Dogô Sôken

This is another under the radar gem, yeah, I know I'm probably going to be in the minority on this but I actually like this sequel. Yes, I know this is a rather bizarre entry in the Ikari Warriors series, but you must realize something back then sequels for video games and movies back then didn't have any rules. After the first game they didn't want to make the same game all over again, so they decided to go a different direction and indeed it was a different direction.

Here they decide to go the fantasy route, the same commandos are thrust into this fantasy dimension where in order to escape and free the dimension they must destroy the evil mystical force that runs it. I'll admit it personally I thought it was kind of a cool idea because we really don't have many run and gun video games that are from the fantasy genre. I also didn't mind you had the characters from the first game thrust in this fantasy world, they are video game characters that live in a video game universe so anything can go. At least it wasn't so much the same thing and they were at least still both doing what they do best in the first game which is to kill everything that moves, which is all you can ask from a run and gun game.

The graphics are solid a little like with the first game but there are some detailed renditions which make it a small step up. I like the fantasy environment, just like with the first game, as you advance further you always see something different and new so things don't get dull like in one place there are a bunch of Mayan pyramids, another some roman ruins, and just other really strange and interesting things you have to see to believe. You have a good assortment of bizarre enemies like little green demonic imps, flying bat humanoids, giant tarantulas, and some other weird things.

Gameplay is intact as you have the usual controls, you have a decent assortment of weapons I like there is some variety which wasn't in the first game. It's true there isn't the element to build up your weapons power which may put some players off, but due these weapons it's not necessary. You have the standard gun, but the two that are unique and are the best are the flaming rockets which are cool as each blast take out a mass number of enemies in your path.

Another is a sword that provides a strong defense as you can thrust and swing (or rotate the control stick) at any that come your way. Though with that sword you also have offense as it a magic sword than can shoot down most of the enemies.

Though my favorite are the boomerang blades which are cool, your almost invisible with them as they have a good range, you can throw as many as you want, they can cut though anything, and the fact the boomerang blades come back you this gives the weapons both offence and defense capabilities.

You don't have a tank which once again may put players off as that was the best thing about the first game. Instead you have a suit of armor which is interesting, the armor gives you a temporary shield against oncoming attacks.

The game also has boss battles which the first game didn't have, I like the designs of the bosses as each are unique and really strange and all messed up. Other unique thing is the game also has these warps where you have a bonus boss battle to fight, after fighting though it you'll be able to skip ahead in the level. However, as I said you must fight thought the battle, so the choice is yours in the risk.

The only misfires of the game are the boss battles are a bit long and the difficulty in them comes off kind of cheap.

Overall, it's a solid sequel, it's one of those sequels that are polarizing and maybe a small step down in my book, you're either going to like it or not but still for fans of the series and the run and gun genre of video games, it's worth a shot.

Rating: 3 stars