and anime-style banter. Side conversations and optional text logs deepen your understanding of the political intrigue at play, and occasional touches of humor lighten the tension without undermining the stakes.

Pacing is one of Rasetsu’s successes. Story segments flow smoothly into dungeon expeditions and one-off battles, creating a rhythm that keeps you invested. While some may find the dialogue-heavy approach slower than action-oriented RPGs, those who enjoy character-driven plots will find the unfolding mystery of Naotaka’s true intentions rewarding. Plot twists arrive at well-timed intervals, ensuring curiosity never wanes.

Overall Experience

Guren Tensho: Rasetsu delivers a niche but satisfying blend of visual novel storytelling and light strategy. Its approachable dice-based dungeon mechanic adds a fresh twist to the formula, while its polished anime presentation and strong voice work elevate the narrative. Combat is brisk and to the point, making it ideal for players who appreciate quick tactical skirmishes rather than drawn-out RPG battles.

Replayability hinges on your attachment to the characters and the desire to collect every anime-style puzzle image. Although the storyline is linear, branching dialogue choices and hidden item caches encourage a second run for completionists. The game’s length is moderate, offering a solid 10–15 hours of content depending on how thoroughly you explore each dungeon.

For fans of Japanese history in an anime setting, or strategy enthusiasts seeking a story-focused experience, Guren Tensho: Rasetsu is a compelling choice. It may not reinvent the genre, but it refines its core elements into a coherent package that keeps you invested from the first assassination attempt through the climactic showdown with the resurging Tetsu clan.

Retro Replay Score

null/10