Denjin Makai Longplay (Arcade) [4K]

Game Info
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Developer: Winkey Soft
Publisher: Banpresto
Year of Release: 1994

Game Review & Impressions
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Denjin Makai isn't a brawler I was familiar with, which made it one of the reasons I decided to try it out. It's actually a surprisingly accomplished game, certainly up there with some of Capcom's CPS games for sure. I suspect some of you may be more familiar with the SNES/Super Famicom port (renamed to Ghost Chaser Densei).

As far as I can tell, the plot involves some kind of crime squad hunting down a bunch of "off grid" criminals, but the whole premise is like any other game in the genre: walk right and hit everything. Each of the playable characters features a roster of special attacks, each requiring a combination of button presses and stick movements to execute. Each move consumes a portion of your 'special' bar, represented by the ping gauge top left of the screen. Special energy can be regained by standing still and allowing your character to rest, and certain pick-ups can also restore a portion of energy as well.

What I found interesting about this game is the number of influences from other beat 'em ups, including the Streets of Rage series. It could be coincidence, but the factory level with crushers and conveyors felt reminiscent of SoR, while the section involving outrunning an earthmover -- complete with spiked plough -- felt like a reference to SoR 3.

Also interesting were the difference between Japanese and English revisions. With the exception of the endings, most of the cutscenes were removed from the English version. Even more puzzling was the removal of the two bonus stages, which didn't need any kind of translation, so their absence doesn't make much sense.

I was pleasantly surprised by Denjin Makai. The fighting action is good fun, the controls are well thought out, and there's a pleasing lack of enemies that go into an invincible state. The game is tough, but you have sufficient moves and counters to deal with most situations, so it doesn't feel like a total cash-grab, unlike other titles.

If you're looking for a decent brawler with a decent variety of characters, Denjin Makai is worth checking out.

Video Notes
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Related Longplays & Videos
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Chapters
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00:00 Attract mode/intro
00:37 Game start
00:57 Mission 1: Busy Street
05:06 Mission 2: Highway
09:59 Mission 3: Amusement Park
15:17 Bonus Game 1
15:46 Mission 4: Bay Side
19:55 Mission 5: Military Base
26:39 Bonus Game 2
28:12 Mission 6: Central City
35:40 Final Boss
39:04 Ending

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