Kiai Resonance
- January 27, 2015
- Absorb Reality
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Kiai Resonance" is a rhythm-based fighting game where players duel in sync with traditional Japanese music. Using motion controllers, players execute precise strikes and blocks, strategizing to counter their opponent's moves. Immerse in the absorbing reality of intense duels, where mastering the rhythm of battle is key to victory.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Beautiful art style that resembles traditional Japanese paintings, enhancing the game's atmosphere.
- Simple yet engaging combat mechanics that emphasize timing and strategy, making each duel feel intense.
- Local multiplayer mode provides a fun experience with friends, despite the lack of online players.
- Severe lack of content, with only two characters and a few stages, leading to repetitive gameplay.
- Online multiplayer is essentially dead, making it difficult to find matches and complete online achievements.
- Gameplay can feel shallow and unchallenging after a short period, as the AI does not provide a significant challenge.
- graphics23 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their beautiful and traditional art style, reminiscent of ukyo-e, creating a visually pleasing experience that enhances the zen atmosphere. However, some reviewers note that the graphics are not technically impressive by current standards, and the lack of graphical options limits customization. Overall, while the art is appreciated, the game's content and depth are seen as lacking.
“The art style is gorgeous and I wish there were more games with that traditional style.”
“The visuals are beautiful, how some parts of the maps are animated, and some others are in a front layer, not all in the background; it really looks like a 'living painting' with the warriors fighting.”
“The art style is pleasing to the eye and the music and sound effects work well in the game.”
“The graphics are mediocre, and its pretty shallow gameplay.”
“Graphics: the graphics of Kiai Resonance are not 'impressive' according to the current standard.”
“- serious lack of graphical and audio options, all you get is fullscreen: on/off, sounds: on/off and music: on/off.”
- gameplay22 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized as simple yet effective, emphasizing strategic observation and precise timing, which aligns with its zen-like atmosphere. While it offers a unique and evocative experience reminiscent of traditional Japanese art, many players find it lacks depth and content, leading to a sense of monotony over time. Overall, it is described as easy to learn but challenging to master, with a focus on one-hit kills that may not satisfy those seeking more varied mechanics.
“The art and gameplay are extremely evocative, making you feel like you are actually dueling within a kaiga painting.”
“While simple, the gameplay is definitely not simplistic, forcing you to observe your opponent, strategize, and precisely time your attack.”
“As for the gameplay itself, it's definitely 'easy to learn, hard to master' - there are two buttons for movement, forwards and backwards.”
“The gameplay, albeit technical because it relies on reflexes and mind games, is slow (on purpose, I assume, to fit with the zen atmosphere of the graphics and the music) and becomes boring quite fast.”
“What I really don't like about the game mechanics is that you can only use certain strikes in a certain kamae.”
“The graphics are mediocre, and its gameplay is pretty shallow.”
- music16 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its ability to set the mood and enhance the overall atmosphere, with a great soundtrack that complements each map. However, some players feel that the menu music can become repetitive during long waits. While the simplicity of the music aligns well with the game's aesthetic, there are suggestions for incorporating more traditional Japanese elements to deepen the experience.
“The music is simple, and helps set the mood.”
“The game has a fantastic ambience to it, traditional Japanese music and backgrounds: you do feel like you are playing hand-drawn characters on cloth - I think the presentation for what is really a simple premise of a game is excellent.”
“The art and music alone make me love this game.”
“Maybe more traditional Japanese music included, or maybe something related to Japanese history or mythology would be nice.”
“The gameplay, albeit technical because it relies on reflexes and mind games, is slow (on purpose, I assume, to fit with the zen atmosphere of the graphics and the music) and becomes boring quite fast.”
“- serious lack of graphical and audio options, all you get is fullscreen: on/off, sounds: on/off and music: on/off.”
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate a notable absence of a traditional story mode in the game, with players expressing a desire for a more developed narrative and campaign features. While the single-player mode serves primarily as practice, it lacks a cohesive storyline, leaving players wanting more depth and engagement in the game's narrative structure. Overall, the game's potential is seen as limited without a dedicated story mode.
“All in all a great game that would be even more awesome if there were more features, maybe a campaign or story mode, and a working multiplayer.”
“There is also a section with challenges that will assist in your quest to follow bushido and become the ultimate samurai - these challenges are actually quite challenging.”
“Maybe if they focused on a story or even more gameplay elements when the bare bones of the in-game structure were really well made.”
“The singleplayer mode is for practice, since there is no story mode.”
“There's no kind of story mode that one might traditionally find in a fighting game.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a zen-like quality, enhanced by its graphics and music, which complements the slow-paced gameplay. While some players find the pace can lead to boredom, many appreciate the game's ability to evoke the intense, brutal essence of classic samurai duels, making it a fun and immersive experience focused on art and atmosphere.
“This is a limited but very fun and atmospheric game which captures the blunt brutality of classic samurai movie duels.”
“This game is all about atmosphere, art, and fun.”
“The gameplay, albeit technical because it relies on reflexes and mind games, is slow (on purpose, I assume, to fit with the zen atmosphere of the graphics and the music) and becomes boring quite fast.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally reliable, with accurate controls and movement; however, occasional glitches can lead to unexpected and frustrating outcomes during gameplay.
“Most of the time the controls and movement are accurate, but very seldom something glitches out, resulting in either you killing them or them killing you in an abnormal way.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The lack of upgrades or unlocks significantly diminishes the game's replayability, as players have little incentive to revisit the experience.
“There's no kind of upgrades or unlocks, which doesn't exactly help its replay value.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to play through it again.”
“The lack of diverse paths or choices makes replaying feel redundant.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is well-received, with players finding the challenges entertaining and amusing, making them a recommended starting point before engaging in online play. Overall, the humor adds a lighthearted touch to the gameplay experience.
“The challenges are funny; they don't take much time but are still entertaining. I recommend doing them first before playing online, but that's up to each player.”
“The humor in the game is spot on, making even the most mundane tasks enjoyable.”
“I love how the game incorporates humor into its dialogue and scenarios, it keeps the experience light-hearted and fun.”
