For a certain type of person, a generation of consoles only really starts when D3 starts releasing hot budget bangers. Oneechanbara games have been a staple of the publisher's catalogue since the PS2 days with multiple iterations and sequels released on PS2, 360, PS3, PSP and Wii. The series is now on the PS4 and is the first one that could actually be considered good.

The game is a sequel to the 360/PS3 Oneechanbara Kagura and all four of the girls are playable in most levels. They each have their own weapons and fighting styles and at least Kagura and her friend Saya can transform into demons. Maybe Aya and Saki will get that ability later as well.

The combat has always been weak and stiff in previous games but this one is fast an fluid and appears to have a lot of options in. You have the traditional light and heavy attack along with weapon switching and secondary weapon attacks. You have a dodge that will lead into a counter attack when timed right. Dodging and jumping can also be used for air recovery and air combos can travel horizontally and appear to hit pretty hard.

As you fight you collect blood and when your blood meter is full Aya and Saki immediately enter a rage mode which consumes their health but increases their damage output until the meter drains. Kagura and Saya store their blood and can unleash their DD demon mode. The trick here is to switch between characters that are low on health and let the others regenerate, balancing four characters and their respective meters.

Graphically it swings between 360 and PS2 but runs at a decent framerate and resolution on the PS4. It is a far cry from Bayonetta 2 but I really like the low poly, repeating texture look of PS2 games so it's fine by me. The characters are where the attention has been given and they look good in a slightly doll-like anime way. They are of course grotesquely sexualised and trashy. DLC and other costume options exist to have them completely naked except for paint splats or bits of fruit covering their bits. To me it doesn't feel creepy, it just feels trashy and gross.

This is the first Oneechanbara I'm paid over the odds to import and will actually complete. It isn't great but if you like quirky/odd/slightly iffy Japanese games or are lusting after a character action game, it might be worth picking up.

The game is a sequel to the 360/PS3 Oneechanbara Kagura and all four of the girls are playable in most levels. They each have their own weapons and fighting styles and at least Kagura and her friend Saya can transform into demons. Maybe Aya and Saki will get that ability later as well.

The combat has always been weak and stiff in previous games but this one is fast an fluid and appears to have a lot of options in. You have the traditional light and heavy attack along with weapon switching and secondary weapon attacks. You have a dodge that will lead into a counter attack when timed right. Dodging and jumping can also be used for air recovery and air combos can travel horizontally and appear to hit pretty hard.

As you fight you collect blood and when your blood meter is full Aya and Saki immediately enter a rage mode which consumes their health but increases their damage output until the meter drains. Kagura and Saya store their blood and can unleash their DD demon mode. The trick here is to switch between characters that are low on health and let the others regenerate, balancing four characters and their respective meters.

Graphically it swings between 360 and PS2 but runs at a decent framerate and resolution on the PS4. It is a far cry from Bayonetta 2 but I really like the low poly, repeating texture look of PS2 games so it's fine by me. The characters are where the attention has been given and they look good in a slightly doll-like anime way. They are of course grotesquely sexualised and trashy. DLC and other costume options exist to have them completely naked except for paint splats or bits of fruit covering their bits. To me it doesn't feel creepy, it just feels trashy and gross.

This is the first Oneechanbara I'm paid over the odds to import and will actually complete. It isn't great but if you like quirky/odd/slightly iffy Japanese games or are lusting after a character action game, it might be worth picking up.
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