Tengai

Gamer reviews for Tengai

Relive the fast-paced, side-scrolling, arcade shooter action

Relive the fast-paced, side-scrolling, arcade shooter action

Tengai is an Android port of the arcade classic "Sengoku Blade: Sengoku Ace Episode II” developed by the veteran developer of arcade shooter games, Psikyo, and was published by Taito way back in 1996. The game was released on the Sega Saturn on the same year and had a PS2 port released on 2004. The latest port to the Android platform was handled by Mobirix and was released on December 24, 2014. The game brings back nostalgic side-scrolling shooter action featuring well-loved characters like the busty shrine-priestess aptly named Miko, the warrior-monk Tengai, the spunky Junis, the samurai-robot Katana and the young swordsman ninja Sho. The game also includes the one-eyed archer samurai named Ayin that was originally a secret character as well.

The game is set in an alternate reality medieval japan where players will battle various enemies of all sorts and sizes, with each stage guarded by a boss. Like the typical shooters of its time, destroying waves of enemies often yields power-ups that increases the damage and range of the character's projectiles. A player's attack can be upgraded up to three times. Collecting additional power ups from hereon will add up to the score. Sometimes, larger targets drop “bomb” scrolls that can be used to replenish you very limited supply of bombs or special attacks. Bombs are very powerful attacks that can erase enemy projectiles, instantly destroy most enemies within its range, and deal massive damage to a boss. If a player is shot down, he/she drops power ups and sometimes a bomb that they can collect again.

The entire gameplay revolves around the player's reflexes, quick and effective decision making, and good eye-to-hand coordination. Enemies will riddle the entire screen with bullets with different speeds and sizes, and navigating through all of these sometimes need finding patterns, blind spots, and performing evasive manuevers. The game's pretty much fast-paced and precise controls is a must in order to fly amidst the flood of enemy projectiles.

The Android version doesn't have onscreen D-Pad controls and only features two buttons; one for the bomb and one for the “option” attack. The characters fire their normal attacks automatically and players just need to drag their finger on the touchscreen to control the character's movement. The game is still fast-paced and this can be a problem for players using devices with smaller screens since their fingers will most likely block the view.

There are only two free characters to use: Miko and Sho. The other four characters must be unlocked using Rubies, which is basically the game's premium currency. You can get additional rubies by buying it using real cash. However, you can spend Gold coins to temporarily add any of the locked characters as a second player that will be controlled by the game. They are fully powered up so having them on your side is a great help. Gold coins can be replenished by opening a daily rewards chest or by buying them with real money.

The game's visual style and graphics stay true to the original. The original game is praised for its stunning 2D graphics, detailed backgrounds, great character designs, and well-animated sprites during its time. With the power and graphics capability of modern mobile devices, old players familiar with the title can relive these impressive and nostalgic features. In this The game's sound effects are also up par to the original, making it more immersive.

Also, it is worth noting that the Android version has toned-down Miko's portrayal. Part of my childhood memory was oggling at Miko's wonderful bosom. Now, they have covered it to make her less sexualized.

The game can be played offline so you can play it anytime and anywhere you want. However, for a free game, it will constantly display full screen or large disruptive ads regularly. This can be pretty annoying especially if you want just to enjoy the game without distractions. I would rather buy the game up front with all the features unlocked and without the ads instead of forcing players to endure the intrusion of these unwanted adverts.

Overall, Tengai is still a great, side-scrolling arcade title even on the Android platform. Players can relive the classic, action-packed gameplay of the golden era of arcade shooter titles at their fingertips. The annoying ad popups, very limited character availability, and somewhat unattractive menu design are all turn-offs for me. Like what I mentioned, it will be better to have the game sold as a premium, port title with all features unlocked, no ads, and with a fixed price.

3.5 / 5.0
 
Review by vhayste | Apr 9th 2015

Comments & Replies

ADD YOUR REVIEW
Your Rating:
 
GAME RATING
 
 

AppGamer - Mobile Game Guides and News since 2008.

AppGamer.com is owned by Web Media Network Limited, UK company number 3783771.

© 2023 Web Media Network Limited, 86-90 Paul Street, London. EC2A 4NE. United Kingdom.

All rights reserved. No part of this website or its content may be reproduced without the copyright owner's permission.

This site is not affiliated in any way with Google, Apple or any video game publishers.

About Us | Contact
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service

Promote your Game
 
Thank you for your addition to AppGamer. Please complete the sign up form below to create a free account and track your posts.