Uncover the Top Koei Tecmo Games: A Must-Play List for Gaming Enthusiasts!

Summary

Hyrule Warriors merges Zelda universe with Dynasty Warriors combat, full of fan service & cooperative gameplay.
Dead or Alive 6 introduces gameplay improvements but switches to random unlock system for costumes.
Toukiden 2 offers unique monster hunting experience with emphasis on combat progression and upgrades.

1967 saw the birth of Tecmo, with Koei following suit in 1978. Initially separate entities, they merged in 2009 to form Tecmo Koei. Today, they are known as Koei Tecmo. Although their specific names may not appear for every entry on this list, companies like Omega Force and Team Ninja, associated with them, will be included. There are additional points to consider in writing this article.

It’s important to mention that while publishing rights for certain games might be held by different companies internationally, any game that was released in North America by Koei Tecmo is still eligible for consideration in our analysis. So let’s dive into the findings from our study now.

Over the years, Koei Tecmo has delivered numerous captivating journeys, from Dynasty Warriors to Atelier. However, their portfolio isn’t solely focused on RPGs. They’ve also explored other gaming genres, and a fine example of this versatility is the Dead Or Alive series!

18. Hyrule Warriors

Merging Dynasty Warriors’ Combat With Zelda’s Universe

Originally developed for the Wii U console, “Hyrule Warriors” was jointly created by Omega Force and Team Ninja. The game was published by Nintendo, excluding Japan where distribution was handled differently. This title is a spin-off from the “Dynasty Warriors” series, blending its hack-and-slash gameplay with elements from “The Legend of Zelda”.

The game, Hyrule Warriors, performs exceptionally well, particularly when played cooperatively or for its extensive fan service. Although, like many games, Hyrule Warriors can become repetitive at times, the real enjoyment is found in these aspects. Unlike traditional Zelda games, combat is the primary focus of Hyrule Warriors, meaning there’s no puzzle-solving gameplay. However, it offers more than just a campaign mode, such as an Adventure mode where players are tasked with completing various objectives within campaign locations.

17. Dead or Alive 6

A Good Evolution In Combat With A Weird Take On Costume Progression

In this latest update and subsequent discussions, the focus on Dead or Alive seems to shift more towards character animations and less on combat. While it maintains a loyal fanbase, it’s not on par with Street Fighter in terms of public discourse.

In Dead or Alive 6, I found that while there were enhancements in gameplay, one change that left me scratching my head was the revamp of how we unlock new character costumes. Instead of earning them through a more straightforward method, they’re now randomly assigned. This means that if fortune isn’t on your side, it might take an excessive amount of time to eventually get hold of the costume you have your heart set on. And just when you manage to unlock it, you still need to grind for Player Points to actually purchase and use it!

16. Toukiden 2

A New Take On Monster Hunting With Small Innovations

In the realm of colossal, ancient-seeming beasts, Toukiden 2 bears a resemblance to the Monster Hunter series, yet it offers a distinct combat style. This title was launched a year prior to Monster Hunter: World, but failed to achieve the same level of fame as Capcom’s revolutionary gameplay experience.

In Toukiden 2, the battle mechanics revolve around an exclusive advancement system. Players must defeat monsters in combat to progress and acquire unique enhancements known as Boosts, which vary between character classes.

In contrast to the more strategic combat found in Monster Hunter: World, the action phase in Toukiden 2 is less about devising clever tactics and more about directly engaging with various demons without necessarily needing intricate strategies.

15. Attack on Titan

A Great Fan-Service With Mediocre Combat System

In my perspective, as a fan, playing the first game in the series, “Attack on Titan”, mirrors the initial season of the beloved anime. This means all the primary characters become playable within the game, recreating an immersive experience for fans of the show. However, I should mention that some gamers might find the combat system less satisfying compared to other games.

In the thrilling world of Attack on Titan, the sensation of swiftly traversing cities and valleys, reminiscent of a deadlier Spider-Man from Shadow of the Colossus, offers a one-of-a-kind adventure. However, some technical glitches in the PC version may occasionally dampen the overall fun it provides.

14. Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity

Expanded Largely In Every Aspect But Plagued With Technical Issues

Following the unexpected triumph of the initial “Hyrule Warriors” game, Nintendo opted to launch another installment in this side series, which centered around the universe and aesthetic inspired by “Breath of the Wild”. The outcome is an excellent game that superbly expands upon the captivating lore of the most recent addition to the “The Legend of Zelda” series.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity can be a bit choppy at times, especially on the Nintendo Switch, but once it gets going, it’s hard not to enjoy. The appeal lies in controlling multiple characters and delving deeper into the world’s history, which adds an exciting layer to the gameplay.

