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I've been playing Kenseiden off and on and there are some things that confuse me. For 1, the map used in it is strikingly similar to Genpei Tourmaden, almost an exact copy. Is that a map of ancient Japan or something? For 2, what is my purpose in the game? I found my north by taking the cave route and I eventually ended up in the training center. But what puzzles me is who controls this training center and why do I need to be there? Who is shooting those arrows at me? I completed it by cheating (save/load) cause it's hard as nuts but I got some item that I don't even know how to use. Do you think we should seriously investigate this game and see what we wind up with. I'm happy with the title but there's little things in the game that leave clues. I can't read japanese but there's a lot more japanese in the game besides what's on the title screen. If you look on the map after each level there's japanese as you select which path you decide to take. Also, there's items sprinkled throughout the game that have japanese text on them and have you noticed that the japanese on the top left corner of the status screen changes when you collect items and when you goto different levels?

What's also puzzling is that I don't know how to defeat the second boss. The giant warrior with the spiked club and the wooden sandals who slowly walks back and fourth and bashes you senseless. Even with the powered up sword (From the first temple) and the black box (Revival or Medical Kit from in the northern caves) I am still no match. Mainly because my hits don't count correctly for some reason.

Chris :o)

Please repost your message in the main forum so I can safely delete it from there :)

Quote

> I've been playing Kenseiden off and on and there are some things that confuse me. For 1, the map used in it is strikingly similar to Genpei Tourmaden, almost an exact copy. Is that a map of ancient Japan or something?

Yes (of course the island and islets as a whole are the japan of today). The subdivisions are the provinces of japan, possibly as they were in the era that the game is said to have taken place. Genpei Toumaden has more divisions and provinces, this have something to do with the time period toumaden is set in, or it might be divided into kingdoms as well as provinces.
Actually, the map is not to scale, bits of it are artificually compressed to fill a game screen (it stretches out east to west, and rises north in the western side. If it were all shown to scale you'd be looking at a lot of water and very small looking provinces.)

Quote

>For 2, what is my purpose in the game? I found my north by taking the cave route and I eventually ended up in the training center.

The object of the game is to make it to the province with the picture of the house on the map, and defeat the evil monsters within.
You can also defeat the monsters ('warlocks' according to the manual) that rule the other houses (not visible on the map) in the various provinces, which will earn you various sword techniques or a new sword. You can bypass these provinces by not going there (if you enter one your committed to finishing it), although you may not be powerful enough to survive when you meet the final warlock.
BTW, the stages that you just pass through with no evil warlock all have the same music as the first level (except for the training levels). If there's other music then there's a demon to find and slaughter.

Quote

> But what puzzles me is who controls this training center and why do I need to be there? Who is shooting those arrows at me?

Whoever runs the training center. It's there for you to increase your skills (duh) and earn bonuses which will let you live longer.

Quote

>I completed it by cheating (save/load) cause it's hard as nuts but I got some item that I don't even know how to use.

You don't need to complete the training centers. Some are so hard it's not worth trying, others are doable with a little practice. If you don't want to do it just run past the staircase.

The red and blue talismans you get (little bags I think) make you more resistant to damage. If you have both I think you only take half (or one fourth?) the damage you usually would. Other training grounds simply extend your life bar.

Quote

>Do you think we should seriously investigate this game and see what we wind up with.

I understand all I think these is to understand about playability, but I am still curious about how much the monsters and locations reflect japanese history and mythology.

Quote

> I'm happy with the title but there's little things in the game that leave clues. I can't read japanese but there's a lot more japanese in the game besides what's on the title screen. If you look on the map after each level there's japanese as you select which path you decide to take.

The those are the names of the provinces. They probably relate to the modern provinces but I don't know for sure right now.

Quote

> Also, there's items sprinkled throughout the game that have japanese text on them and have you noticed that the japanese on the top left corner of the status screen changes when you collect items and when you goto different levels?

The kanji in the status bar is the name of the province you entered (from the map screen).
If there's kanji on any of the items (I don't remember) it's too small to read.

