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Step into the colorful, chaotic, and often bizarre world of Makeruna! Makendo 2: Kimero Yokai Souri, a title that encapsulates the creative spirit of mid-90s Japanese gaming. Also known by various titles such as Makeruna! Makendo 2, Makeruna! Makendo 2: Kimero Youkai Souri, and sometimes colloquially referred to as Kendo Rage 2 by Western fans, this game is a fascinating departure from its predecessor. While the first entry in the series was an action-packed side-scroller, this sequel takes the fight to the 2D fighting game arena, a genre that was exploding in popularity during the 16-bit and 32-bit eras.
Developed during a time when experimental mash-ups were the norm, this game blends traditional Japanese folklore with futuristic cybernetic themes and a heavy dose of anime-inspired humor. Whether you are a fan of classic fighting mechanics or just looking for a game where "wacky" is an understatement, this sequel offers a unique experience that has maintained a dedicated cult following for decades despite never seeing an official Western release in this specific format.
The narrative of Makeruna! Makendo 2: Kimero Yokai Souri is as eccentric as its title suggests. The story follows the unfortunate Makenko, a boy whose life was turned upside down when he was kidnapped by the nefarious brain-monster known as Dr. Mud. In a twisted experiment, Dr. Mud transformed Makenko into a high-tech cyborg. While Makenko now possesses the strength to destroy both the monster world and the human world, his only true goal is to enact vengeance against his creator and find a way to get his human body back.
On his quest, Makenko is inadvertently joined by a fellow monster hunter named Makendo. Unlike most heroes, Makendo would actually prefer not to be hunting monsters at all, but she is dragged along by the circumstances. Adding to the group's dynamic is her little sister, Hikari, who—unlike her sister—would like nothing better than to dive headfirst into battle. Together, this unlikely trio travels through a world where dastardly demons and wacky monsters roam free, aiming to kick some monster butt and thwart the plans of the villainous Dr. Mud.
Transitioning from the platforming roots of the first game, Makeruna! Makendo 2: Kimero Yokai Souri adopts a 2D one-on-one fighting format. The gameplay is reminiscent of contemporary classics like Street Fighter II or Darkstalkers, but with a distinct emphasis on character personality and flashy special moves. Players can choose from a roster of diverse fighters, including the central trio and several of the eccentric monsters they encounter in the story.
Each character features a unique move set that caters to different playstyles. Makenko utilizes his cybernetic enhancements to deliver powerful strikes, while Makendo relies on her traditional kendo training, using her shinai (bamboo sword) for mid-range dominance. Hikari, the smallest and most agile of the group, uses speed and unpredictable movements to overwhelm opponents. The combat system includes standard light and heavy attacks, special move inputs, and powerful finishers that fill the screen with anime-style effects. The controls are responsive, making it an accessible entry for casual players while offering enough depth for fighting game enthusiasts to master specific combos.
This game was released on several platforms, including the Super Famicom and the PlayStation.
The legacy of Makeruna! Makendo 2: Kimero Yokai Souri is primarily tied to its status as a "hidden gem" of the fighting game genre. Because the first game was localized in the United States as Kendo Rage on the SNES, Western collectors often sought out this sequel to see how the story of the kendo-wielding heroine continued. Although the sequel never received an official English localization, it became a staple of the import gaming scene.
Historically, it represents a period when developers like Datam Polystar were willing to take risks by switching genres between sequels. Its vibrant sprite work and lighthearted tone have helped it age better than many of its more serious contemporaries. Today, it is remembered fondly as a quirky example of the "anime fighter" subgenre that preceded the massive popularity of modern titles like Guilty Gear.