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Kenseiden

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kenseiden
North American and European box art
DeveloperSega
PublisherSega
PlatformMaster System
Release
GenresAction, platform
ModeSingle-player

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

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Kenseiden features a cameo of Alex Kidd in this level. Alex Kidd's face is in the lower-right corner of the screen.

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

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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]

Notes

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  1. ^ Japanese: 剣聖伝
  2. ^ The title can be roughly translated as Sword Saint Legend, Legend of the Swordmaster or Summoning of the Sacred Sword.
  3. ^ Hangeul: 화랑의 검, Korean language: Hwarang-ui Geom

References

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  1. ^ "Availability Update". Computer Entertainer. Vol. 7, no. 8. November 1988. p. 13.
  2. ^ "Software List". Sega Hard Encyclopedia (in Japanese). Sega Corporation. Archived from the original on 2019-06-21. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  3. ^ "2 Mega Cartridges" (PDF). The Sega Master System Games Catalogue (1988/89). Mastertronic. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  4. ^ Kalata, Kurt (December 31, 2010). "Kenseiden (剣聖伝) - Sega Master System (1988)". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on January 6, 2011. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  5. ^ a b "CVG Complete Guide to Sega - Issue 1 - United Kingdom Magazine - Scans - SMS Power!".
  6. ^ "Complete Games Guide" (PDF). Computer and Video Games (Complete Guide to Consoles): 46–77. 16 October 1989.
  7. ^ a b Buchanan, Levi (February 1, 2008). "Kenseiden Review". IGN. Retrieved October 5, 2009.
  8. ^ a b The Games Machine, issue 13 (December 1988), page 51 (released 17 November 1988)
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