Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal

Burst Re:Newal plays better than any SK game before it and has the most satisfying story yet. If it weren’t for the lackluster fields of battle, I’d have no trouble calling this the best game of the franchise. Regardless, it’s a perfect starting place for those new to the battles of these soulful, buxom shinobi, a fantastic plot resource for fans who didn’t play the DS game, and one of the most player-friendly brawlers around.

Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal is a breath of fresh air after the fumbles of the last few games in the series. I got on board with this franchise for the unique characters and addictive combat, and this game has both of those things in spades. It’s a treat to see the origins of the cast redone on home console, but if you’ve never played a single game in the series before, Burst Re:Newal is the best this franchise has to offer for you.

With fast and fluid combat, endearing characters and a grounded story that isn’t afraid to crack a few jokes, Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal represents the series at it's finest. That said, if you take issue with the sexualization of its characters, then this game is not for you.

Your enjoyment of Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal is going to be dependent on how much you value the lore of the series. As this contains both the early wacky adventures and introspections of each of the shinobi, fans of the characters will love the treatment. Otherwise, the combat holds up, even without the use of items and combo moves. Although the other modes are filler, the presentation looks and sounds excellent. If you're a fan of the series but didn't play this game on the 3DS, Burst Re:Newal is worth checking out.

In the end, I am still enjoying Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal as I continue to play through it. It’s a fun, vapid and over the top action game that doesn’t shy away from what it is – a game about sexy ninja girls. Sometimes I don’t need a game to be deep or hit me with the feels, sometimes I just need to relax and undress my opponents, and really, is that such a bad thing to ask?

Beyond the cheap titillation, Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal offers plenty of solid action and drama, all wrapped up in a gorgeous visual package that makes a tempting jumping on point for anyone who has ever wanted to hop into the long-running franchise.

The core action is still exciting and dynamic, with a layered combo system that ensures it's never quite a button masher. Throw in the series' infamously hyperbolic and satirical sexualisation, and you're still left with a good time. There are games that do genuine sexiness better, and there aren't many out there that have the wild, unbound entertainment value of Senran Kagura.

Senran Kagura Burst Re: Newal is an interesting remake of a 3DS game from 2013. The combat and visuals have been overhauled to fit the times, but there's nothing ground-breaking. The cute yet tough girls are a treat to play as, even though combat can get repetitive.

Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal is a nice gateway into the franchise and a very good remake of the 3DS classic but one that won't offer much for players of Estival Versus thanks to a lot of reuse.

Quotation forthcoming.

All in all, this game had great aesthetics and commentary, but it was entirely too repetitive. Every mission was pretty much the same, but increased in difficulty throughout the game. I would give this game a 6.5/10 rating, but it is also a cult favorite and I respect those who have love for this game.

A good remake of an old and simple game that now is way more beautiful, but it's still entertaining despite it repetitiveness.

Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal plays it safe with the series' established formula, which is ironic considering these titles are anything but safe. The series has always stuck to its roots and embraced the perverseness that in equal measures repels and attracts gamers, and this entry does little but remind the gaming world that these games exist. Aside from Burst Re:Newal being a ground-up remake, there's surprisingly few innovations to take the series into uncharted territory, but the combat is nevertheless enjoyable, and the story interesting enough to just about support the weaker points of the experience.

Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal is one of those games that’s not bad, but not particularly good, either. It’s flawed in multiple ways, but it’s still somewhat fun to play, albeit in short bursts.

With the forced ommisions in the Western markets, this game is in the limelight for all the wrong reasons. But if you think that the art of long lost boob bouncing, a merely solid battle system and superficial “my boobs are smaller than yours” dialogue is game of the year material, than this might be something for you.

Quotation forthcoming.

Rich story containing too many tired anime tropes told through tedious text crawls. Combat sequences are fun but are too short.