Kenseiden (SMS, 1988)
Graphics-8 Sound-8 Control-7 Challenge-8.5
Level Design-7 Frustration-8 (9*) Fun-8 Originality-6
Overall Score-8
*Bonus stages
+
Lots of moves (gain new ones by defeating bosses)
Choose your own path (hub map)
Good bosses
Well realized JP mythological theme
Upgradeable health and attacks
Bonus stages
Hidden items
+/-
No save/password (easy continue code though which IIRC is mentioned in the manual)
-
Very frustrating bonus/training levels (you gain some good stuff here, though not crucial to beating the game)
Slow knockback
No difficulty options
Somewhat slow walking speed
No alternate weapons or subweapons
Level Design-7 Frustration-8 (9*) Fun-8 Originality-6
Overall Score-8
*Bonus stages
+
Lots of moves (gain new ones by defeating bosses)
Choose your own path (hub map)
Good bosses
Well realized JP mythological theme
Upgradeable health and attacks
Bonus stages
Hidden items
+/-
No save/password (easy continue code though which IIRC is mentioned in the manual)
-
Very frustrating bonus/training levels (you gain some good stuff here, though not crucial to beating the game)
Slow knockback
No difficulty options
Somewhat slow walking speed
No alternate weapons or subweapons