Rengoku: The Tower of Purgatory

 PSP
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Apr 26, 2005
Metascore
43

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 30
  3. Negative: 17 out of 30
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  1. PSX Extreme
    46
    Seriously though, how important are these extras if the game itself is so mind-numbingly underdeveloped?
  2. Play Magazine
    45
    Comes close to hitting the mark, but misses by the fine details that separate the good from the mediocre. [May 2005, p.69]
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  3. Gamer.tv
    40
    Rengoku's clunky control system does well to convince you you're a steel-clad cyborg, but unfortunately this rigid feel doesn't lend itself to an enjoyable game. [JPN Import]
  5. GameSpy
    40
    It feels a bit PS1-era, prior to the introduction of the Dual Shock, honestly. Once I messed around with the controls for a while, I got used to them, but I am not enthusiastic about them.
  6. Cheat Code Central
    40
    It's been a while since I've played a good, mech battling game. After playing Rengoku: Tower of Purgatory, it's still been a while since I've played a good, mech battling game.
    All this publication's reviews
  7. DarkStation
    40
    This game is a pretty clear cut disappointment and there is really no other way to say it. It had the potential to be a sleeper hit, paving the way for action games on the PSP, but ultimately let down with an uninspired storyline and lackluster gameplay.
  8. My Gamer
    36
    Not even worthy of a rental. Just stay away.
  9. Thunderbolt
    30
    Here’s how Rengoku works: take something cool and mess it up. It’s that simple. They took robots and they made them boring and stupid.
  10. games(TM)
    30
    With combat relying on clever use of items and plenty of RPG-esque searching and equipping, Rengoku does show some potential, but it’s far too little, and with so many better-quality titles already on the market, it’s definitely too late. [Mar 2006, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. Game Revolution
    25
    It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that Rengoku’s few cool ideas are short-circuited by bad design and boring gameplay.
  12. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    23
    Fantastically unfun. [July 2005, p.118]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    20
    No other game in the PSP launch window is so miserably underachieving. [June 2005, p.101]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. 1UP
    20
    The dictionary entry will read, "Rengoku ren - go - ku n: 1 A game design flaw in which great effort is expended on concept art but little else. 2 An activity that presents itself as entertainment but is, in fact, a form of torture."
  15. G4 TV
    20
    One of those games that wastes the best material on cutscenes.
  16. TheSixthAxis
    20
    It is almost embarrassing to play a game with such a lack of polish and refinement.
  17. Gaming Age
    16
    Rengoku does offer Wi-Fi multiplayer action, but that just means you have to con up to three others to endure this ludicrous blunder with you.
  18. Stuff
    10
    That's it. You can customize your 'bot a little, but frankly we haven't had this much fun since we ran over a bee hive with a riding lawnmower.

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Best PSP Game of 2005
28
#28 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2005
19
#19 Most Shared PSP Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 25
  3. Negative: 9 out of 25
  1. VLG
    Aug 23, 2023
    6
    The concept was pretty interesting, the plot was deep, and the style and atmosphere of the game were pretty interesting and unique. But theThe concept was pretty interesting, the plot was deep, and the style and atmosphere of the game were pretty interesting and unique. But the gameplay was as boring as it gets. It was also absurdly hard towards the end. I never beat it.… Full Review »
  2. DarekfanAT
    Jan 19, 2021
    10
    This game is not by any means a hidden gem. But it absolutely doesn't deserve such a low score. The stages do get repetetive but the gameplayThis game is not by any means a hidden gem. But it absolutely doesn't deserve such a low score. The stages do get repetetive but the gameplay is engaging. The story is very philosophical without being pretentious. And the cherry on top is the artstyle, I kept changing equipment just to see how it affects GRAM's body. The only thing it lacks is memorable soundtrack. The only tracks that stayed in my head for long are the intro cinematic and the corridor leading to the last boss. The game is short, you can finish it in a day or two, so give it a chance.… Full Review »
  3. BunnyLee
    Sep 16, 2005
    2
    Boring zzzzzzzz BOE - BOE - BOE.
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