13. Attack On Titan 2

Fixing The Original Game’s Problems With A Longer Story

The initial “Attack on Titan” video game wasn’t bad by any means, but it did have some rough spots. Fortunately, many of these issues were addressed and improved upon in the follow-up game.

If you haven’t played the Attack on Titan games yet, I recommend going for the second one as it offers a fresh perspective from the beginning of the storyline. It’s an excellent opportunity to re-live the thrilling narrative of this exceptional series, which has taken some astonishing twists in its latest season.

12. Metroid: Other M

A Significant Visual Leap With Innovations In Gameplay

Due to a lackluster response from fans, the franchise essentially stagnated until the release of Metroid Prime: Federation Force. Unfortunately, that game too was met with little enthusiasm. While its core mechanics are generally sound, it’s the motion controls and a weak storyline that significantly hinder its appeal.

In the game Metroid: Other M, the inclusion of close-quarters combat was a delightful novelty. However, it wasn’t just melee combat that set this game apart; there were other modifications to gameplay mechanics such as health restoration and several other elements, which differentiated it from its predecessors. Additionally, Other M marked a substantial leap in graphical quality within the series.

11. Pokemon Conquest

Translating The Power Of Pokemons Into A Turn-Based Combat System

In essence, “Pokemon Conquest” blends the strategy simulation series, “Nobunaga’s Ambition,” with everyone’s favorite pocket monsters, Pokemon. This tactical role-playing game has been yearning for a follow-up for more than a decade. Although it might seem peculiar to fight Pokemon in feudal Japan, this game is nothing short of brilliant.

In Conquest, players engage in strategic turn-based conflicts, utilizing various Pokémons and their adaptable skills to emerge victorious in battles. The combat system, compared to earlier Pokémon titles, demands more tactical finesse as it’s essential for players to devise a strategy prior to making a move.

10. Nobunaga’s Ambition: Sphere of Influence

Recreating Massive Historical Battles For Strategy Lovers

Just as we previously mentioned in Pokémon Conquest, this is a real-time strategy game that simulates various events. Nobunaga’s Ambition: Sphere of Influence shares some resemblance to games like Civilization, but it’s set within the context of Japanese history.

Nobunaga’s Ambition” isn’t for casual players, as it requires a good deal of learning due to its numerous complex mechanics. Yet, strategic game lovers will find themselves captivated by these intricacies.

Incorporating extensive strategic gameplay along with battle management reminiscent of the Total War series, Sphere of Influence offers a vast gaming experience. However, it occasionally struggles due to its broad scope, which might lead to a less focused approach in one specific genre.

9. Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness and the Secret Hideout

An Introducing To The Best-Ever Atelier Protagonist

As a passionate fan, I’d like to share that Atelier Ryza was masterfully crafted by Gust and gracefully released by Koei Tecmo. These games, along with their predecessors, are standout representations of mid-tier Role-Playing Games (RPGs). They have a dedicated following who cherish them for the enjoyment they offer, rather than aiming to achieve something grander.

Instead of focusing on global salvation, this series revolves around transforming into exceptional alchemists, dedicated to serving their town exceptionally well. The recent addition makes it an optimal moment for you to immerse yourself in its anime-style aesthetics and splendor.

8. Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly

A Japanese Horror Adventure With A Unique Gameplay System

The Fatal Frame series achieved its zenith with the second installment, largely due to its chilling ambiance. The game excelled at creating a truly terrifying experience, allowing players to sense the desperation of the protagonists as they grappled with a cursed village teeming with malevolent spirits.

Every player has the ability to snap photos of the ghostly apparitions utilizing a unique device called a spectral camera. Unlike traditional games involving combat, this one focuses on exploration. The intriguing mechanics of this camera and the suspenseful journey it provides keep players hooked until they uncover the mystery behind the unfolding events.

Later on, Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly saw an upgrade featuring a first-person perspective, which intensified the game’s overall frightening atmosphere.

7. Persona 5 Strikers

Putting The Beloved Heroes Against Hordes Of Demons

It’s no secret that “Persona 5” stands among the best Japanese Role-Playing Games ever made. With its immense success, it’s not astonishing that the developer Atlus decided to capitalize on the success of this highly praised game in various ways.

