Feels like… a blast from the past, and I do mean blast because the game rocks.
The game feels like one of those PS1 or PS2 Japanese imports that I always wanted to get my hands on, and was finally able to because a friend was nice enough to get it for me during a rare trip.
You have multiple characters to choose from in this all girl roster, as you take on missions from two different story-lines. The enemy may either be evil doers (from the perspective of “The girls of Hanzō) or targets (from the perspective of “The girls of Hebijo”), and fighting styles vary… from the more serious to the super wacky and cute (yes I said “cute”). The variety of fighters is welcome and allows you to choose your favorite(s) based on feel, personality, and/or look.
Most missions allow you to go back and play them with a different character, even if they were initially set up for a certain character and the story-line, though some don’t feel like they’re progressing the story beyond showcasing a day in the life of the characters. You are basically progressing through a playable anime in this game, which should definitely gain the attention of some anime fans (like myself)… especially fans of the “Senran Kagura” TV show. No need to worry about the game starting you off in a later part of the story either, I took some time to check out a few of the episodes (and though it doesn't mimic the anime story for story from what I see) you are just starting out so things are fresh allowing you to step into their lives before they become the awesome shinobi you transform them into (by building up skills, etc.)
Non-Anime fans should be able to enjoy the game also because of the game-play, which feels like a cross between a fighting game (with a set fighting area) and a side scrolling beat em’ up. You’re able to obtain items during levels, rack up combos, juggle attacks and keep the chain going based on the amount of available enemies in the area. After completing a mission you will level up (if you've gained enough Exp), and will unlock things like new moves, clothing, accessories for your characters, etc. Progression also unlocks movies, music, and pics.
You receive individual character rankings for each mission based on:
-Enemies Defeated
-Highest Combo (my highest so far is 1500+ w/ “Asuka”… so you can really stack up combos if you try and they build up meter for Ninja Arts.)
-Ninja Arts Used
-Time Elapsed
-Exp.
They've done a really good job with the presentation in this game, the animations are all around good, fighting feels smooth, and if Marvelous SQL/XSeed can bring us a game like this… why in the heck won’t Capcom deliver games like the “Rival Schools” series? It’s cool though, this game has better visuals than the Rival Schools PS1 game (but it’s still something I’d like to see and it can be updated; perhaps they can work together to make it happen one of these days).
What’s funny is that, the anime TV show (Senran Kagura) is based on a character named “Asuka” and her (4) friends who attend a secret Hanzō Academy that trains young women in the art of Ninjitsu. There is also a rival school called the “Hibi Girls Academy” that trains their students with a different moral philosophy, so this will obviously lead to a clash of outlooks, and actually made me think of Capcom’s IP.
Speaking of visuals, I really like what they did with the 3D capabilities here, the Shinobi transformations look sweet, the Secret Ninja Arts animations are awesome, victory animations and even the ones where you’re getting your butt handed to you… look cool. Some people may enjoy this even more so considering the fact that your clothes get torn off based on the level of damage you take (which reveals just enjoy to avoid a Mature ESRB rating), but the game holds its own regardless of its sexy features. If you dislike sexiness in games, don’t get the game only to complain about it… that would make no sense, but those that could care less based on a game being good (or really like the sexiness), you may want to grab this game. The moves of the characters aren't stiff animations either (trust me) they are quite smooth and the attack sequences are animated well and also look good.
Yin & Yang Attributes:
I thought this was an interesting addition to the game, which gains you the use of one (Yin) and/or the other (Yang) once you've gained enough affinity to awaken them. They are activated once you perform a Shinobi Transformation or go into Frantic mode and I've noticed the ability to juggle air combos even longer with the Yang attribute. You will unlock something pretty cool when you fill up these meters, but I will let you experience that for yourself (no spoilers here... sorry).
Cons:
You can’t block attacks. This doesn't destroy the game at all, but it really makes no sense to lack such an essential part of martial-arts in a game with such a focus on them, even if you were able to parry instead of blocking… that would suffice if it were there. Approaching or having enemies approach and they are able to land successful attacks even if you would block if you could… sucks, especially when you want to build up a combo or simply want to avoid being hit… BUT when considering the number buttons and triggers available on the 3DS, I can understand something having to be left out (but just like with techniques and other features like the “Dressing room”… there could have been a button combo that allowed for blocking to be implemented). Overall it hasn't stopped me from enjoying the game at all.
I can’t call this a pro or a con (personally), but the dialogue in some areas can be rather long. Thinking of the experience and what they are contributing to the story-line, I’m not mad at this, it feels like you’re sitting down to read a manga comic that contains voice overs. This one particular area didn't have any character animation beyond some background art and a few images representing scenes explained in the dialogue. You aren't stuck reading dialogue though, you have the option of skipping this and other dialogue areas before and after game-play. I will say though that if you've spent money on it… might as well get your worth out of it (especially the fans).
Suggestion for a later installment:
Coming from a fighting game perspective (where technique is a major factor)… it would be cool if they provide us with another “Senran Kagura” game that adds additional techniques. I’d like to see blocking and/or parrying with fewer enemies on the screen to enjoy techniques not only from the characters in the playable roster, but also the opposition to boost the challenge.
Overall, I really enjoy this game and have been getting a lot of play time out of it (the replay value is strong and you are able to play the same level with the same character for the purpose of completing two different objective types). The game has a lot of content to offer, which includes unlockables, lots of missions (around 70), costumes, etc. and I think that the price is about right. (A lower price is always welcome… but at $29.99 I can’t complain in the least.)
Also, this game reminds me of past gens (and most Nintendo games) because 100% of the content is available in the game, you don't have to buy DLC packs for costumes and accessories.
Fun factor: 4
Visually: 5
Replay value: 5
Price: 4
"4.5 / 5 Mushrooms"
More info here: http://hanzonationalacademy.com/
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