GamingLives takes a look at Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2.
"Set in a post-apocalyptic vision of the (potentially) far future, Fist of the North Star tells the story of Kenshiro, the only successor of the powerful Hokuto Shinken style of martial arts. It’s based on the legendary manga of the same name and, for the most part, sticks to the source material religiously. Kenshiro’s tale is told through a succession of still-frames that are beautifully rendered, but unfortunately static. Very seldomly does Ken’s Rage 2 show off its cinematic chops, but when it does it’s worth the wait..."
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.
