Discount Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage - Xbox 360

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Previously I bought the PS3 Japanese import version of the game (which I finished several times). I've tweaked my review below to suit the XBOX/U.S. version of the game, so I hope the comparisons help.

For those of you unfamiliar with the source material Hokuto Musou is based on the popular Japanese comic series Hokuto no Ken better known as Fist of the North Star here in the U.S. and outside of Asia.

In short, the story follows the protagonist Ken Shiro, who is a master of the fighting style of Hokuto Shin Ken, or the Northern God Fist. The game focuses on mostly the first portion of the comic series which tracks Ken's progress in saving the woman he loves, and fighting a series of antagonists from both the Northern and Southern schools of fighting. The story takes place in an apocalyptic future, in a lawless land where Ken is seen as almost a messiah like figure out to save his girl, and eventually the world.

That sets the stage for the the game which is based on the popular Dynasty Warriors series. The game plays like a hybrid of the popular DW games, sharing the same control scheme. The game also plays like Samurai Warriors in that you can evade enemies, and also features a comprehensive story mode much like what you see in DW: Gundam.

If you're a fan of DW games, you can expect the same kind of action, which is pretty much a 3rd person action game featuring swarms of enemies that you plow through, though in Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage, your primary weapon of choice will definitely be your fists and legs.

Between stages you can upgrade your characters (more become available as you play through the game) using skill points that you acquire over the course of the game (commonly found by breaking all sorts of boxes or vending machines scattered throughout the land). Again, if you played DW before, this will all be nothing new to you. However, if you haven't tried DW before, be warned, this is a pure action game featuring lots of fighting, kicking, pretty cgi story elements in between (assuming you can read japanese if not, there are plenty of websites that can offer you a nice primer on the story in English).

In terms of gameplay, it is relatively one dimensional. You fight (a lot) and you eventually learn special moves that you can dish out once your energy or musou meter is full. The moves are faithful to the comic series, and features a lot of pretty bone crushing finishing moves that will make anybody cringe (or laugh, depending on your sense of humor). After fighting waves of battles, you encounter bosses (each from the comic series). Most of them are easy to dispatch, though usually you have to break through a cheap extra defense meter before really doing any damage to them. But overall, aside from a few opportunities to counter attacks (especially if you're using the Southern Cross/Nanto Shin Ken playable characters like Shin or Rei), this game is mostly button mashing your way to the end.

There is a wide range of customization options and you can select all sorts of finishing moves. At the end of boss battles, you also "finish them off" by using a series of Shenmue like button combinations. But for me I often find I gravitate towards one or two cool moves that I liked personally and I use those over and over again. But that's just me.

Compared to other DW games, FOTNS:KR does handle a bit sluggishly. It is understood that the creators wanted to be more faithful to the comic series, which focused more on heavy attacks and bone crunching martial arts moves, rather than the speedy weapon based style of play seen in Dynasty Warriors or Samurai Warriors games. Therefore, don't expect to use a huge sword to slice through 20 guys at once like you see in other DW or SW games. Rather, plan on a lot of punching and kicking your way through individual enemies over and over again. For some, this slower pace may be a turnoff for DW vets. For me I didn't mind since I am a fan of the comic and it does somewhat feel faithful to the series. However, it is important to keep this major distinction in mind before you commit to buying the game.

Nonetheless the game is still very fun to play and the graphics are quite impressive. The character models are faithfully recreated and the moves of each avatar are very unique to their individual fighting style. Only gripe I have about the visuals is the extremely repetitive nature of the backgrounds. Barring a few story specific areas (such as Shin's ruined city stage early on, or Souther's pyramid stage later in the game), most of the game features the same bland, Fallout-esque feel. Though it does reflect the setting of the story, it would have been nice to vary it up somewhat, or at least change some of the color palate so that it's not always the same beige washed out world that I'm fighting through.

Another issue to note above is that while the XBOX version of the game is identical to the PS3 version the graphic quality of the former is noticeably weaker than the latter. The backgrounds on the XBOX game feel even more washed out and the character detail on the XBOX version definitely seems less crisp and clear than the PS3 version. Otherwise, the U.S. version of the game plays and feels identical to its Japanese counterpart.

Aside from those gripes, the game plays very well and is quite fun. It's a great pick-up-and-play game, and for those of you who can read Japanese, it also features other nice features such as a great story primer and character bios. Aside from the story (or Legendary) mode, you can also open up other modes such as the Dream Mode (which is like a mini-story mode for each playable character that you eventually open up that sort of elaborates more on their side stories). Overall there's quite a bit of replay value here.

Last but not least, the music is decent, but not remarkable. Kind of the generic J-rock that you hear in the background of previous DW and SW games. However, the sound of punches, kicks and screaming (and LOTS of blood splattering this is a very violent game, though you can adjust the blood settings in the options menu between EXTREME and MILD) will surely tune out the generic music over time. Besides one thing I also noticed about this game is that unlike Dynasty Warriors where often you feel like you're slicing through waves of people like butter, in FOTNS: KR, it really seems like you're kicking some serious butt.

