Kujaku Ou 2 - Geneijou Review by: Totts - 9/10
Kujakuou 2 is a platform game based on an anime released in Europe as Mystic Defender. The only difference between the Japanese and the European version is in the representation of the main character. In the Japanese version is Kujaku and is in a traditional Japanese style on the road, in the European version, however, our ‘normally’ dressed hero is Joe Yamato. Thus the reference to the anime Kujaku in Europe was neutralized. In both cases, our hero, a veteran with magical powers, on the way to the Azuchi Castle makes to the stolen Ashura (Japan) or Alexandra (eur.) from the clutches of evil to free. Their souls to be sacrificed for the purpose of the revival of an evil God. And we must not allow it yet, or?......
As mentioned at the beginning of this review, this is a typical platform game. You run and jump from one platform to the next and eliminate all obstacles along the way using the characters magical abilities. The enemies are plentiful, these include many ugly figures, like some bosses, that stand out, as opposed to their original appearance, by their size. Kujakus magical abilities include three always interchangeable standard attacks such as frontal shot, multi blast shot and a flame Jet. To use it effectively you must charge your weapon, but it takes some time. This time must be bridged only by standing because when running or jumping Kujaku cannot ‘focus’ sufficiently to summon his powers. Fortunately there are things he can collect in the form of some tools that make life much easier for Kujaku: Blue balls to populate energy, red balls to reduce the charge time and smart bombs. The latter are very rare and often hidden.
Seen from the technical side, the game - for the vintage – represents the best you can get from the technology freely available in 1989 at the time. The beautiful background graphics that partially recall and work together to create a very creepy old Japan. The exact control and the balanced difficulty only confirms that in this case first impressions do count, this is a great game for its time. There is here no unfair positions and with a little practice, the game is good one to master. As one of the first Mega Drive games Kujakuou 2 can convince many today of its status as the true father of 16 bit gaming par excellence and more than a contender for its Super Nintendo rival the Famicom!
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