Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage Review

Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage Game Review!

Genre: Beat em' up
Platforms: Playstation 3, Xbox 360

Game Play

Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage, is based on the Hokuto no Ken anime and manga series, and is a faithful game to the source material. If you have played any of the Dynasty Warrior series of game from the same company, then will be right at home with the control scheme, for example, using 360 controls, will be like X-X-X or X-X-Y or a familiar setup like that. The game's combat is easy to get into and you will quickly be decimating bandits and other foes alike, and by slamming enemies into walls and other obstacles you can receive addition damage bonuses and a slow-mo display of your enemies getting destroyed.

   The game features several modes to play, and the official mode is Legend Mode, where you play the story of Kenshiro and other characters like Rei, Toki, Mamiya. Legend Mode follows the story of the manga and does a good job of staying on path with it. The other modes available, are Challenge Mode, and Dream Mode. Dream Mode is original stories for the other players you can play as, such as Jagi, Raoh, and Souther, as well as the Legend Mode characters like Kenshiro, Toki, Mamiya, and Rei.  Challenge Mode is basically put, more of a survival mode which features leader board stats, where you face the Hokuto masters, the Nanto Masters, and other challenges once you complete Kenshiro's Legend Mode. Finally, Introduction Mode is basically a tutorial mode in case you need to learn how to play the game.

  The Skill system in this game revolves around gathering "Karma". Karma can be gained in numerous ways, such as gathering hidden scrolls, completing the level with good performance, and defeating opponents. The Meridian Chart, which is accessed before the level start, is used to allocate points and unlock more skills, move, higher stats, and so forth, plus you can choose which upgrades you want.

   Each character in this game is unique and have their own unique special moves which define their character, and you can select your special moves before the match starts, and each character has their own unique fighting style.   The characters in this game flow exactly like their manga versions and stay true to their combat styles, such as Jagi being a dirty/unfair fighter, and Kenshiro with his famous "Hundred Crack Fist" and his other popular Hokuto Shinken attacks. Some characters, like Mamiya and Jagi, are unique characters and use weapons for some of their specials and regular attacks, and Nanto characters are naturally quick and agile, and the Hokuto characters are powerful with brutal attacks.

   Overall, I found this game to be really enjoyable for what it is, a beat em up game. If you are a fan of Dynasty Warriors, Samurai Warriors, and games like that, then this game will be perfect for you.  Also for those who already have the game, there is Ken's Rage 2 coming out on the horizon and something to look for in the future.