I TOTALLY recommend this game for people who love the Hokuto no Ken/Fist of the North Star comic series. Even if you're not familiar with the series, I suggest you pick up the game because FOTNS is one of the most well-told manga series out there. This game really does a good job of summarizing the highlights of the first (and best half) of the FOTNS comic series (from Ken's revenge with Shin up to his final confrontation with his brother, Raoh) and newbies will enjoy the nice storyline. I'd venture to bet it might motivate some to even read the series as well!

For those who like DW and SW, it's also definitely worth picking up as well. Just keep in mind the somewhat different pace of this game versus the other ones in the musou/DW/SW series.

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Fist of the North Star fans and fans of the genre, FOTNS: Ken's rage is pretty awesome! My only complaint so far and the reason I give it 4 instead of 5 stars is that the camera can be a pain at times and the repetitive nature of these types of games can turn some people off. It has a couple of different modes, legend mode is the story mode and I have to say it follows the story really well, the stages are more linear than Dynasty Warriors which are usually more open battle fields with both enemy and ally units running around fighting, in legend mode its pretty much just you against a ton of bad guys and let me just say the game isn't easy, in Dynasty Warriors normal enemies just walk around and wait for you to kill them but in FOTNS regular enemies will attack and do attack and are very capable of kicking the crap out of you, last night I taunted a group of enemies which enrages them and causes them to attack like a pack of wild dogs, needless to say i'm not sure why anyone would want to do that and I will never do it again as I found myself dead in a matter of seconds.

I've heard some reviewers complain about boss fights being hard and cheap but so far I have found them to be a good challenge but fun. You don't gain levels in FOTNS like you do in the dynasty warriors games either, instead of leveling up you gain skill points in levels by killing guys and completing objectives and then you can use them on a kind of Final Fantasy sphere grid to unlock new abilities and upgrade your health, attack power, defense, ect. I really like it, I feel like I have more controll over how I want my character to develop. The other mode I tried out last night is dream mode which is kind of a what if game mode, it is stories that aren't from the original FOTNS story and this mode plays like Dynasty Warriors, huge battle fields with both enemies and ally's and your goal is to conquer all of the enemy bases, I quickly found out that this mode is better suited to be played when you have leveled you character up significantly because I got trashed and came no where near beating the first chapter.

So i'm really enjoying the game, it is different than Dynasty Warriors in many ways and similar in others, the story and characters you play as are obviously far more interesting than anything in DW and you have some pretty flashy/brutal attacks that I have yet to get tired of unleashing on the bad guys and with so many super disapointingly short games coming out recently, i'm looking at you Vanquish, Force Unleashed 2 and 007 Blood Stone it's nice to get a game that you can sink a good 50 hrs into. So if you are into the genre or love FOTNS picking this up is a no brainer, it has been easily worth my 60 bucks so far.

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For those whom haven't had a good brawler since God Hand, Fist Of The North Star Kenshiro's rage may sate a craving left unfulfilled before now. It's a bit ironic that in theory FOTNS actually inspired God-Hand but unless you've seen the 1980's anime series it doesn't really matter if the egg came before the chicken.

For better and worse Ken's rage is a less slapstick and more solemn affair. Humans are trying to survive after the fallout of a nuclear war. The most powerful take from the weak and only a few virtous fighters stand between peace and outright tyranny.

Kenshiro's story is common enough. He was trained in a lethal martial art but still wants to live a normal life. Ken's good intentions started out as promising. He won the fair hand of his beautiful girl friend Yuria and they rode into the sunset on his awesome motorcycle! Sadly a guy named Shin (he looks like an SNK king of fighters boss) beat the crap out of our beleaguered pal and took Ken's main squeeze. Naturally he sets out on the path of revenge and decimates anyone whom stands in his way.

For those of us whom can't remember the original FOTNS canon verbatim there are a few shocking twists that are unexpected. Not much is predictable fare and Kenshiro's quest to topple his rival Shin isn't as big of a mile stone as we're lead to believe.

Fighting thugs is simple enough. Kensiro can grapple them,pummel them,and even make them explode into bloody bits when he applies blue ki energy to his fists or feet. All the special moves can be assigned to the directional pad and once your gauge is full it's a literal nightmare for the opposing team!

Between missions players pump "skill points" into purchasing additional boosts, new techniques,and upgrades on what can only be described as an rpg improvement grid in the vein of Final Fantasy. Luckily it's not too complicated to figure out and this additional layer of depth is appreciated.

Main bosses and "evil supervisors" have a "shield meter" that needs to be whittled down before they can take "real damage". Though "low generals" can be exploded like their hench goons actual "War lords" will go down to one knee and prompt you to press the "B" button. Once you go into "fatality mode" you'll be forced to enter simple button commands 3 times before the bar at the bottom depletes. Failure isn't penalized too harshly. A boss will only regain a tiny sliver of his health if you goof up so attempting it again will not take forever. As much as I've come to hate real time events these aren't too bad.

