Introduction

In 2018, like an unexpected sequel from the director's cut of a bad horror movie, Gekido: Kintaro's Revenge waddled back into our gaming lives, this time for the PS4. With enough nostalgia to make a retro gamer shed a tear, this beat 'em up aims to brawl its way into your hearts-or at least your thumbs.

Gameplay

You control Tetsuo, a martial artist with the kind of luck that makes calamity seem like a well-planned event. He heads back to his old sensei's place, only to find himself summoned to a farming village where it seems the dead have taken up gardening. It's your job to smash everything in sight-both the bad guys and perhaps the village's questionable landscaping choices-because apparently, demons are running rampant after a temple got overrun. Forget about a simple vacation trip; this hero's journey looks more like walking into a horror flick with all the charm of a gremlin in a toaster. Throughout the game, your main mechanics involve punching, kicking, and the occasional usage of various street items as makeshift weapons (because who doesn't want to smack a demon with a frying pan?). You'll also find yourself facing an assortment of enemies that can only be described as 'dedicated to not having a peaceful retirement.' The gameplay is a mix of nostalgic beat 'em up action and what I would call 'frantic button-mashing schadenfreude.' Pickups, combos, and special attacks fuel the fight, all while you ask yourself if getting up from the couch was really worth it.

Graphics

Let's get real-this isn't a game that you'll brag about at family gatherings for its mind-blowing graphics. It's more like the charming but slightly off kid in the class; you love their quirkiness, but you understand that they may not be the next Picasso. The graphics are a step up from your dusty old Game Boy Advance, but they haven't reached the stage where you'll think, 'Wow, I'm convinced I'm in a fight against demons.' Character animations are decent, and the backgrounds have the charm of a watercolor painting that's just a bit smudged. If you're hoping for sharp clarity, put your glasses back on and accept that we are in retro revival mode.

Conclusion

Gekido: Kintaro's Revenge is like that one friend who insists they know how to fix everything but ends up causing more confusion. It attempts to merge nostalgia and modern gaming, and while it seems to succeed at times, there are instances where you're left scratching your head, questioning decisions that led to game mechanics that feel a bit dated. It's fun, mindless action for those lazy afternoons when you want to engage in some wholesome, unproductive fighting-or if you need an excuse to unleash your pent-up frustrations. So grab a controller, dive headfirst into this chaos, and remember: screen time is still better than staring at your homework.

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