First Impressions:

Bandai Games has finally scored big with the new RPG "Inuyasha: Feudal Combat" for the PlayStation 2 The new game is now available in retail stores. It's based on the top-rated TV series from VIZ Media that airs on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, "Inuyasha: Feudal Combat".

The game has undergone an engine over haul. It is now a genuine fighting game with a variety of moves and combos. You can play as Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku and Sango. The story mode has actual resemblance to the game. Thankfully the new battle system includes the ability to play along with a friend as a partner character in the do-operative mode.

Graphics:

The loading screens are a little slow but the artwork makes up for it. The graphics are much better this time with 3D renderings of the 2-D manga characters. The environments look pretty and they are well drawn. Environments that have been on the TV series appear in the game. You play against familiar enemies such as Kikiyo, Koga, Kohaku, and Naraku.

The game takes place in ancient Japan. It is set in a fairy tale like setting where demon oni and magic priestesses practice their sparkling skills in feudal Japan. It features 12 playable characters. Inuyahsa is a half human half dog- demon. Naraku is an evil shape-shifter. The combat system is new a d original and original and a big improvement from Inuyasha the Cursed Mask.

The environments are interactive which can give players an advantage in battle depending on what element or spells they can cast. There are three different game-play modes, including the mission, story, and two-player versus modes make a variety of ways to play the game. The game advances as characters are given the chance to develop more upgraded. Increased compatibility with partners to improves attacks.

The game is beautiful the backgrounds and other screens are nice watercolors. The characters themselves look much better in the updated 3D format. The whole game seems more in keeping with the style of the artwork and level of production that the DVD Inyusha movies have. The music and sound effects are good.

Sound/Music:

The sound track has some of the music from the series. The best part is that the voice actors from the series are all voicing on the game. That makes a huge difference in how effective the game is. The sound effects are the same as the ones from the series and the movies.

Gameplay:

Game play commences as you choose which team that you want to play as. In this way it becomes a two player game, or you can even choose a female lead character almost all the way through the game. Inuyasha and Kagome or Miroku and Sango. Kagome has her bow and sacred arrows that purify negative energy. Sango has her heracos and Ki La La by her side. They all have special bonus moves that you have to let charge up much like many RPG games of the past have.

Enjoyment:

The game is fun. That is what counts. It isn't hardcore and it isn't supposed to be. If you want to zen out with a game that has lots of atmosphere then this one is great for that. Sure, blasting away with big swords and glittery special effects is relaxing.

Multiplayer:

Another exciting feature is the co operative mode. You can play with a friend and team up against the others. That give the game much more flexibility than as a single player. It does not have online multiplayer though. It doesn't seem like a title where that would be appropriate anyway.

Overall Impression:

Inuyasha is my favorite animé. It has it all down, the supernatural story line, the romances and the tragedies. The game-play has been improved to match the show's exemplary art style and deep plot line. I am satisfied. I give Inuyasha Feudal Combat a long awaited 9 out of 10.

Marketing Efforts Towards Women:

The Inuyasha series is well loved by women all over the world. It has all the right stuff. There is good story line with lots of romance, spirituality and characters that are very deep. The males are sensitive and caring as well as strong. The women in the story are powerful and intrepid. It is a fine example of animé that has been done right. The designers meant this game for a female audience and other developers would do well to examine this franchise to see how they got so many female fans of all ages.