Pros:
+Graphically astounding in comparison to the PlayStation Vita Version
+60fps brings the game back to life with fluid combat and animations
+Natively supports mouse and keyboard as well as Xbox One controllers
Cons:
–Boobs, boobs, boobs.. It’s an overload at times.
When it comes to anything being a guilty pleasure, it’s hard to state, which one is which. If it’s not the boobs jiggling or the high pitched squeals as pieces of clothing breaks, it’s hard to determine what point is the “guilty pleasure” state and what point is actually the ability to enjoy the game for what it is; a brawler.
In my original review (now buried on our Facebook wall, as it was before we had a blog, or even a website like we do now), I stated the game is perfect for those looking for skimpy outfits, female shinobi, and excessive amounts of boob jokes that tend to be funny. The truth is? That previous statement hasn’t changed since the original games release on the PlayStation Vita back in 2014.Thankfully to the power of games such as this one moving to PC, Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus gets another chance to reprise the role it had as a hilarious title with some cheerful moments and even light gags. However, can it be as funny as well as enjoyable compared to its previous release? With this, that’s what we’re going to take a look at as we’ll treat this review not just as a re-review, but a whole new review all together.
For those unfamiliar with the series, Senran Kagura is, at its core, a comedic buxom brawler that brings in the meanest of the meanest female warriors from Hanzō National Academy, Hebijo and Gessen. While some may be able to find a school they prefer, Senran Kagura offers a variety of reasons to play characters from both while also experiencing the stories from both. This is something that does add in replay value and keeps the game alive in many ways, ways in such, I’m still playing it and haven’t put it back down even though I’m playing it again on both PC and PlayStation Vita.
“The mechanics, even though they are musou style, are what keep the game alive”
When reviewing any game such as this one, the story could easily be one of the parts to ignore if you aren’t in for a few boob jokes, and a few facepalm worthy moments. Granted all the dubbing is done quite well for fans to enjoy, but so is the translation. This is where XSEED Games sets the par against many localization teams. The one thing though that has kept me coming back? Isn’t the story believe it or not, but the combat mechanics.
For those familiar with the series and those that aren’t will quickly be able to the game without a hitch. Thanks to the not-so-complex combat style that can quite easily be compared to Dynasty Warriors style games (trust me, this game has a lot that can be a nod towards the franchise), players will find themselves quite often mashing both square and triangle in able to beat their enemies to a pulp. With combo’s galore at their hands, players will find themselves mashing square as fast as possible before transferring into a triangle held moment to pop enemies in the air before pursuing them. This will easily take enemies into a aerial stun where they will gain ground of the battlefield.
Included in the combat mechanics is something a bit more unique, one that causes clothing options to be destroyed when the opposing or player character has received a set amount of damage. While this is easy to do, enemies or the player are capable to initiate a shinobi transformation, which allows the girls to be stripped down (censored by golden rays), and transformed into their ninja form. For all those new or never played the series, all of their clothing options can be customized from undergarments, shirts, dresses, etc. In this new form, the character becomes more powerful, versatile, and even heals up to full health while now being able to unleash powerful new shinobi abilities. Some that will stun enemies while locking them into an obscene amount of damage and allowing the tides of battle to be turned. The mechanics, even though they are musou style are what keep the game alive.
“The Performance and Port Quality is Top-Notch”
Hardware Used for the Review:
Asus RoG G53SX-DH71 Gaming Laptop (External Link to Asus RoG Website)
Windows 10 Premium – 64-bit
1920 x 1080 resolution screen
8GB DDR4 RAM
1TB 7200RPM HDD with a 1TB 7200RPM Backup HDD
Nvidia GTX 560M 2GB
The transition, however, from Vita to PC was quite easy thanks to the game supporting Xbox One controllers as well as other PC supported controllers. Deciding to test the game on two PC’s, I was impressed from the moment I booted up the game, setting it to 1080p, 16×9, and running at full 60+fps consistently without a drop. This stayed true across both platforms, one with a integrated video card, and the other a dedicated.Even on a TV as a monitor, the game played without a hitch as expected.
When looking at the idea of a game being “ported”; it’s hard not to take a moment to glance at what makes the port solidified and a justifiable purchase for those wanting to go at the title again. Unlike most games, we’ve seen a few that were only half-ports where only the in-game animations during player control had been scaled up to perform as one would expect. This time around? This game is not one of those and it was done perfectly enough, the performance and port quality is top-notch, and it would be hard to state that XSEED Games and Marvelous AQL didn’t go out of their way to ensure player’s would come back for another purchase. This port? Is perfect the way it is.
“Multiplayer Lag Was Unbearable at Times”
Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus – PC (Reviewed), PlayStation Vita
Developer: Marvelous AQL
Publisher: XSEED Games
Price: $29.99 USD
Released: Available Now
Out of all my experiences outside of unique customization choices that can be done via the shop, the games multiplayer is where the game begins to shine outside of linear and repetitive designs. The multiplayer is where the game makes the combat a bit more enjoyable as players will find themselves facing off against themselves and NPCs. While combat remains the same, players will find themselves battling it out for the top score in order to show their talents. As one would expect, the game supports online multiplayer, which is where the core ability to enjoy the game is for many of the players.
While finding a few good matches had been highly possible, there was still some trouble finding the matches I needed that didn’t lag. Luckily the few matches I got in ran pretty smooth without little to no hiccups after the bits of lag that managed to land on us. Overall? It wasn’t enough to damn the game in any form. If this how any game comes across as a port? I think XSEED Games has set the new standard for how a port should work out.
Our review is based on a copy provided to us by the games publisher. For information about our ethics policy please click here.
Final Score: 8 out of 10
About the Writer:
Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.