Ryu Hayabusa is one of the coolest protagonist designs in history. After a slow open, you hit a level on an airship where Ryu finally dons the sleeveless ninja gear from the cover and it's like the game announcing "alright, the real shit starts here".
With that chapter's over the top setting, the change to Ryu's outfit, the introduction of some over-the-top enemy designs, and the essential parry mechanic the game had me hooked.
There's just something special here with the game's stripped down, more defensive approach to action. You're not learning 100 different dial-a-combos like in Bayonetta or something else. Instead, you're blocking and waiting for your opening in each encounter. Every enemy a new puzzle to learn—when can you parry them? what moves or weapons work best? Play carefully, push only when you have the advantage, and success will be rewarded with your survival. And failure? Well, I hope you like seeing the game over screen.
One of the best action games I've ever played. It kicked my ass a bunch. A+ experience.
With that chapter's over the top setting, the change to Ryu's outfit, the introduction of some over-the-top enemy designs, and the essential parry mechanic the game had me hooked.
There's just something special here with the game's stripped down, more defensive approach to action. You're not learning 100 different dial-a-combos like in Bayonetta or something else. Instead, you're blocking and waiting for your opening in each encounter. Every enemy a new puzzle to learn—when can you parry them? what moves or weapons work best? Play carefully, push only when you have the advantage, and success will be rewarded with your survival. And failure? Well, I hope you like seeing the game over screen.
One of the best action games I've ever played. It kicked my ass a bunch. A+ experience.
Lemme tell you, this game has put me through the wringer harder than any game has before. Whether we are talking Black or Sigma, this is one of the most grueling, yet confidence instilling games I have EVER played. Its a game that isn't afraid to push you to the ground and BTFO you any time you try to get back up. Yet I always found myself pushing forward and getting back up. As for the game itself, its great. I love the speed of the combat, the fluid nature of Ryu's movement makes for engaging experimentation, the essence system makes for some interesting choices in the heat of combat. The levels tie into each other in a satisfying, inter-connected system that no other game in this genre really does. The only issues I have with this game are the camera (which is a given) and there are some really annoying and useless puzzles every now and then. This game, while flawed, is a masterful grand experience. It is the apex of character action if I can say, right next to titles like the later DMC games and Bayonetta.
A classic, legendary action game that is for the most part a lot of fun. Really hard, sometimes bullshit but has very engaging combat. Story is a complete joke and some of the bosses are despicable but I think I’ll have pretty fond memories overall