Skip to main content

Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 (Video Game Review)

Tecmo Koei once had its place among the most respected developers and publishers in the gaming industry with some of the best fighting games around in the Dead or Alive series, a great new action series in Ninja Gaiden and plenty of other fun releases such as the Dynasty Warriors series. Now, it is only a few short years later, and the company hasn't put out a very successful game recently with the exception of Dead or Alive 5, and we're staring down a copy of their newest release Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 after a long playthrough and wondering where it all went wrong. The new release follows the storyline of the highly popular manga closely, depending on which mode you're playing, but chances are, you're not playing the game for the storyline and it won't justify a $60 asking price to pick up the game either way.

The Fist of the North Star animated series follows the story of main protagonist Kenshiro in a post-apocalyptic world ruined by nuclear war. Ken is one of the last remaining members of a clan of martial artists dedicated to the art of Hokuto that allows the hero to destroy an enemy from the inside by attacking pivotal weak points. In other words, Ken can make his enemies explode by landing a single punch on even the most dangerous of adversaries. Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 follows the storyline of the entire manga series by highlighting the most important events of the series, and other game modes in the game allow you to reimagine the storyline and fight to ensure different results. It all sounds nice on paper, but horrendous gameplay and voice acting that is nearly as bad cripples what could be a fun game to play. If you're looking for a fun gaming experience to compliment one of your favorite series, keep looking.

Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 has many problems, but it all eventually leads to the game being a boring experience that is not worth your time or money. There are 20 playable characters featured in the game, which is cool, but it also means you won't have enough time to master them all and will quickly turn away from learning move sets for each character and start mashing random buttons continuously to win. This allows you to easily overcome even the toughest enemies though, making the game both incredibly simplistic and repetitive. Projectile attacks, special moves, dodges, signature attacks that drain reserve aura power and more are included in the game, but poor balance makes these moves nearly obsolete except for when attempting to perfectly reenact a scene from the series. The game does offer online and offline cooperative and versus modes like few other games can claim, so at least you can drag your friend into the boredom and get a few laughs.


Confounding the numerous design problems is graphics that shouldn't exist in a full release AAA game. While the characters look pretty good and reminiscent of the characters from the manga, sloppy animations drag down the authentic look and feel the game could have had. Lazy environmental design plagues many of the stages throughout the game as well to take away from an immersive experience. Progressing through the game will allow you to unlock new equipment and skills for your fighters, which is cool and at least takes away from the time you'll spend in combat, so that's a plus. Even if you're a huge fan of the Fist of the North Star series, it will be hard to love a game that is so flawed, for everyone else, stay far away from this release and pick up an old copy of Dynasty Warriors for cheap if you're into beating the crap out of a bunch of overmatched goons.

Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 is now available from all major retailers and can be purchased for the MSRP of $59.99 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 is rated M by the ESRB for Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes & Violence. For more information on the game, check out the official Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 website.

Game Features:
  • Online Cooperative Multiplayer 1-2
  • 20 Playable Characters
  • Multiple Game Modes
  • DLC Support
  • Trophy/Achievement Support


    • Game Information:
    Developer & Publisher: Tecmo Koei
    Platforms: PlayStation 3 (reviewed) & Xbox 360
    Release Date: February 5, 2013

    Score: 2 out of 10

    Popular posts from this blog

    Crazy Kung Fu: A chunky, focused fitness‑meets‑reflex fighter (VR Game Review)

    Crazy Kung Fu transforms martial‑arts training into a physical rhythm game that sharpens reflexes and raises your heart rate: fast, reflex‑driven, calorie‑burning gameplay wrapped in deep moddability. What started as a focused VR reflex trainer has evolved into a vibrant, community‑shaped practice arena; richer environments, meaningful cosmetic rewards, and new systems that push precision, stamina, and skill growth in equal measure. What the game is • High‑intensity reflex combat : Fast, physical gameplay that maps your hands and body to punching, dodging, and blocking; scoring rewards precise timing and optimal range so every movement matters. • Deep, varied content : 72 handcrafted levels across four distinct modes (Train, Fight, Focus/Compete, Workout/Event), with modifiers and multi‑tier difficulties that scale from welcoming warmups to brutal, pro‑level tests. • Distinct, atmospheric arenas : Six immersive environments; from intimate dojos to a tranquil bamboo forest; each with b...
    Level Up: Read More »

    Captain Wayne: Vacation Desperation - Retro Rampage on Orca Isle (Game Review)

    Captain Wayne: Vacation Desperation detonates with hand‑drawn, ink‑drenched visuals and breakneck retro shooter action, grafting a double‑barreled shotgun onto a sailor’s arm and sending him on a gleefully gory rampage across Orca Isle. Released November 25, 2025 by Ciaran Games LLC and published by Silver Lining Interactive, the game fuses frantic boomer‑shooter gunplay with over‑the‑top animated cutscenes, a ripping, adrenaline‑driven soundtrack, and an endless arena mode that keeps the chaos replayable, equal parts cartoon carnage and twitch‑focused design that rewards speed, improvisation, and a taste for glorious destruction. Gameplay Loop and Systems Core loop • Shoot, survive, adapt : Move fast, read the room, and string momentum through aggressive play. Encounters reward mobility and timing; dash into cover, lay down suppressing fire, then finish with a brutal melee or explosive for maximum payoff. • Distinct weapon identities : Each tool feels purposeful; The Captain’s Ol’ Re...
    Level Up: Read More »

    Tiger’s Inn Restaurant: A cozy Valley Head breakfast and comfort‑food spot (Review)

    Tiger’s Inn unfolds like a happy hometown find: a bright, friendly diner that serves hearty Southern breakfasts, generous meat‑and‑three lunches, and a laid‑back Sunday brunch. Expect well‑executed classics; fluffy pancakes, crispy hashbrowns, perfectly cooked eggs, and comforting daily specials; served in generous portions at wallet‑friendly prices. Warm, attentive service and thoughtful touches (jam choices, regular check‑ins, and prompt refills) give the place a welcoming, family‑run feel that keeps locals coming back and makes first‑time visitors feel right at home. Location and vibe • Address : 132 Commerce Ave, Valley Head, AL 35989-4259. • Street presence : The storefront is quietly charming; white brick, a vintage‑style circular Tiger’s Inn sign, and a bright “OPEN” door that invites foot traffic and neighbors inside. A bench and seasonal wreath add small‑town warmth. • Interior vibe : Inside feels like a friendly hometown diner; warm wooden floors, simple black tables, and a ...
    Level Up: Read More »