Kenseiden
| Kenseiden | |
|---|---|
 North American and European box art | |
| Developer(s) | Sega |
| Publisher(s) | Sega |
| Platform(s) | Master System |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Action platformer |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Kenseiden[a][b] is a 1988 action platforming game developed and published by Sega for the Master System. The player controls the samurai Hayato in 16th Century Japan as they attempt to retrieve five scrolls and a sacred sword from evil warlocks and spirits lead by Oda Nobunaga.
The game was released as Sword of the Hwarang[c] in South Korea with multiple visual differences. Hayato is altered to look like a Hwarang warrior and the levels are changed to be set in Korea.[4]
Kenseiden received positive reviews from critics.
Gameplay
[edit]
Kenseidan is a side-scrolling action-adventure game set in Japan. Each level is set in an ancient Japanese province where the player is tasked. After A certain point, the player can play levels in whatever order they choose, and can go back to previous levels at anytime except for the final level.
Reception
[edit]| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Computer and Video Games | 85%[5][6] |
| IGN | 7/10[7] |
| The Games Machine | 86%[8] |
Upon release, Kenseiden received positive reviews
The Games Machine gave the game an 86% score, considering it one of the best "hack-'n-slay" games because of its "simple, but highly playable action and superb presentation."[8] Computer and Video Games gave it an 85% score, describing it as a "huge" role-playing adventure with exploration, "truly superb" still screens and "plenty of brain-bending puzzles" to last "weeks on end!"[5]
Retrospectively, Levi Buchanan of IGN reviewed Kenseiden. He gave the game a 7.0 and said "even though I found the choice to go grim interesting and the visuals engaging, I have discovered my appreciation for Kenseiden was more of a 'love the one your [sic] with' sentiment. Master System junkies should still seek it out and give it a go, but there are indeed better games for the console that deserve your renewed attention."[7]
References
[edit]External links
[edit]
- Kenseiden at MobyGames
- Kenseiden can be played for free in the browser at the Internet Archive
- ^ "Availability Update" (PDF). Computer Entertainer. Vol. 7, no. 7. October 1988. p. 8.
- ^ "Software List". Sega Hard Encyclopedia (in Japanese). Sega Corporation. Archived from the original on 2019-06-21. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
- ^ "2 Mega Cartridges" (PDF). The Sega Master System Games Catalogue (1988/89). Mastertronic. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ^ Kalata, Kurt (December 31, 2010). "Kenseiden (剣聖伝) - Sega Master System (1988)". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on January 6, 2011. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
- ^ a b "CVG Complete Guide to Sega - Issue 1 - United Kingdom Magazine - Scans - SMS Power!".
- ^ "Complete Games Guide" (PDF). Computer and Video Games (Complete Guide to Consoles): 46–77. 16 October 1989.
- ^ a b Buchanan, Levi (February 1, 2008). "Kenseiden Review". IGN. Retrieved October 5, 2009.
- ^ a b The Games Machine, issue 13 (December 1988), page 51 (released 17 November 1988)