Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage

 Xbox 360
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 38
  3. Negative: 7 out of 38
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    Dec 19, 2010
    46
    Ken's Rage is an atrociously repetitive game that bafflingly remains entertaining in spite of its best efforts at self-sabotage. But don't let the low score fool you - you should pick this up when it hits the bargain bin. Just be prepared for the video game equivalent of Stockholm Syndrome.
  2. Gamereactor Denmark
    Jan 6, 2011
    40
    A traditional beat 'em up that runs out of steam after about an hour. From that point on, everything is just a rehash of what has gone before. The environments are bland, the enemies lack variety, and in generel it feels like the details haven't been paid enough attention. The Japanese hairdo's are cool though.
  3. Joystiq
    Dec 19, 2010
    40
    Look: This is a game about punching perplexed paper dolls until they explode with blood, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. But it is so very much about that -- and only that -- that, unless you're in love, it's far safer on this side of the looking glass.
  5. Thunderbolt
    Dec 19, 2010
    40
    Something like Fist of the North Star deserved something better than just a blatant copy/paste job. Ultimately, all the buckets of blood in the world fail to hide this is the same thing players have grown disenchanted with a generation ago.
  6. Official Xbox Magazine
    Dec 13, 2010
    40
    These folks add a considerable amount of content to a game in desperate need of variety, but their fighting styles and special moves aren't enough to make this rigid, repetitive actioner worth enduring. [Jan 2011, p.78]
  7. Console Monster
    Dec 20, 2010
    37
    Everything here feels too generic. Maps and characters, other than the primary ones, all look the same, combat is dull and repetitive and it feels like it was designed for a much earlier console.
  8. The A.V. Club
    Dec 19, 2010
    25
    No matter who's onscreen, Ken's Rage is clunky, lacks variety, and on the whole feels incredibly dated.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 28
  3. Negative: 4 out of 28
  1. Asterisk73
    Nov 5, 2010
    8
    If you ever watched the Fist of the North Star anime or enjoyed any of the games from Koei's "Warriors" series, you'll enjoy this title.If you ever watched the Fist of the North Star anime or enjoyed any of the games from Koei's "Warriors" series, you'll enjoy this title. Unlike many adaptations of animes, mangas, etc. this game follows the FotNS canon quite well. The gameplay is simplistic, but fits the type of action seen in the show. There is a LOT of playtime available in this title as each character from the original manga/anime has their own story mode and "dream mode". If you come into this game expecting a revolutionary single player experience, you won't find it. However, if you enjoyed the show and want a game that follows it faithfully, definitely pick this one up.… Full Review »
  2. Hierophantasm
    Nov 2, 2010
    9
    This is a wonderful trip down anime/manga memory lane. It's got that great Mad Max-meets-Bruce Lee vibe with wildly over-the-top guitar riffsThis is a wonderful trip down anime/manga memory lane. It's got that great Mad Max-meets-Bruce Lee vibe with wildly over-the-top guitar riffs and ultra-violence for newcomers to enjoy, while paying great homage to the elements that made Fist of the North Star an iconic anime. While lacking some of the polish over-budgeted "AAA" titles enjoy, this scrappy brawler looks great, all things considered. Characters are varied enough, so that anyone will be sure to have their favorites, with plenty of customization options available. Loading screens may seem lengthy, but the levels proceed with little to no interruption. Give this a shot if you're into under-the-radar gems, and like to support the underdog.… Full Review »
  3. AmadeusE
    Apr 20, 2020
    9
    Enjoyable music, familiar Dynasty/Samurai Warriors style that I like, great character designs(including sexy female characters) and lots ofEnjoyable music, familiar Dynasty/Samurai Warriors style that I like, great character designs(including sexy female characters) and lots of testosterone. And no stupid cel-shading like in Lost Paradise. I also prefer the Dynasty Warriors style over the Yakuza style of Lost Paradise. And some of the music during gameplay reminds me of Painkiller for some reason. I'm playing Painkiller as a beat'em up!… Full Review »
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