The Last Blade 2: Heart of the Samurai

"Samurai Fashion Sho ^_^"

Thanks MUST go to Agetec for being here despite the semi-downfall of SNK and the Dreamcast. As the newbies flock towards role-playing games like Final (HA-HA!) Fantasy, sports games, and every other ''lowest common denominators,'' there are those who still believe in the power of fighting spirit. But can they afford it?

Last Blade 2 is the contestant for the title of ''the best series stating that they're the 'last' but always lying.'' But the game is packed with action. And the characters herein can kick butt hard despite looking like they had just stepped off the runway.

Story (8)

''Shinji I-Kaede'' is gifted with his ability to transform into ''Magical Blue Lightning Dragon Leo Di-Kaede'' when he fights. This is important because his power, Okina's ''Torrent Serpent,'' Shigen's ''Rock Tiger,'' and the repented Kagami's ''Flame Phoenix'' are needed to fix the lock on the ''Gates to Hades'.'' And that's the main reason why Yuki's ''in a hurry...'' Keiichiro's back with newbie Kojirou to stop the completely insane Mukuro. Moriya's back and colder than Yuki's special moves. Lee and Zantetsu are here to round out the set. Akari and Juzou are back to save the day. Setsuna's the newbie and ''Messenger of Death.'' And Hyo's back to mainly pick up chicks; somehow succeeding with Hibiki, another newbie and revenger.

Gameplay (9)

''BEHOLD THE POWER OF THE DREAMCAST!!'' The closer you get to the end, the harder it gets and the more creative you have to be when you kick butt. The moves are easy to perform despite the Dreamcast controller's sensitivity. (i.e.: You'll end up jumping back instead of doing a QCB special attack.)

Audio/Visual (6)

Delayed. You smack someone upside the head with an attack. 1/2 a second later, (s)he squeaks in pain. You perform a special move, it takes another 1/2 second for your fighter to say anything. Their voices don't mix will with the sound effects. The background gets jumpy atleast once per full game, but it zooms in and out perfectly. The music, again, isn't ''Samurai Shodown;'' but it fits nicely. The background soundtrack is a nice plus as well. And the conversation between the characters in the second-to-last round is quite a treat for those who like subbed anime.

Replayability (5)

This is ''Only Built For Sushi Trays...'' Meaning that it's not for people who pick this up, and within two months sell this game for points to get something better. The lack of the ''Hanafuda Cardgame'' in the American version is quite depressing since somebody MIGHT be interested in it. But that's how it is going through US customs.

Overall (7)

Buy or rent? With the popularity of video games moving away from the fighting genre, rent would be the most likely option. But for the rest of us who want to preserve the old ways (like the Shinzengumi want to preserve the history ways of the Japanese), buying the game is our option. Besides, Last Blade is basically a ''Voguing Contest'' with weapons being used. May the best-looking warrior win!

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 08/27/01, Updated 08/27/01