Picked this up for my bro who loves epic anime shiz (we used to watch DBZ and play the old Naruto GC games together) and couldn't help popping it in for a quick look...
Up to chapter 7 and by gum if it isn't some of the most fun I've had with a game this year! I mean, I love me some deep, rich, tactical combat in "proper" action games, but for what it's trying to achieve, Asura's Wrath is just too good.
It's the presentation that really sells it, I think. If there wasn't that episodic build up to each encounter, then it wouldn't feel half as satisfying when you land that 'Excellent' button press and send a gigantic enemy hurtling across the screen. Also, I'm playing in Japanese which really lends it some extra authenticity (highly recommended if you have the option).
To go along with the top-notch presentation, some of the music is really nice, especially
during the slideshow painting story sequences.
Asura is great fun to play as. You can really get into the over-the-top nature of it all and just enjoy flying through an interactive power anime. It's not a power
fantasy though. At no point do I feel like I AM the character, but both he and his situation are likeable (despite being totally unrelatable), which is interesting considering how much of the game you 'watch' rather than 'play'.
The fighting is pretty brainless, but it flows great - I like being able to quickly dodge-cancel out of almost anything, and hit a QTE 'counter' even during a combo. I've only gotten frustrated once when the flow was broken; while fighting
and following up with R2 BURST immediately after a ground attack (sending the enemy flying) led to me completely missing twice (shame on me) and dying as a result.
I'm playing comfortably on Hard mode, not quite sure what the differences/rewards are yet. Nevertheless, this feels like a game I will happily play/sit through again (most likely with aforementioned bro) and maybe even grab the DLC. I can see how it won't be for everyone, but it certainly deserves a look if you can cast prejudice and expectations aside.