Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Kizuna Encounter: Super Tag Battle builds on the foundation laid by Savage Reign, injecting fresh life into its 2D side-scrolling fighting formula through an innovative tag-team mechanic. Rather than selecting a lone combatant, players choose a team of two fighters, each with unique strengths and weaknesses, and can switch between them on the fly. This shifting dynamic adds a layer of strategic depth, as it encourages creative combos, surprise reversals, and carefully timed assists to keep opponents off balance.

The core combat remains deeply rooted in hand-to-hand martial arts mixed with rudimentary ranged techniques, a hallmark of the fictional Fuun-Ken style. Though the sequel does away with the multi-plane system of Savage Reign—limiting all action to a single plane—it balances this by offering more robust tag combos and partner-based special moves. Executing a “Kizuna Burst” or chaining together partner-assisted attacks feels gratifyingly smooth, rewarding precision timing and familiarity with each character’s move list.

Character variety is a standout, boasting a roster that mixes returning favorites like Sho and Alan with intriguing newcomers along the Fuun-Ken hierarchy. Each fighter’s move set is distinct, ranging from long-range projectiles to powerful close-quarters throws. The tag system also mitigates “dead” moments when your active character is on the defensive—simply tag in your teammate to switch momentum, execute aerial juggles, or recover lost health via well-timed partner support.

Graphics

Visually, Kizuna Encounter retains the crisp pixel art charm of its mid-’90s arcade origins, showcasing hand-drawn sprites that brim with personality. Character animations are fluid—each punch, kick, and special attack carries tangible weight. While the absence of multiple fighting planes simplifies background interaction, it also allows the developers to focus on detailed foreground sprites and richer combat effects.

Stage design leans heavily into vibrant, localized backdrops, from neon-lit city streets to traditional dojo settings. Each arena looks distinct and has enough atmospheric flair to prevent visual monotony during extended play sessions. Dynamic elements—such as flickering lanterns, roving crowds, and subtle weather effects—help establish an immersive environment, even if they remain strictly decorative.

Special move visuals, like fire-infused kicks or swirling energy blasts, are accompanied by bold color choices and subtle screen shake that amplify their impact. The tag-team transitions are especially well animated: characters leap in or out with flourish, signaling a clear shift in player control. Although modern standards have far surpassed this graphical style, Kizuna Encounter’s nostalgic aesthetic still holds up, particularly for fans of classic 2D fighters.

Story

At its heart, Kizuna Encounter revolves around the Fuun-Ken masters gathering for a high-stakes martial arts tournament. While the narrative isn’t the primary draw—this remains a fighting game first and foremost—each fighter pair has a brief intro scene and a unique ending sequence that sheds light on their motivations and relationships. These snippets of lore provide just enough context to engage players emotionally without bogging down the fast-paced action.

Returning protagonists, such as Sho and his rival Allen, confront familiar stakes: honor, mastery of Fuun-Ken, and personal redemption. Meanwhile, new entrants introduce fresh narrative threads, whether it’s the enigmatic assassin seeking vengeance or the gentle healer turned brawler defending her village. The result is a tapestry of short but impactful character-driven stories that unlock as you progress through Arcade Mode.

Dialogue is kept concise and occasionally laced with the dramatic flair typical of arcade fighters. Voice snippets—albeit limited by ROM size—punctuate key moments, infusing battles with urgency. While hardcore story enthusiasts might crave deeper plot development or extended cutscenes, Kizuna Encounter strikes a reasonable balance, ensuring the narrative complements rather than overshadows the fighting mechanics.

Overall Experience

Kizuna Encounter: Super Tag Battle offers a satisfying blend of nostalgia and fresh gameplay twists. Its tag-team mechanic breathes new life into the established Fuun-Ken system, encouraging experimentation with character synergies and comeback strategies. Even longtime fans of Savage Reign will find themselves re-evaluating matchups and refining their tag timing to maximize damage output.

Replay value is high thanks to multiple characters, branching team combinations, and local versus modes that shine in arcade-style showdowns. The learning curve is approachable: button inputs are responsive, and the move lists are easy to navigate. Yet there’s enough complexity under the hood—timing partner swaps, managing health gauges, and mastering super moves—to keep competitive players invested.

While lacking some of the bells and whistles of modern fighters, Kizuna Encounter compensates with pure, unadulterated arcade action. Its tight controls, vibrant sprite work, and modest storytelling create a cohesive package that appeals to both retro enthusiasts and newcomers curious about 2D fighting game heritage. If you’re seeking a tag-team twist on classic side-scrolling combat, this Neo-Geo gem remains a worthy challenger.

Retro Replay Score

null/10