PS2 Hokuto no Ken - Sega Ages 2500 - In Stock

   In 1986, Hokuto no Ken aka Fist of the Northstar made its first appearance on video game console by haunting the Famicom library with a desolate post-apocalyptic scenario and side scrolling punch 'n kick action. A few years later, Sega released a Hokuto no Ken game for the MegaDrive which was somewhat deplorable. The control scheme and limited moves proved to be disappointing. In that earlier game, Ken's kicks sent enemies flying diagonally across the screen like missiles and bosses were nigh impossible to defeat with the limited reach of Ken's punches and kicks.   
   Over a decade after that unimpressive showing, Sega seeks redemption for its past transgression. The Sega Ages update of Hokuto no Ken was originally slated for delivery in December of 2003 but was delayed for three months. Was the extra time well spent in creating a playable game worthy of Northstar fanboy adulation? We'd have to give that a lukewarm yes. The side scrolling punch 'n kick action is not revolutionary but the mottled polygon visuals are interesting. The controls are executed more fairly in favor of the player and attacks connect with bosses better.  A superior power-up attack system is evident where abusing the △ button builds up a Fighting Spirit Meter which fuels special attacks. Once full, button combinations must be followed to ignite moves. Enemies no longer go flying across the screen when hit and seemingly crumble into makeshift deformations when totaled.
Sega's original Hokuto no Ken contained six stages but the update counts 10 stages in its inventory along with simple side scenes which string the storyline along. A new Kensei Mode features boss battles only where the bosses in the game are fought in sequence. These battles can become comical however because Kenshiroh and foe stand toe to toe and fire off a massive volley of punches at each other like statues with supersonic arms.
 
Summary of the Week
Monday NEWS Tamagotchi Plus released...but not released..., Famicom keychain, Import outlook
Tuesday NEWS Some more June 2004 Playstation imports including Shinkon Gattai Gondannar!!
Wednesday DC Shikigami no Shiro 2, Tenohira wo Taiyouni  GBA Bobobo 9 Kyoku Sensi Gyagu  PS2 Afterburner II, Dragon Quest V Remake, Hokuto no Ken, King of Fighters 2002, Mahjong Party, Saiyuki Reload, Steady X Study Regular and Limited
Thursday NEWS Super Mario Bros clocks, Famicom Mini carts in stock for new orders
Friday DC Tenohira no Taiyouni  PS2 Netsu Chu! Pro Baseball 2004, Pro Yakyu Spirits 2004, Raimuiro Senkitan Jun Regular and Limited, Sukisyo Episode 1 & 2, Taiko no Tatsujin Special Pack, Tatacon Pachy, War of the Monsters
National Console Support, Inc ° Your Import Specialist
Phone: (718) 523-5774  Fax: (718) 523-7069  Shop: www.ncsxshop.com  E-mail: ncsx@msn.com 
Design Services provided by Jimmy Z Studio/Atelier. © 2004 National Console Support. All rights reserved.