Review by The Manx
"I HATE rotten evildoers!"
There isn't a lot to say about Kendo Rage. If you've ever played a platform game about a sword-wielding hero before, all that's new here for you is a main character who speaks in valley girl slang.
Jo's an exchange student in Japan, and in her spare time studies kendo (sword fighting) with her master Bob (who for some reason they thought would be funny but isn't also sells used cars). Anyway, on her way to school he has Jo fight some "rotten evildoers" by giving her a magic amulet that gives her a funky outfit and sword-swinging magic powers. And so it's up to Jo to fight the forces of evil and make it to school on time.
Graphics-
This looks a lot like a comedic anime (check the fake Jo who is the first boss you fight). The enemies are goofy for all the flame and lightning blasts Jo will start throwing around, the comedic feel never goes away. Check out Jo trying to keep her skirt down in embarassment as she falls off a forty-foot cliff.
Sound-
Not so good here. Sound effects are unremarkable, as are the background tunes that play in each distinct area Jo visits.
Gameplay-
Extremely standard platform game action here. Jo runs, jumps, ducks, and takes out bad guys with her sword. And the more she lets her energy charge up before opening up her big can of kendo whoop-butt, the bigger the blast and the more damage it does to any poor anime monster who happens to be in the way.
You've got your standard power ups to replenish life, to give Jo different kinds of attacks, and not much else.
The various levels are kind of amusing as you wonder what kind of insane school bus route goes through icy mountains, underwater and a construction site filled with killer robots, on the other hand. Still, none of them will blow your mind if you've ever played a platform video game in your life.
Final verdict-
Kendo Rage is an extremely average platform game in an ocean of platform games. The humor sets it slightly above its peers, but if you only look for the gameplay, be prepared to look elsewhere.
Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 05/09/04
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