Quote

> What's also puzzling is that I don't know how to defeat the second boss. The giant warrior with the spiked club and the wooden sandals who slowly walks back and fourth and bashes you senseless. Even with the powered up sword (From the first temple) and the black box (Revival or Medical Kit from in the northern caves) I am still no match. Mainly because my hits don't count correctly for some reason.

It is very frusterating, probably intentionally so, because the area can be skipped altogether, but if you succeed you'll be rewarded with the most powerful sword technique and the oppurtunity to go to the easiest training ground and get your health extended.

You must jump up and hit him in the hand. There is very little tolerance for anything but a direct hit, and you'll want to keep your distance because about four good whumps from the club are enough drain a life bar. If the hit goes through, he'll tilt his head back and take a few steps back. If you miss, he'll have no reaction (except perhaps to smack you on the head again) and you'll see a white spark where your sword connected.

Definately bring the medicine bag and sword.

SPECIAL PINK DOT BONUS!
I found a text transcription of the manual, and I'll post it as a followup. (it's missing the table of province translations and monster names, unfortunately, so I shouldn't stop looking for my manual). Of course I wonder how closely this relates to the plot in the japanese original version (sometimes the translation team sort of makes up their own story).

Kenseiden manual written in 11/3/96 by Lance_mc
Note: the manual contains a map with the names of the Japanese provinces and the monsters and bosses from the game. There is also a page with an explaination of the game screen. Writting down and scanning the pics from all that material would be to time consuming so i skipped it.

Loading instruktions:

Starting up

make sure the power switch is OFF.

insert the game cartrige in the Power Base as described in your SEGA SYSTEM manual.

Turn the power switch ON. If nothing appears on the screen, turn the power switch OFF, remove the cartrige, and try again.

At the title screen, to start the game, press Button 1 or Button 2.

IMPORTANT:
Always make sure that the Power Base is turned OFF when inserting of removing your mega cartrige.

Kenseiden

The object in Kenseiden is to defeat the five evil warlocks to gain the five secret scrolls and recover the sword of the dragon king from the warlocks castle in edo.

Kenseiden has 16 rounds each named after the japanese province in which it takes place (see map). Most rounds can be cleared by finding the exit and making it through alive. But when you encounter a warlock, it will always be a battle to the death! You will not be able to advance to the next round util you defeat the warlock.

Each time you defeat a warlock you gain a scroll and will learn a new method of attack with your katana (samurai sword).

Number of lives

You begin kenseiden with three lives. You lose a life when your strenth meter reaches zero or you fall from a roof or a bridge.

You gain a life each time your score reaches a multipe of 20.000 points. You can also gain extra lives by getting certain items (see ITEMS). You can have a maximum of nine lives at one time. After that, you recive 5.000 bonus points for every multiple of 20.000 points you get.

Taking control

Kenseiden is a one player game. Push either button 1 or button 2 start the game.

DIRECTIONAL BUTTON (D-button)
Will move Hayato

BUTTON 1
To attack with the sword

BUTTON 2
To jump

Basic movements

Up - enter building. Go up steps.
Right - move to right.
Down - Go down steps. Squat-defence pose
Left - move to the left.

You begin the game knowing three methods of attack; the horizontal slash when standing, the low cut then squatting and the and the defence position made by squatting and holding down Button 1

Each time you defeat a warlock you will learn a new method of attack from the secret scrolls. There are five in all (see SECRETS OF THE SCROLLS).

The secret of the scrolls

When a warlock is defeated, you will be able to read the scroll.

Scroll 1:
High jump (taka tobi)
This will give you the ability to jump higher.

Scroll 2:
Crushing head attack ( kare take wari)
This will give you the power to attack from overhead. It increases the power and area of your attack. This is an effective move to get enemies who attack from above. Remeber this technique cannot be used when jumping or squatting.

Scroll 3:
Splitting the helmet (kabuto wari)
Increases your attack power by one level. This technique lets you cut downward with your sword while jumping.

Scroll 4:
Cutting the air (shinku kiri)
This technique gives you the ability to attack both front and rear, increasing you area of attack. This can only be use in a squatting position.

Scroll 5:
Wild wheel sword (ran sha to)
With this technique you can move left and right while cutting with the sword in a windmill of razor sharp steel!

