When I first experienced Hokuto No Ken at an arcade in California, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I usually don’t support many licensed products, since licenses are often used as a way for bad games to sell large amounts. But due to Arc System Works track record with 2D fighting games, I had faith that Hokuto No Ken would be something more than Guilty Gears with a palette swap and shallower depth.Being a fan of the Fist of the North Star anime, I was surprised (and relieved) that in the game each of the characters had an immediate sense of familiarity, and their “styles” were each developed based off the original source material. Overall, however, the most intriguing thing was the fact that not only did the game stand well on its own, but it didn’t seem to miss a beat compared to the Guilty Gear series that it was roughly based on.
As a bit of background on the game, the Fist of the North Star series is set on a post-apocalyptic earth. The main character of the series, Kenshiro, uses his skills in the art of Hokuto No Ken (a secret martial arts style) to protect the weak that would be preyed on by the numerous “evil-doers” roaming the lands. Hokuto No Ken takes place during the first half of the original manga, and actually features most of the original voice actors from the anime.
The gameplay is immediately accessible to anyone familiar with Guilty Gear.
Though there are a few minor changes, the same combo based fighting engine exists here in Hokuto No Ken. There are a few balancing issues (which are to be expected). The juggling abilities aren’t quite broken, but for some characters they are close. The game is also notorious for punishing you for mistakes. This is a common part of most fighting games (especially when played against a human opponent), but I can see where the level of punishment you receive would be frustrating for a new player trying to learn the system.
Hokuto No Ken features a Seven Stars of the Hokuto gauge which lowers progressively during the course of the match based on various attacks performed. Once the bar is empty, characters are able to perform Instant Kill-styled moves from the Guilty Gear series.
The anime was notorious for it’s over the top violence and gruesome fights. Fortunately (for fans of the anime that is), this has been carried over to the game with utmost concern on the part of the developers. The blood will flow in this game… And freely.
Graphically, the game is impressive. And though Arc System Works still hasn’t quite reached Street Fighter III Third Strike animation quality, the quality of the work more than makes up for it. This game is as impressive as any of the Guilty Gear games.
Cloth moves naturally, all motions are extremely fluid… All of the backgrounds have little details that were included that while unnecessary, add another layer of coating and polish to the final product. There are also full screen animations of the characters that will fill the television during certain attacks, making the game play a much more cinematic experience than you’re a-typical fighter.
Arc System Works has succeeded with Hokuto no Ken. This game is faithful to its source material and is a worthy extension to their already great Guilty Gear series. Finally making its way to home consoles, Hokuto No Ken is looking to be a 2D anime/fighting game fan aficionados dream.
The game promises to deliver with additional modes and improved blance. I am expecting the final copy in my hands this week from www.play-asia.com, but if it captures just a bit of the flavor and action that the arcade version had, this may very well be one of the top fighting games released this year on a home console.
VITAL STATS
Kenshiro Combo DVD
