Kenseiden
1988 video game
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kenseiden[a][b] is a 1988 action-platform video 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 led 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
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
| 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]
