Sengoku Longplay (Neo Geo) [QHD]

Game Info
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Developer: SNK
Publisher: SNK
Year of Release: 1991
Game Review & Impressions
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Sengoku is the first in a trilogy of beat 'em ups for the Neo Geo console, with the original entry being released in 1991. It's pretty representative of the console's capabilities, featuring detailed 2D graphics and impressive digitised audio for the time.
The game's attract mode introduces players to the game's plot, which involves the demise of an ancient Japanese warlord. Deposed by a pair of samurai for his evil deeds, the warlord prophesises his return to life 400 years in the future, whereupon he intends to wreak havoc on the world and its inhabitants in an act of revenge. Sure enough, the ghostly visage of the dead warlord shows up in modern-day Japan with an ethereal host of undead warriors in tow, ready to cause havoc. The only individuals capable of preventing the end of the world are Ninja Dave and Cowboy Kev, descendants of the samurai who overthrew the warlord centuries ago, possessing the fighting skills necessary to get the job done, as well two of the most ridiculous names in video game history.
On the surface, Sengoku is your typical belt-scrolling affair: move right and beat up anything and everything which stands in your way. However, the game features a range of weapons and powers with which players can upgrade their fighting ability. Defeated enemies will drop coloured orbs which bestow the collector with weapons that include swords and the ability to throw hadoken-style energy waves. There's also a separate system which allows you to change your form completely, transforming into an armour-clad samurai or cartwheeling ninja. Learning which combinations of equipment and form suit both your playstyle and the given situation are a major part of the game, and very reminiscent of Magician Lord.
As far as actual gameplay is concerned, I found it rather average. The trudging pace of the player characters, overly-telegraphed moves and lack of a dash mechanic or grapples make for what is, in my opinion, a rather dull experience. For all its spectacle, I'd rather play Double Dragon or Final Fight, chiefly because the core combat in those titles feels more rewarding.
Chapters
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TBC

[@allangoncalves1453]

Me and my cousin played this back in the day, amazing game very fun

[@LPetal86]

Glad they included this in the _SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1_ collection for Wii. The Neo Geo has lots of "larger than life" presence games that are fun to play.

[@saranobutt]

Just watching gameplay is literally to me just as fun as playing the actual game.

[@schwarzenegger_begger8810]

The actual game was fun a while ago, we might get to play it again soon 😉🤫🐘

[@jamesdiaz5975]

I actually had a chance to play it recently, reminds me of the good old days

[@selektivdevelopment]

I love the voice singing when the character is above clouds. ^^ It is so otherworldly insane.

[@jwatt247]

Yeah that is dope.

[@Buck3366]

Played this a lot in a local pub back in the early 90’s. Was one game of a few on the SNK game selection arcade machines. I didn’t know what the hell was going on with the crazy enemies and bosses but I loved it. King of the Monsters was on there too.

[@ToddSweeney341]

Use to have this one on the Neo-Geo back in the day 😁😁😊

[@weirddudehi]

This game is amazing,I remember that what impressed me the most about it was the sound, so many digitized voices..., in those days that impressed me a lot and in NeoGeo it was something widely used.

[@markeforsman]

Remember playing this when I found emulators in the 90's. Sudden access to these amazing Neo-Geo games.

[@jesussavedme-fy5fd]

they had this at the liquor store across from the Mervyn's in Sun Valley near Poly High. 92ish? LOVED IT

[@-GoldenThiefBugCard]

I think the way the game moves around between locations helps make it feel less monotonous. There always seems to be something visually interesting to look at. Helps stop that "scooby doo repeating hallway" feeling I get with some of these games.

[@BrunoB78]

I agree that the gameplay is not as satisfying as DD or FF, but I think the atmosphere and sheer spectacle and variety of situations and the music! more than make up for it. a classic in its own way!

[@Bobaklives]

Like Ninja Combat, these early Neo games had some novel ideas for arcades of that period but actually playing at home could be - as you perfectly put it - rather average compared to the beat’em ups on less powerful consoles.

[@schwarzenegger_begger8810]

🕉♾️✌️🛕
How is this so accurate??

[@kimms1824]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@alrimarjonson5222]

Jogão!

[@philipwelch2681]

Never played this game. I would put in alot of quarters

[@KING-iq6ku]

GANTZはここからアイデア盗んだな（笑）

[@GiulioMa]

Non e' giocabile come un Final Fight e ha qualche problema di collisione tra sprites, ha una atmosfera irripetibile.
Gioco affascinante.

[@jwatt247]

Freaky.....