Hanako: Honor & Blade
- September 13, 2021
- +Mpact Games, LLC.
Hanako: Honor & Blade is a samurai-themed multiplayer game set in feudal Japan. Choose from multiple character classes, each with unique abilities, and engage in strategic team-based combat in various game modes. Experience the beauty and brutality of medieval Japan as you fight to restore honor and balance to the realm.
Reviews
- The game features beautiful graphics and a unique art style that immerses players in a stunningly crafted world reminiscent of feudal Japan.
- Combat mechanics are engaging and fun, with a variety of character classes that offer different playstyles, making each match feel unique.
- The developers are dedicated and actively engage with the community, frequently updating the game and hosting events to encourage player participation.
- The player base is very low, often resulting in matches filled with bots rather than real players, which diminishes the overall experience.
- The game is still in early access and requires significant polishing, particularly in combat mechanics and hit detection, which can feel clunky at times.
- Some players have expressed frustration with the lack of customization options and the simplistic nature of certain gameplay elements.
- gameplay28 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its smooth mechanics, easy accessibility, and depth, allowing players to enjoy both casual and competitive experiences. The combat is fast-paced and engaging, featuring unique fighting styles and a respectful approach to physics, particularly in archery. Overall, players appreciate the game's gorgeous visuals, active development team, and the potential for future improvements.
“Mechanics like projectile drop and needing to lead on a moving target respect the physics of shooting an arrow, but they're not overly difficult as to become aggravating.”
“The game mechanics are smooth, and there is a learning curve for each of the three classes you can play.”
“The gameplay is fun, fast-paced, and exciting. It is only made by a small team of developers, which means a lot of hard work has been put into this game. I'm excited to see what is introduced into the game in the future.”
“The gameplay... hoooooo boy.”
“When I had my first few games, I had expected broken mechanics or obvious imbalance of the classes.”
“So much has been improved since my first review from game mechanics to visuals.”
- graphics28 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received high praise for their beautiful art style, reminiscent of a 3D traditional Japanese painting, and smooth performance. Players appreciate the cell-shaded visuals and the overall aesthetic, which enhances the immersive experience of the game. Despite being an indie title in early access, the quality of the graphics stands out, contributing to a captivating atmosphere and enjoyable gameplay.
“Especially the art style, which had me walking around the maps the first time I played, just admiring the beauty and love put into this game.”
“The game is made by a small team of people, and I gotta say, the game has surprisingly good quality for an indie game in its early access state. The graphics look like a 3D traditional Japanese painting animated and are really quite good.”
“I love the art style, and the maps are truly beautiful.”
- music16 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere and energy, with traditional sounds that immerse players in the Sengoku era setting. Reviewers highlight the fantastic quality of the soundtrack, which complements the game's artistic direction and combat mechanics, making it a standout feature. Overall, the music significantly contributes to the game's appeal, with many players expressing their enjoyment of it.
“The traditional music that plays in the background helps to immerse you in the game, along with the sounds of the sword being drawn, the naginata delivering a blow, and the sound of the ninja's kusarigama flying through the air.”
“The art style is fabulous and the music is truly fantastic.”
“I just started and the fighting is great, the meditation is even better, and the music is A++!”
“The traditional music which plays in the background can help to immerse you in the game as well as the sounds of the sword being drawn, the naginata delivering a blow, and the sound of the ninja's kusarigama flying through the air.”
“I just started and the fighting is great, the meditation is even better, & the music is a++!”
- replayability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's exceptional replayability, citing a variety of character features, unique maps, and diverse game modes that ensure a fresh experience with each match. This combination contributes to an endless replay value, making it highly engaging over time.
“Endless replay value; a bunch of different character features, unique maps, game modes, and experiences every match.”
“Replayability is also there.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its attractive cell-shaded visuals and an energetic soundtrack, which together create an engaging and immersive experience.
“The cel-shaded visuals are pretty, and the music does a good job of injecting some energy and atmosphere.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The monetization model primarily features low-cost cosmetic in-game purchases, typically under $5, which players feel are worth buying to support the developers. Additionally, it is recommended to purchase the game during sales for a more satisfying price.
“There are actually cosmetic in-game purchases you can make with real money, but they're mostly just under $5. Honestly, I'd get them just to support the devs. If you're considering buying the game, just buy it when it goes on sale and you'll get an incredibly satisfactory price.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its humor, being consistently hilarious and fun, while also incorporating serious moments that add depth to the experience.
“This game is hilarious and fun, but can be serious at certain times too!”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its heartfelt origins, which deeply resonate with players once they understand the inspiration behind its creation. This emotional connection enhances the overall experience, making it more impactful.
“The source of this game is heartfelt; when you learn what spawned its creation.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The reviews suggest that the game's story is heavily influenced by the developers' previous experiences and narratives, indicating a depth and richness that may resonate with players familiar with their past work.
“Honestly, look into the story of the devs prior to making this game.”