SENGOKU 3 is a side scrolling action game first released in 2001. Choose one of the 4 initial characters to play with and set off on an adventure around the world destroying evil spirits that were awoken by the red moon. This sequel takes on a new gaming dynamic from its predecessors by incorporatin...
SENGOKU 3 is a side scrolling action game first released in 2001. Choose one of the 4 initial characters to play with and set off on an adventure around the world destroying evil spirits that were awoken by the red moon. This sequel takes on a new gaming dynamic from its predecessors by incorporating a ninja (shinobi) gauge which when filled allows you to launch several different Ninja Art attacks against your enemies.
The new system allows you to use both armed and unarmed attacks to adeptly execute and link combos, increasing your character's attack power. Use high-powered ninja arts and combos to decimate your enemies in this action-packed final installment of this epic series.
3/5 for lack of two controller support in co-op mode.
I would've given Sengoku 3 a 4/5 for its wee off sound, but the lack of two controller support in co-op reduces it to a single player game. The second player can use the keyboard, but, in a 2D action game? Are DotEmu for real here? This gripe cuts across the Mac and Linux versions as well. Inexcusable.
On a very big PLUS side: The GOG release of Sengoku 3, like the Humble release, includes the rom file. And, yes, the rom file is fully compatible with Winkawaks which DOES support two controllers in all Neo Geo games. And, yes, if you have a legally purchased copy it is fully legal to run it via emulation.
People who published this port have no shame. This is the worst of the worst: no visual opitons, no real sound opitons or controller options that you can choose from one of the most ugliest main menus ever. Game might be good but I will never know because it is a chore to play it on GOG. And of course, sound glitches a delays about 5 seconds... shame, shame, shame! Shame to publisher and shame to GOG for zero quality control!
Sometimes Dotemu (the company that did the port) does a good job porting SNK games to pc.
ie. Metal Slug 3
Other times that make the laziest, piss poor ports that dont even allow you to customize you controls.
ie. King of fighters 2002
This is one of those auful ports.
Absolute massive shame.
Sengoku 3 manages to tick the boxes for a good beat'em up game, and at only $6. Sengiku 3 features four playable characters who're varied in their moves, speed, power, and appearances. the controls are pretty tight and allow for a variety of combos. The stages all have cool themes and BGM. The enemies start out a bit samey, but are challenging and will take advantage if you're not mindful of their positions around you. Linux and Mac are also supported in Sengoku 3. Fun in single player and even better in co-op, you get a pretty solid beat'em up in Sengoku 3.
For two controller co-op:
2P must press COIN (R Bumper) then START.
I love Sengoku 3. I really do. As an an objective reviewer, however, I can very clearly see where this game shines and where it falls short. Visually, the first thing that will capture you is the great animation all playable characters display. It's similar to other high-quality sprite work found in SNK games like Garou, Metal Slug or Last Blade. Combine that with an excellent combo system and decent hit detection and all of a sudden you're having a good time. It always feels like something is missing though. While the characters and enemies display pretty good personality, the stages lack any sort of imagination. Lots of generic, empty backgrounds. While they are adequate and certainly serviceable, it's a contrast to the superior detail you'll find on the main characters.
Bosses/enemies aren't too tough, it's mainly a matter of managing the additional attackers that show up to bother you, cheap and effective AI or moves that give them invunerability. It's especially annoying when enemies or bosses hang off the side of the screen and continue to attack when you have little to zero chance or hitting them back and you're forced to realign yourself closer to the center of the screen, which happens rather often. You will routinely get your combo attacks interrupted by certain bosses without any real way to recover other than using your escape move, which depletes a portion of your health along with it.
Music and sound is overall solid and a positive point for Sengoku 3. Punches and attacks sound meaty and aggressive, swords can clang against each other if you get an enemy to throw a parry or counter at you.
I feel like Sengoku 3 has a lot of potential that wasn't fully realized, but there's a solid foundation underneath it, which carries it across as a good game just not a great one.
Worth a play and worth the $5.99? Absolutely. That's why it gets four star rating from me. It's still a fun game despite its flaws.
