The Last Blade

"One of the greatest (yet underrated) games of the Neo Geo."

Introduction - The Last Blade was one of the (many) fighting games released for the Neo Geo arcade and home systems. It was developed by SNK, creator of both the Neo Geo Multi-Video System (the arcade version of the Neo Geo), and the Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System (the home console version of the Neo Geo). If SNK still doesn't ring a bell, think of the last two latest crossover fighting games developed by Capcom. Anyway, The Last Blade was not any ordinary fighter that you might've expected it to be. This game was, in my opinion, one of the GREATEST games on the Neo Geo. It brought together extraordinary gameplay; a story that is actually acceptable, unlike many other fighting games; and some of the greatest graphics to date on the Neo Geo. The sad thing was that this game never gained as much fanfare as other Neo Geo games, such as Samurai Shodown II and pretty much every King of Fighters game.

Gameplay - The Last Blade is a very entertaining game. From the minute you turn on your Neo Geo console (or emulator, in some cases), after the cheery Neo Geo theme, you'll notice that this is no ordinary fighting game. After the breathtaking opening sequence, you are greeted by the menu, allowing you to choose from several types of modes, ranging from a story-driven mode to a training mode where you get to practice your attacks on lifeless enemies.

Another unique feature of the game is the ability to repel an opponent's move with a very well-timed push of the D button, allowing for some nasty combos on your side. It is also good for versus mode when you are playing against a first-timer friend of yours and you are seriously tearing them up. Are they about to end your perfect health goal with one lucky blow right before they die? Nope, just counter it and finish them off with a nice combo :P

Now, if you're the type who doesn't like challenging fighting games, then this game is not for you. The computer will really make sure you keep every finger and even toe on your controller at ALL times, even after you KO them or slice their body in half.

The characters are also what makes this game one of the best ever. When you play, you feel as if you are playing a Japanese anime! The game really engrosses you in the story. The characters range from the obvious protagonist, to the token Chinese guy, to the disgustingly-overpowered final boss.

There are 16 characters to choose from, though two of them are secret characters and another two are different forms of existing characters that can only be accessed by transforming in-game. Each character has their own desperation move (which can only be used when you select Power or Speed Mode during Character Selection), super cancel (which can only be used with Power Mode), combo special (which is only for Speed Mode), and super desperation move (only for Power Mode).

Rating: 9/10 (would've gotten a 10 if it had made a cooler versus mode, allowing for special rules and stuff, but meh)

Story - AT LAST! A FIGHTING GAME THAT ACTUALLY HAS A STORY THAT YOU CAN BELIEVE! Don't you hate when video game companies make a fighting game and use some stupid reason to say why all of the characters fighting? We know you just want to make a game where people fight each other, you don't need to make a stupid excuse up. Just say that they are all fighting to see who will come out on top, not that one person is looking for the secret to who killed his wife and another is a warrior looking for a worthy opponent. Anyway, there is no single reason for fighting - all of the characters have their own personal drives but rather than spoiling the game for you, I'll let you find out for yourselves.

Rating: 9/10 (compared to other fighting games, the story makes you think you're playing an RPG!)

Graphics and Sound - One of the greatest things in this game is its graphics. "Beautiful" is one word I can use to describe it, but that wouldn't do it justice. Not only compared to other Neo Geo fighting games, but to some of the current fighters out now, The Last Blade can still hold its own, graphic-wise. From the opening sequence to the FMVs in the story/short mode, everything is excellent about the graphics.

The sound is also stellar. Each level has an appropriate ambiance, depending on where the level is located. For example, one of the areas is in the middle of a festival. So, what better than to not have traditional festival noises and shouts? You won't find dramatic music in this level, just the repeating shout of "Akari" by a bunch of girls, horns being blown in the background, and the noise of the crowd.

Rating: 10/10 for both great graphics and superior sound, especially considering what system it's on.

Replayability - As with most fighting games, Last Blade has tons of replayability. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes for a novice player to complete story mode on level 3 (there are up to eight difficulty levels you can choose from, one being the easiest and eight the hardest) with no time limit (you can have the clock set to run fast, normal, slow, or have no clock at all) and only about 7 to 10 minutes for short mode. However, you will be eager to replay the game since each character has their own reason for participating in this battle. It's not much of a challenge to replay it either, as you will fall in love with this game.

Rating: 10/10 You won't find out the stories for everyone by playing through story mode with only one character, so you'd better get to work at beating it again.

Make it a member of your family, let it visit, or don't invite it over at all? (buy, rent, or don't even bother, etc)
-Great story
-Great graphics
-Great sound
-Great replayability
-Great game
-Great buy

Recommendation: Buy. If you love fighting games and are looking for one that has a story that actually makes sense mixed in with great gameplay, then you'll love The Last Blade.

***I do find it a bit ironic that they call this game The Last Blade, yet they made a sequel for it just a year later. But then again, there are 12 Final Fantasies. <_<

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/30/06