Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Feb 2, 2023
    73
    A game structured by collecting the major features of popular genres such as TRPG and deck buildings. While each stage is a little bit too long and the deck building feature has a room for development, the game offers a unique experience that is differentiated in similar genres.
  2. Mar 7, 2023
    70
    Mahokenshi is a visually eye-catching and mechanically solid entry into the big world of deckbuilder games and brings in a mixture of elements that will appeal to not just card/deckbuilder fans, but people who also enjoy board games.
  3. Mar 2, 2023
    70
    Mahokenshi doesn’t really challenge its competitors in the deckbuilding genre. There’s too many mistakes for that, including the story. You can, however, look forward to some truly original ideas and, in the end, to a good bit of fun. Not wonderful, not horrible. Wait for a discount or a Game Pass inclusion.
  4. Feb 16, 2023
    70
    An interesting deck-building card game with not much content and boring maps to explore. Basic gameplay is nice and the four heroes are different enough to let players experiment a bit.
  5. Jan 26, 2023
    70
    If you’re able to look past a slightly stereotypical use of Japanese mythos and the lack of long-term enjoyment, Mahokenshi perennial deckbuilding provides enjoyment. Save for a few minor frustrations, this is one of the more accessible entries into the genre.
  6. Jan 24, 2023
    69
    If you found Slay the Spire's oppressiveness off-putting, Mahokenshi's easier and dressed up in a pretty kimono.
  7. Feb 14, 2023
    65
    Mahokenshi is a decent-looking game, but it’s not that amazing. Thankfully, it’s not the most action-packed title, so a choppy framerate isn’t going to torpedo things, but it’s not something you like to see.
  8. Jan 24, 2023
    60
    Mahokenshi is a fun deck-building tactics game that prioritises smart gameplay. Coming up with winning strategies and experimenting on the battlefield is enjoyable, and finding card synergies gives you a real feeling of accomplishment. Great care was taken with the visuals and audio to deliver an experience that really immerses you in the welfare of the Celestial Islands. Unfortunately, the characters aren’t properly balanced and there’s a clear favourite in terms of strategy, with not enough in-built incentives to explore the other characters. But if you are alright with a short adventure and are willing to complete every objective you see, you will have a good time with Mahokenshi while it lasts.
  9. Jan 30, 2023
    50
    While its art style is pleasing to the eye, the low resolution appearance of the textures, even when the game is played on the pre-determined "High" visual quality setting, make models and other assets appear blurry and indistinct. The minimalistic nature of the options menu makes it effectively impossible for players to rectify this through further increases and tweaking. The message is clear: Either accept mediocrity, in all areas, or walk away. Given said options, walking away may well be the only viable solution.
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  1. Mahokenshi was just too much of a drag to be truly enjoyable. It has its moments, for sure, and those who thrive on the crushing rhythms of Soulslike games may get more out of this than I did. But when you know those sweet card synergies you just discovered will be brushed away again at the start of the next mission, you begin to feel less like the godly heroes you're meant to be inhabiting, and more like some wandering scrub blundering their way through the fickle realms of chance. Lady Luck is a cruel mistress in the world of Mahokenshi, and I could never quite shake the feeling it was holding its cards a little too close to its chest.
User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Negative: 3 out of 8
  1. Mar 2, 2023
    9
    This is one of the better turn based card games to be released recently. The graphics are pretty good and the music and sound effects areThis is one of the better turn based card games to be released recently. The graphics are pretty good and the music and sound effects are decent enough. Card art is great and the animations while a bit slow on a older machine are nice to watch. The game plays a bit like a 4X game in terms of the map and a normal card based battler in terms of combat. The strategic gameplay is amazing. You really have to think through every move and every card that you play to optimize your turn. Cant wait for a sequel/expansions/DLC. Full Review »