Ken McKown writes: The Fist of the North Star manga certainly has a cult following. How can you not enjoy a wandering badass that can make people explode with his fists? That is pure entertainment, and Tecmo KOEI realized that when they released the original Fist of the North Star back in 2010. Developed once again by Omega Force, the lads behind the Dynasty Warriors series, Ken’s Rage 2 fits the bill of their traditional sequel: more, more and more, with little advancement. Unfortunately, this particular entry seems to take more of a step backward than it does forward. Still, if you missed the original, and love the series it is based on, Ken’s Rage 2 is not a bad place to start.
Those of us old enough to remember watching anime in the 80's might remember a rather good yet violet series called 'Fist of the North Star'. It was set in a gory post-apocalyptic world and is often refered to as one of the best animes of its time. Fast forward to 2013 and its setting is still quite popular today, though the recent video game the anime inspired, Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2, is far inferior to its source material.
Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2 leaves no lasting impression and is only fleetingly entertaining, at best. The combat is repetitive to the point of disinterest, the power-up system lacks impact and the Dream Mode feels more like busy work and time filler. C’mon Tecmo Koei, take a chance and break the mould a little. Those of you hoping and praying for a return to former glory, Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2 isn’t it.
What a waste of an incredible, classic manga/anime property.
