The Best Kendo Games Of All Time

Highlights

Video games draw inspiration from Kendo for combat systems, showcasing precise movements and high-impact strikes.
For Honor
implements elements of Kendo through characters like Orochi and Nobushi’s fighting styles.
Kendo-inspired games like
First Cut
and
KendoDou?
offer entertaining gameplay while incorporating elements of the martial art.

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for martial arts games, let me tell you that these titles have certainly piqued my interest! Having dabbled in Kendo myself, it’s always refreshing to see authentic combat styles like these portrayed in video games.

Regardless of whether it’s through fighting, brawling, or swordplay, gamers have always enjoyed participating in virtual battles with each other. Although there are numerous real-life counterparts to these situations, none can boast the rich history, graceful movements, and depth of influence as the martial art of Kendo.

Although Kendo is primarily known for its role as a non-violent martial art, numerous video games have drawn inspiration from its distinctive slower pace and powerful strikes to create their own fighting systems. Consequently, despite some adopting deadlier weapons, the fundamental principles of this martial art have generally remained consistent across various genres, settings, and adaptations in which it has been included.

7 For Honor

Multicultural Sword Combat Title With Accurate Portrayal Of Kendo Movements

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the vast array of sword-bearing characters in For Honor‘s world. This game doesn’t just champion one particular fighting style; it honors the grandeur and versatility of blades themselves. The formidable Vikings and Knights make for formidable opponents, but let’s not forget the intriguing addition of the Samurai to the 2017 game’s roster, adding an exotic and skillful edge to the combat.

Although it’s set in a medieval fantasy world, For Honor incorporates detailed Kendo techniques into the fighting styles of characters like Orochi and Nobushi – with Alexander Bennett, a Kendo master, consulted on the game. While it’s important to note that this is a combat-focused game and real swords are employed in battles, killing opponents, it’s quite different from how Kendo is typically practiced as a training method.

6 First Cut: Samurai Duel

A 2D Pixel-Art Adaptation of Samurai Media And Kendo Fighting

While attempts at realism are often commendable, the medium of video games is inherently an entertaining one. As such, First Cut: Samurai Duel’s focus on the Kendo-esque aesthetic of Samurai sword fighting is commendable, especially considering that it is balanced by some genuinely intricate gameplay.

Mastering the art of spacing and maneuvering to dodge impending assaults is essentially the essence of First Cut’s battle style. Yet, its evident borrowings from Samurai films and various media prevent it from feeling like a genuine simulator, offering a unique experience instead.

5 One Strike

A 2D Pixel-Art Fighter Incorporating Various Asian Fighting Styles

In the intense combat of Retro Reactor, the nostalgic graphics and affordable indie production costs don’t soften the game’s lethal nature. As its title implies, a single blow is enough to eliminate any character, leading to a tense gameplay experience where players must carefully test each other’s defenses, much like a game of cat and mouse.

As the character Kenji, players will employ strategic moves and quick attacks characteristic of the Kendo martial art to face diverse opponents, often with more elaborate fighting styles.

4 Budokan: The Martial Spirit

A Thirty-Year-Old Accomplishment in 2D Kendo Fighting Realism

Budokan: The Martial Spirit, though over three decades old from Electronic Arts, remains an incredibly ambitious 2D fighting game in today’s era. Players can engage in combat using various martial art styles such as Bo, Karate, and Nunchaku, with an additional option for Kendo. This classic PC game from 1989 offers a unique fighting experience that still holds up.

Initially, watching “Budokan: The Martial Spirit” was an enjoyable and entertaining spectacle. However, it also aimed to depict each martial art style accurately within the constraints of its 2D pixel graphics.

3 Bushido Blade

A Fifth-Generation Console Fighting Game With Lethal Combat

1997 marked the arrival of Bushido Blade for PlayStation, another exceptional exclusive from Square Enix, and it was more than just a game – it was an experience. The unique instant-death combat system in Bushido Blade challenged players to adapt swiftly and think strategically, as we were compelled to engage the 3D warrior on its own turf.

Instead of adhering strictly to simulation-based titles, this game showcases an artistic interpretation of sword fighting. The range of weapons includes the Katana and Rapier, allowing for diverse combat methods. Interestingly, when using a Katana, the player employs techniques reminiscent of the Kendo martial art form, with its slower, more deliberate style.

2 Kengo: Master Of Bushido

A Unique Fighter With A Focus On Improving The Player’s Swordsmanship

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but notice the striking similarities between Kengo: Master of Bushido and the critically-adored Bushido Blade, yet this game offers a unique twist on the fighting genre. The combat is undeniably engaging, but where it truly shines is in its exploration of non-combat aspects.

In the solo mode of the game, players assume the character of a student learning Kendo, who then competes against various schools in the region, aiming to reach the pinnacle and become the most skilled. What sets Kengo apart from other fighting games is its focus on authentic Kendo techniques; mastery of the game lies in understanding and applying the true principles of Kendo martial art.

1 KendoDou?

A 3D Kendo-Style Fighter Balancing Realism And Fun

In contrast to other games inspired by Kendo, which usually slow down the pace and incorporate strategic combat, KendoDou?’s 2020 release introduced a fighting game that resembles training rather than striving for a realistic representation of Kendo. As developer Franklin Chang explains, it’s not intended to be a serious simulation of Kendo, but aims to provide an enjoyable gaming experience while adhering to some of the rules of real Kendo.

As someone who has been practicing Kendo for over two decades, I have always yearned to immerse myself further into this martial art beyond the physical realm of a traditional dojo. The release of this physics-based mobile game has provided me with an opportunity to do just that. This innovative title brings a level of creative realism that I’ve not encountered before in a Kendo game, and its focus on the head, wrist, and body combat areas truly captures the essence of the martial art. The developers have taken great care to ensure that each strike feels authentic, and the attention to detail is evident in every interaction. For someone like me who has dedicated their life to mastering Kendo, this game offers a unique and immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional training.

2024-08-18 06:06