THE LAST BLADE 2
- November 17, 2017
- SNK CORPORATION
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam"The Last Blade 2" is a weapons-based fighting game set in feudal Japan. Choose from 19 charismatic characters, each with unique abilities and fighting styles. This edition features enhanced graphics, new game modes, and local multiplayer, staying true to its arcade predecessor while offering improved gameplay options. Master your favorite character's moves and strategies to become the ultimate swordsman.
PC
Playstation 4
Windows
Dreamcast
PlayStation
Playstation Vita
Wii
Reviews
- The game features beautiful sprite work and animations, making it visually stunning for a classic title.
- It has a deep and engaging combat system with unique mechanics, allowing for diverse playstyles and strategies.
- The rollback netcode is highly praised, providing a smooth online experience for players.
- The AI is considered overly difficult and can feel unfair, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- There are performance issues, including frame drops and a lack of online players, making it hard to find matches.
- The port lacks certain features like stage selection and spectator modes, which limits the online experience.
- gameplay42 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its depth and complexity, featuring a unique blend of weapons-based combat, methodical mechanics, and a focus on movement and parrying rather than lengthy combos. While the game offers a challenging experience with a steep learning curve, it remains accessible for newcomers, thanks to its well-designed mechanics and engaging character dynamics. Overall, it stands out as one of the best fighting games, combining impressive art style and solid netcode with a variety of gameplay modes.
“Awesome look, great gameplay, fun characters and combos with even more variation through the 3 possible modes.”
“One of the best fighting games of all time, with fast-paced but methodical gameplay.”
“The actual in-game mechanics are also quite deep but very accessible; you could reasonably pick this game up in a dozen hours and be able to get some enjoyment out of any given player matchup.”
“The biggest learning curve is learning the parry mechanic that allows you to cancel an opponent's attack and retaliate if timed at the right moment.”
“A bit janky in terms of mechanics and a broken arcade boss, but still one of the funniest fighting games there is.”
“The gameplay does not seem too combo-heavy, yet is very complex; expect a more deliberate playstyle with movement and blocking/parry focus, rather than hit-confirming into a 50-strike combo, which I think will still satisfy veterans of the genre and provide a more approachable mechanic for newcomers.”
- music28 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its memorable and atmospheric qualities, enhancing the overall experience and lore. While some players find the soundtrack to be a highlight, others express frustration over limitations in how the music plays during matches. Overall, the combination of great music and beautiful art contributes to the game's classy aesthetic and enjoyable gameplay.
“I love the soundtrack of this game.”
“The music and atmosphere is god tier.”
“Every part of the artistic style and the background music make every fight look really classy.”
“In story mode, when I lose a match and use a continue, the music won't start playing until I win and move to the next round.”
“I'm starting to get irritated and sad because I can only hear the sound effects from the game but not the soundtrack.”
“Too bad that you can't choose your stage online, because if you're playing with the same character, you're always playing on the same stage with the same music.”
- graphics24 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their beautiful art style and retro aesthetic, reminiscent of classic SNK titles, while still holding up well today. Players appreciate the unique character designs and fluid animations, along with a variety of graphic options that enhance the overall experience. The game successfully avoids over-the-top elements, focusing instead on a methodical yet visceral visual presentation that complements its gameplay.
“I strongly recommend this port as well; it runs great and has tons of functionality and artwork.”
“Really fun game, really easy to pick up, top classic SNK graphics and amazing rollback netcode.”
“The art style is beautiful despite the retro look (not to say dated).”
“The artstyle is beautiful despite the retro look (not to say dated).”
“This isn't samsho, don't come in expecting any similarities beyond an emphasis on footsies and the traditional aesthetic.”
“Aesthetically?”
- story8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's story mode is noted for its difficulty, with players finding it to be one of the hardest experiences they've encountered. However, the plot is described as somewhat unclear, leaving players confused about the narrative. Additionally, there are technical issues, such as music not playing during continues, which detracts from the overall experience.
“Another wind blows through a heated age... this story has not yet ended.”
“The plot of the game is not the most understandable.”
“This game's story mode (arcade) is the hardest game I've ever played in my life.”
“In story mode, when I lose a match and use a continue, the music won't start playing until I win and move to the next round.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, characterized by exceptional art, music, and a poetic ambiance that enhances the overall experience. Reviewers consistently highlight the game's immersive qualities, describing the atmosphere as "god tier" and a key element of its success as a top-tier weapons-based fighting game.
“Excellent fighting game with a great poetic atmosphere.”
“The music and atmosphere is god tier.”
“The good - one of the best weapons-based fighting games of all time, with great art, atmosphere, music, character design, gameplay mechanics, and most important of all - good netcode.”
- stability4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The port is highly praised for its stability, running smoothly at a full 60 fps on modern hardware, which is a significant improvement over previous versions like Last Blade 1 and Garou. Users appreciate its functionality and artwork, further enhancing the overall experience.
“I strongly recommend this port as well; it runs great and has tons of functionality and artwork.”
“Runs great at a full 60 fps on modern hardware, unlike Last Blade 1 port as well as Garou.”
“I strongly recommend this port as well; it runs great and has tons of functionality and artwork.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been met with mixed reviews; while it suffers from some performance issues typical of its emulation of the notoriously problematic Last Blade 2, players report a generally smooth experience with no input delay or frame skips during online matches. Overall, the performance is stable, particularly in local multiplayer settings.
“No input delay, frame skips, audio sync issues, etc. I also played a few matches online and experienced a lag-free performance with a friend living in the same state.”
“There are some performance issues, but that does come with the fact that this game is literally an emulation of The Last Blade 2 from the NeoGeo, which was notorious for being absolutely awful at displaying particles.”
- character development4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is highly praised, particularly for its strong design and engaging narration, contributing to an immersive experience. Players appreciate the depth and uniqueness of characters, which enhances the overall gameplay and atmosphere.
“Good game, Lee is the character designed and the narrator is just perfect; I don't know why this game is not hitting the shelves.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that the game's replayability is high, with players appreciating the variety of choices and outcomes that encourage multiple playthroughs. Many users highlight the engaging mechanics and different strategies that can be employed, making each session feel fresh and rewarding. Overall, the game offers substantial replay value that keeps players coming back for more.