Joining forces with Koei Tecmo, the Atlus team unveiled my personal favorite Musou game yet – Persona 5 Strikers. This enticing blend of the Persona and Dynasty Warriors series has undeniably struck a harmonious balance between the two, and I firmly believe it stands as the best Musou game released so far.

6. Nioh 2: The Complete Edition

Significant Improvement For Combat System But Letting Go Of Story

It’s quite unexpected that Nioh 2 doesn’t seem to rank higher than its precursor. One might assume that with enhancements in numerous aspects, particularly combat, and being hailed by many as a superior version, it would surpass the original. However, those who cherished the storyline of the predecessor didn’t find this sequel to be what they expected.

The tough-as-titan gameplay and exceptional stages offer an incredibly enjoyable experience. While it may not be the most user-friendly game on the market, _Nioh 2_ is an ideal choice for gamers looking for a samurai-themed title reminiscent of _Souls_, to spend their leisure time with.

In contrast to its previous version, this story lacks depth primarily due to a less complex protagonist compared to William. Furthermore, it seems to prioritize gaming challenges over creating an engaging narrative.

5. Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream

A Lovely Adventure With An Abundance Of Content

After the occurrences in the first game, Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream offers a satisfying journey for fans of the series, featuring familiar faces, abundant story elements to explore, and an immersive turn-based battle system.

In Atelier Sophie 2, you’ll find yourself immersed in a game where six unique characters await your guidance. Each character has their own captivating backstory unfolding across numerous quests. Essentially, this title shares some similarities with Genshin Impact, but rather than action-based combat, it offers turn-based battles. What truly sets it apart is the intricate potion-crafting system that requires resource gathering and recipe unlocking to craft stronger potions, which can then be used to enhance your playable characters.

4. Nioh

Giving Birth To A New Souls-Like And A Perfect Story

Nioh, created by Team Ninja, was released globally by Koei Tecmo, with Sony taking care of worldwide console distribution excluding Japan. The game combines the gameplay mechanics of Dark Souls and incorporates The Witcher-like elements into a Samurai setting.

To be honest, the main character, William, bears a strong resemblance to Geralt. However, since Capcom seems unwilling to truly revive their Onimusha series, this new character represents our best option for some time, and that’s not necessarily a negative aspect.

3. Dynasty Warriors: Origins

Excellent Combat System Accompanied By Amazing Visuals And Deep Characters

The Dynasty Warriors series has seen numerous installments, yet none have garnered such widespread acclaim immediately after launch as Origins. What sets this title apart in the collection is its engaging combat mechanics that players find incredibly satisfying to master.

The fights are incredibly grandiose, with an impressive array of weapons making them delightful to employ against countless adversaries simultaneously. Each weapon offers a distinct feel and contributes significantly to the diversity of combat. This thoughtfully designed battle system ensures that the gameplay experience remains engaging and far from monotonous, as players continue to enjoy their actions.

In this game, the stunning visuals of the Origins title contribute significantly to making the battles feel incredibly grandiose.

2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Improving Upon Previous Entries With Better Gameplay And Bigger World

Indeed, it might come as a surprise, but Koei Tecmo played a significant role in creating the top game on Switch in 2019 – “Fire Emblem: Three Houses.” This masterpiece was a collaborative effort between Intelligent Systems and Koei Tecmo, with Nintendo publishing it exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

On two accounts, this setup seems fitting. Firstly, their familiarity with grand conflicts, reminiscent of games like Dynasty Warriors, is noteworthy. Secondly, they possess strategy RPG knowledge as well. When combined with Intelligent Systems’ expertise, it sets the stage for an exceptional Fire Emblem game experience.

In “Three Houses,” fresh mechanics were added, enhancing both combat and character development, making gameplay more dynamic. Notably, the Battalion system brought a delightful twist to battle sequences, keeping things engaging.

1. Ninja Gaiden Black

A Classic Hardcore Experience Before Dark Souls Was Born

In simple terms, the Ninja Gaiden trilogy houses some of the most challenging hack-and-slash games ever created. Mastering the movements of formidable adversaries and overpowering titanic bosses requires exceptional skill and determination from players.

Upon its debut, the remastered version, “Ninja Gaiden Black,” was met with widespread critical acclaim. This revamped edition encompassed all three original games, offering fresh content and enhanced difficulty settings. Essentially, it represented a significant overhaul that garnered immense appreciation, making it one of Koei Tecmo’s most cherished titles up to the present day.

2025-01-20 12:55