Kengo: Master of Bushido

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Crave
  • Release Date: Jan 3, 2001
Metascore
62

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 13
  3. Negative: 4 out of 13
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  1. GamePro
    90
    The fighting world has a brand new and addictive style of gameplay. Kengo pays homage to an art form that's rarely seen, and plays as a well-crafted and fun experience that no fighting-game fan should miss.
  2. Daily Radar
    88
    Gamers weaned on massive combos and flashy pyrotechnics will most likely find themselves fidgeting, but we've got a suspicion that plenty of PS2-owning gamers out there are looking for a fighter with finesse -- not just for fans of the genre, Kengo fits that bill quite nicely.
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  3. TotalGames.net
    83
    A suitably impressive game, if not for its sparkling gameplay, then for its determination to do something different with the whole genre, in which it remains almost unique.
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  5. Gaming Age
    67
    With 20 characters, various training missions, and a surprisingly fun 2-player mode, there is a lot to be played in Kengo.
  6. GamerWeb Sony
    65
    Heavy on the pretty and light on the substance makes for a game that could have waited for round two.
  7. IGN
    60
    It's a heartbreaker, because a game that looked like this, included these kinds of presentation and scenario elements, and played like "Bushido Blade" would receive my highest recommendation. I'd play it to death. What might have been is not what is, though.
  8. GameSpot
    59
    The game has a weak fighting system, and the lack of a compelling storyline makes Kengo just a series of boring, repetitive battles. The game abandons both the characters and the gameplay formula of the "Bushido Blade" series and ends up being a disappointment on all fronts.
  9. GameSpy
    52
    The game plays like a warped fighting game, and practically everything about it screams frustration.
  10. Games Radar
    50
    As for the versus mode, it might succeed in entertaining a couple of people for about half an hour or so, but that's all that saves Kengo from being a complete dud.
    All this publication's reviews
  11. Core Magazine
    42
    A spiritual descendant of the Bushido Blade series, Kengo is a pretty bad game that doesn't live up to its fine heritage.
  12. Game Revolution
    42
    I was hoping for depth and ingenuity. I wanted "Seven Samurai," but got "Samurai Deli."
  13. PSX Nation
    40
    Horrible control and subpar graphics ruin what could have been a special fighter on the PS2.
  14. Happy Puppy
    40
    This disaster of bushido, on the other hand, Kengo right into the discount bin.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. ChrisWhite
    Sep 7, 2023
    8
    A really underrated Bushido Blade clone that has eveything a Samurai Beat up fans need..
    The training, the stick fighting the tournaments....    A really underrated Bushido Blade clone that has eveything a Samurai Beat up fans need..
    The training, the stick fighting the tournaments....
    Its a fun and addictive game that works both as singleplayer and head to head with a buddie..    … Full Review »
  2. JSXero
    Apr 7, 2014
    9
    The spiritual successor of Bushido Blade keeps it's memory alive with it's unconventional take on the fighting genre. This weapons based 3DThe spiritual successor of Bushido Blade keeps it's memory alive with it's unconventional take on the fighting genre. This weapons based 3D fighter really packs a punch, with heaps of fighters and some intense battles to be had. When a duel can be over in a few seconds from a well placed strike, you need to keep on your toes for this one. You cannot afford to take any shots, because anyone could be that slash that takes your life. Kengo has a washed out graphic style that may not making it the flashiest PS2 fighter but it works with the game to make the blood pop out. In this game when you bleed it means something bad, it means you are in trouble and the fact that the blood stands out even more by contrast just really tips the intensity of this fighter.

    Strategic and violent, Kengo will keep you on your toes whether in survival mode going through waves of swordsmen trying to get the highest tally, or between two friends on multiplayer. The fights might not always last long, but the impact lasts forever.    … Full Review »
  3. EfeB.
    Jul 4, 2006
    10
    i had this game for years and years now...i still play it. so this post is very late in due, but if you are reading this and want to find a i had this game for years and years now...i still play it. so this post is very late in due, but if you are reading this and want to find a real samurai game, without the crapy arcade flash and exagerated things...this is your game. this is very realistic, pretty and surprisingly addictive game. good luck finding it though!!!!...i think i had it for more than 5 years now!… Full Review »
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