Training rounds

There are several training rounds in the course of the game. You enter the training ground by going up the steps.

In the training rounds an elder teacher will order Hayato to study combat by dodging arrows and spears. If you succeed, your life meter will increase or you will earn an Omamori, the talisman of protection that reduces the amount of damage an enemy does to you.

But fail and your life meter will decrease by a small fraction.

If you with to skip the training round, move to the right past the steps and out of the round.

Special items

1. Gourd of life (hyotan):
Appears when you defeat some enemies. It will partially restore your strengh meter.

2. Sword (katana):
Strengthens your attack power. It can be found in diffrent rounds.

3. Medical case (inro):
Obtaining this item will replenish your strength neter when it reaches zero. Althougt you can only carry one at a time, you can take this from round to round until it is needed.

4. Talisman of protection (Omamori)
This increases your defence power. It is won in the training rounds. There are a red and blue Omamori. The blue is the most powerful. However your defence will be strongest if you obtain both!

5. Wooden doll (kokeshi)
Finding this item will give you an additional life.

6. Secret scrolls (hidensho)
There are five scrolls. Each contains a secret method of sword fighting. When you obtain scrolls by defeating certain warlocks, you will learn the techniques written in the scrolls.

7. Diary (nikki):
Finding this item will allow you to continue the game at once. If the game ends when you have the diary you will see the continue screen:
Use the D-button to choose îcontinueî or îstopî and press button 1. The game will continue from the point Hayato last fell.

Map

After each round you will see a map screen of old Japan. Each area of the map is a round of the game. The black magic castle is in round 16, Edo.

After you clear Chikuzen, Round 2, you may select diffrent rounds. The round you should enter next will be flashing.
To select a diffrent round, press button1 until the desired japanese character begins to flash. Then press button 2

Helpful hints

The enemy creatures and warlocks attack in patterns. Learn these patterns and use them to your advantage.

Each warlock has a weak spot. Find it and attack them where it hurts! (Ex. strike the fire wheel warlock in the skull face while dodging his flames.)

The defence position can be very effective against that attack from above and below.

Continue mode: when the GAME OVER screen appears, push the D-button UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN, and press button 2. The game will begin in the last round you played.

Rumor has it that Kenseiden has a ROUND SELECT FEATURE. Can you find it?

Downloaded from Emulation Sphere:
http://www.emusphere.com

Quote

> Kenseiden manual written in 11/3/96 by Lance_mc
> Note: the manual contains a map with the names of the Japanese provinces and the monsters and bosses from the game. There is also a page with an explaination of the game screen. Writting down and scanning the pics from all that material would be to time consuming so i skipped it.

>
> Loading instruktions:

> Starting up

> make sure the power switch is OFF.

> insert the game cartrige in the Power Base as described in your SEGA SYSTEM manual.

> Turn the power switch ON. If nothing appears on the screen, turn the power switch OFF, remove the cartrige, and try again.

> At the title screen, to start the game, press Button 1 or Button 2.

> IMPORTANT:
> Always make sure that the Power Base is turned OFF when inserting of removing your mega cartrige.

>
> Kenseiden

> The object in Kenseiden is to defeat the five evil warlocks to gain the five secret scrolls and recover the sword of the dragon king from the warlocks castle in edo.

> Kenseiden has 16 rounds each named after the japanese province in which it takes place (see map). Most rounds can be cleared by finding the exit and making it through alive. But when you encounter a warlock, it will always be a battle to the death! You will not be able to advance to the next round util you defeat the warlock.

> Each time you defeat a warlock you gain a scroll and will learn a new method of attack with your katana (samurai sword).

> Number of lives

> You begin kenseiden with three lives. You lose a life when your strenth meter reaches zero or you fall from a roof or a bridge.

> You gain a life each time your score reaches a multipe of 20.000 points. You can also gain extra lives by getting certain items (see ITEMS). You can have a maximum of nine lives at one time. After that, you recive 5.000 bonus points for every multiple of 20.000 points you get.

> Taking control

> Kenseiden is a one player game. Push either button 1 or button 2 start the game.

