System: X360
Dev: Genki
Pub: Majestico
Release: Sep. 11, 2007
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: Mature
Review by Amanda L. Kondolojy

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

Visually, this game has some serious room for improvement. Not to say that the graphics are bad per se, but the models and environments are lacking in any real detail or otherwise impressive graphical content. They can only really be described as average and nothing more, which is a real shame because Samurais have always been depicted using the best available means. It's very sad that the romantic visuals that usually accompany these legendary warriors did not translate to this game.

The sound is also somewhat of a mixed bag. The voiceover work in Kengo: Legend of the Nine is all in Japanese, and for the most part this works well. It really adds to the uniquely Japanese nature of the Samurai and its many different incarnations. However, the music is really not there to support the voicework, and this is where the sound department really falls flat. One area that I must mention is the sound effects. There is one sound effect in general that is truly painful to listen to. After you finish a stage in main mode, the game will tally the experience points that you've gained in battle. And when it does, there is this terribly high pitched ringing noise that accompanies the ascending noise. The best thing I can compare it to is a fire alarm. It's that horrifying. I honestly kept the remote control for my TV right next to me so I could mute the television as soon as I finished a stage. The sound is really that bad.

Overall, I did not dislike Kengo: Legend of the Nine. However, I was very disappointed in what I did get. I was expecting a sweeping romantic tale of Samurai with epic historical detail and stunning visuals with some period Japanese music. However, this game did not pan out as I expected it to. Instead I got a semi-historical repetitive fighter that does have its merits, but doesn't reach the full potential of what it could have been. This title will most likely appeal to fans of fighting games and those who don't spend too much time on single games. But for those who want the sweeping historical journey of the nine legendary Samurai, you'll have to keep waiting.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Freelance Writer

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