Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Kengo: Legend of the 9 delivers a deep combat experience by letting players choose one of nine legendary samurai, each modeled after real historical figures. Musashi Miyamoto wields powerful sweeping strikes, while Kojiro Sasaki relies on lightning-fast thrusts. This diversity ensures that every duel feels distinct, as you learn each warrior’s rhythm, reach, and signature techniques.

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The game offers four main play modes. In Main Mode, you follow a branching storyline tailored to your chosen samurai, encountering historical events like the raid on Kira Mansion or the duel at Ganryujima. Mission Mode challenges you to complete ten intense objectives against the clock, testing precision and speed. For local skirmishes, Combat Mode lets two players fight head-to-head, while Online Mode extends the battlefield globally, rewarding victors with exclusive customization items.

Combat is built around a dynamic upgrade system. Collect spirit spheres during fights to boost health, stamina, attack power, and defense. Earning experience points unlocks advanced combos, parries, and finishing “Instant Kill” moves. Grappling techniques allow you to use the environment—whether slamming an opponent into a wall or sending them tumbling off a cliff—adding a tactical layer beyond simple swordplay.

Difficulty options (Easy, Medium, Hard) let beginners learn the basics before tackling the game’s steeper challenges. On higher settings, enemy AI adapts to your patterns, punishing reckless attacks and rewarding well-timed counters. While the learning curve can be steep, mastering the nuances of each samurai’s style is deeply satisfying and encourages replay across multiple characters.

Graphics

Visually, Kengo: Legend of the 9 captures the spirit of feudal Japan with richly detailed character models. Each samurai sports historically inspired armor and clothing, complete with intricate textures that reflect their status and fighting backgrounds. Their unique stances and flowing garments add personality during duels.

Arenas range from misty mountain passes to the wooden corridors of samurai residences. The game’s environmental details—cracked floorboards, blossoming cherry trees, flickering torches—immerse you in each setting. Interactive elements like sliding doors or rooftop ledges aren’t just for show; they form part of your combat strategy when pulling off environmental kills.

Special effects shine during powerful strikes and spirit sphere collection. Energy bursts, slow-motion instant kills, and blood splatter are dramatic without being gratuitous. While textures and character animations may feel dated by modern standards, the artistic direction ensures a cohesive and authentic samurai atmosphere.

Story

The narrative in Main Mode weaves together the personal journeys of nine samurai against the backdrop of late-Edo-period turmoil. While each storyline is unique, overlaps occur when characters’ paths cross—allowing you to relive pivotal clashes like Musashi versus Kojiro or to defend the legendary Forty-seven Ronin during the Kira mansion raid.

Though loosely based on historical events, the game takes creative liberties to heighten drama. Cinematic cutscenes introduce key battles and rivalries, offering context to your missions and reinforcing each samurai’s motivations. Dialogue can feel expository at times, but it grounds the swordplay in a recognizable era.

Side missions in Main Mode sometimes delve into personal anecdotes—rescuing villagers, dueling bandit chiefs, or recovering stolen heirlooms—that enrich each character’s backstory. These detours break up the main plot flow and reward you with unique spirit sphere bonuses or cosmetic gear, encouraging exploration and varied playstyles.

Overall Experience

Kengo: Legend of the 9 stands out as a niche gem for fans of historical swordplay. Its blend of authentic samurai identities, varied play modes, and an upgrade system provides depth and replayability. Whether tackling a story arc, racing against time in Mission Mode, or proving your skill online, there’s always a new challenge awaiting.

The game’s strongest asset is its character variety: mastering Izo Okada’s agile dual-wielding or Yasubi Horibe’s hard-hitting strikes feels rewarding and distinct. Collecting spirit spheres and unlocking flashy finishers keep progression satisfying, even after multiple runs through the Main Mode.

However, some may find the graphics dated and the control responsiveness uneven in early stages. A steep learning curve on higher difficulties can frustrate newcomers to 3D fighters. Yet, persistent players will uncover a robust combat system with strategic depth and environmental creativity.

In sum, Kengo: Legend of the 9 is a compelling package for those intrigued by samurai lore and technical dueling mechanics. Its historical nods, multiple modes, and character progression deliver a unique fighting game experience. If you’re willing to invest time mastering its nuances, you’ll discover an engaging journey through Japan’s most legendary blades.

Retro Replay Score

5.1/10