If I could only play through the game as Kenshiro annoyances such as the repetitive lower pantheon of enemies and limited tile sets for the environments would have hindered my enjoyment. However, as you keep playing you can unlock other FOTNS greats including Toki,Rei,and Raoh. Personally my favorite protagonist is Mamiya. No,she didn't fight that much in the manga but it seems Koei wanted to make her a more dominate force in the events for the game. Her bladed yo yos,throwing needles, and cross bow help to differentiate her from the more up close and personal martial artists. As a matter of fact no two characters look or play exactly the same. Koei finally did away with "clones"and I couldn't be happier!

Chapters in "Legends mode" attempt the facsimile of an action adventure game. Aka they're more linear than the wide open fields in dynasty warriors and lay out segments to climb walls,crawl through pipes, beat down weakened walls, push crates, or use a ballista to mow down troops whilst blowing up a sealed gateway. None of this stuff is innovative but it is fun. Did I mention you can throw missiles at opponents or knock them out of the park with a steel rail? Manly!

"Dream Mode" is unlocked after slaying the first prolific villain in Legends mode. It is a lot more like traditional Dynasty warriors so if that is more you're kinda bag you will not be left out in the cold. There are characters you can be in Dream Mode that only make cameos in "Legends". For those not familiar with DW it focuses on cutting a trail of destruction through cannon fodder until you face off with more experienced high ranking officers. As you secure certain "check points" you'll get more allied support in the form of swordsmen,archers, and even legendary heroes. While everyone prattles back and forth there's the realization each fraction in the conflict has believable motivations. It's impressive "dream mode" builds upon narrative & character growth as deeply as legends mode does despite the underlying fact the scenarios are "what if" fan fiction from devoted FOTNS fans.

To me the voice acting was serviceable. No one sounded terrible. Frankly I always found the speed metal electric guitar jams in DW to be very out of place but luckily in Kenshiro's rage Koei's musical tracks are almost perfect for a post apocalyptic setting.

In the end God Hand still has more charm and challenge. However if that "cult classic" is on your A list FOTNS can easily come in as a close second. With multiple playable characters, a deep skill point system, and local co-op in Dream Mode it makes up for shortcomings in other venues. Koei could have made a crappy FOTNS game and it still would have sold well in Japan. Instead they crafted a flawed master piece built out of unrequited adoration for the epic saga which has inspired everything from Dragonball to Street Fighter. If you're a fan of beat em ups and fighting games this is a no brainer!

Pros

+ Fighting is visceral,satisfying, and hard hitting.

+Multiple iconic heroes and villains to unlock (Though not always play-able in every mode)

+ Story line and narrative make you care about what is going on

+Plot progression is surprisingly unpredictable and compelling unless you are a FOTNS fanatic whom hasn't lost touch with the series over the years.

+Good skill point improvement system

+Character models are awe inspiring!

+Clothing takes damage and trust me, When you're playing as Mamiya that's a beautiful thing!

+Local co-op in Dream Mode which has a sub menu "free mode" category.

+Most modes offer a few unique bells and whistles to set them apart

+Koei's speed metal electric guitar solos gel splendidly with this wasteland setting.

+ Surprisingly up to par voice talent

+A lot of re-playability! Leveling up each character and playing through everyone's campaign could take anywhere from 30-50 hours.

Cons

-If you looked forward to the humor in God Hand none of that is present here. (at least not intentionally) Mamiya crawling along the ground with a camera shoved up her skirt may incite a giggle or two but the "lunacy" of such nuances in Ken's rage is awkward and non deliberate.

-The city ruins look the same during every mission. Variety would have been welcomed.

-At first the combat doesn't seem quite as "fluid" as it is in dynasty warriors. However, once you master certain wide arch attacks this gripe becomes moot.

-Though every boss has a lot of personality and unique attack patterns the under-minions are repetitive & bland. Once you've seen one angry Mohawk adorned punker or metal claw wielding maniac you've seen em all!

-Certainly some gamers will dig the real time sequential button mashing required to kill off bosses in "Legend mode" yet I found it to be uninspired. Does every game have to use these now? C'mon ya'll. Creativity is goldy!

-Local co-op gets a big "thumbs up" but where art thou online multi-player Koei? Here's a tip. Henceforth put BOTH of these features in all your titles! If not, a vex will fall upon ye all! (Er, not really. Sorry, I have a flare for the melodramatic!)

Honest reviews on Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage - Xbox 360

Fans of old animes will recognize this title. Fist of the Noth Star is an amazing anime so a game about it is a great thing to look foward to.

But, alas, this is just a Dynasty Warriors ripoff.

The gameplay is solid and fun. It takes advantage of the story and characters.

Still, just another Dynasty Warriors game. If you like those, and like Fist of the North Star, play this.

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I've spent like 90+ hours powering up & unlocking as much as i could on this game. thats even before buying the DLC that i have yet to buy. and this game in 2 player split screen is even more fun. taking over the bases & rushing to help them cause a boss has suddenly appeared is really crazy.

meanwhile I've spent much more money on a $60 title & have not touched it after 3 days cause either i beat it too fast or it was horrible.

but this game was worth it.

lots of things to unlock & the story is really good.