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The 16-bit era was a golden age for experimental and often bizarre action platformers that blended traditional gameplay with surreal narratives. Among the most vibrant examples of this creativity is Kendo Rage, a title that captures the energetic spirit of early 90s gaming. Originally released in Japan as Makeruna! Makendou (which translates to Do Not Lose! Kendo Magic), the game underwent a unique localization process to bring its quirky charm to Western audiences. Whether you are a fan of magical girl aesthetics or classic side-scrolling combat, this title offers a fast-paced experience that stands out for its humor, art style, and frantic energy.
The narrative of Kendo Rage follows the adventures of a young American girl named Jo, who is spending what might be the world's weirdest summer vacation in Japan. Passionate about Kendo—the traditional Japanese art of fencing—Jo’s parents decide to send her across the globe to sharpen her skills under the tutelage of the legendary Osaki sensei. However, Osaki is far from your typical martial arts master; he sports a striking green-haired cyberpunk look that hints at the strangeness to come.
To help Jo combat the supernatural forces threatening the world, Osaki grants her a magical talisman. This artifact allows Jo to transform into a powerful seventies-style superhero, complete with enhanced abilities and magical strikes. Throughout her journey, Jo must navigate through a series of increasingly bizarre environments, facing off against monsters that range from the mundane to the truly eccentric, all while maintaining her focus on her kendo training. It is a world where tradition meets high-concept fantasy in the most colorful way possible.
At its core, Kendo Rage is a 2D side-scrolling action game that emphasizes timing and agility. Players control Jo as she traverses various levels, using her wooden kendo stick (shinai) to dispatch enemies. The combat is characterized by its "rage" mechanic, represented by a meter at the bottom of the screen. As Jo attacks and moves, her energy builds, allowing her to unleash powerful elemental strikes. These special moves are essential for clearing screens of enemies or dealing significant damage to bosses.
Jo is also highly mobile; she can perform a dash and a high jump, which are crucial for navigating the platforming challenges found in each stage. The game features a variety of power-ups that can enhance Jo’s offensive capabilities or restore her health. Each level culminates in a boss fight against a unique and often hilarious adversary, requiring players to learn patterns and exploit weaknesses. The difficulty is balanced but challenging, rewarding those who master the timing of Jo’s magical transformations and her fundamental kendo swings.
This game was originally developed for the Super Nintendo ecosystem, providing a high-quality audiovisual experience typical of the console's peak years.
While it may not have reached the mainstream heights of titles like Street Fighter or Mega Man, Kendo Rage has maintained a dedicated cult following over the decades. It is remembered fondly for its unapologetic weirdness and its faithful localization of the "Magical Girl" genre tropes, which were relatively rare in the West at the time. The original Japanese version, Makeruna! Makendou, actually spawned a small franchise in Japan, including a sequel on the Super Famicom and a fighting game on the PlayStation, as well as an original video animation (OVA) that expanded the lore of Jo (known as Mai in Japan) and her battle against the spirits.