> DIRECTIONAL BUTTON (D-button)
> Will move Hayato

> BUTTON 1
> To attack with the sword

> BUTTON 2
> To jump

> Basic movements

> Up - enter building. Go up steps.
> Right - move to right.
> Down - Go down steps. Squat-defence pose
> Left - move to the left.

> You begin the game knowing three methods of attack; the horizontal slash when standing, the low cut then squatting and the and the defence position made by squatting and holding down Button 1

> Each time you defeat a warlock you will learn a new method of attack from the secret scrolls. There are five in all (see SECRETS OF THE SCROLLS).

> The secret of the scrolls

> When a warlock is defeated, you will be able to read the scroll.

> Scroll 1:
> High jump (taka tobi)
> This will give you the ability to jump higher.

> Scroll 2:
> Crushing head attack ( kare take wari)
> This will give you the power to attack from overhead. It increases the power and area of your attack. This is an effective move to get enemies who attack from above. Remeber this technique cannot be used when jumping or squatting.

> Scroll 3:
> Splitting the helmet (kabuto wari)
> Increases your attack power by one level. This technique lets you cut downward with your sword while jumping.

> Scroll 4:
> Cutting the air (shinku kiri)
> This technique gives you the ability to attack both front and rear, increasing you area of attack. This can only be use in a squatting position.

> Scroll 5:
> Wild wheel sword (ran sha to)
> With this technique you can move left and right while cutting with the sword in a windmill of razor sharp steel!

> Training rounds

> There are several training rounds in the course of the game. You enter the training ground by going up the steps.

> In the training rounds an elder teacher will order Hayato to study combat by dodging arrows and spears. If you succeed, your life meter will increase or you will earn an Omamori, the talisman of protection that reduces the amount of damage an enemy does to you.

> But fail and your life meter will decrease by a small fraction.

> If you with to skip the training round, move to the right past the steps and out of the round.

> Special items

> 1. Gourd of life (hyotan):
> Appears when you defeat some enemies. It will partially restore your strengh meter.

> 2. Sword (katana):
> Strengthens your attack power. It can be found in diffrent rounds.

> 3. Medical case (inro):
> Obtaining this item will replenish your strength neter when it reaches zero. Althougt you can only carry one at a time, you can take this from round to round until it is needed.

> 4. Talisman of protection (Omamori)
> This increases your defence power. It is won in the training rounds. There are a red and blue Omamori. The blue is the most powerful. However your defence will be strongest if you obtain both!

> 5. Wooden doll (kokeshi)
> Finding this item will give you an additional life.

> 6. Secret scrolls (hidensho)
> There are five scrolls. Each contains a secret method of sword fighting. When you obtain scrolls by defeating certain warlocks, you will learn the techniques written in the scrolls.

> 7. Diary (nikki):
> Finding this item will allow you to continue the game at once. If the game ends when you have the diary you will see the continue screen:
> Use the D-button to choose îcontinueî or îstopî and press button 1. The game will continue from the point Hayato last fell.

> Map

> After each round you will see a map screen of old Japan. Each area of the map is a round of the game. The black magic castle is in round 16, Edo.

> After you clear Chikuzen, Round 2, you may select diffrent rounds. The round you should enter next will be flashing.
> To select a diffrent round, press button1 until the desired japanese character begins to flash. Then press button 2

> Helpful hints

> The enemy creatures and warlocks attack in patterns. Learn these patterns and use them to your advantage.

> Each warlock has a weak spot. Find it and attack them where it hurts! (Ex. strike the fire wheel warlock in the skull face while dodging his flames.)

> The defence position can be very effective against that attack from above and below.

> Continue mode: when the GAME OVER screen appears, push the D-button UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN, and press button 2. The game will begin in the last round you played.

> Rumor has it that Kenseiden has a ROUND SELECT FEATURE. Can you find it?

> Downloaded from Emulation Sphere:
> http://www.emusphere.com

Quote

> Please repost your message in the main forum so I can safely delete it from there :)

Quote

> Kenseiden manual written in 11/3/96 by Lance_mc
> Note: the manual contains a map with the names of the Japanese provinces and the monsters and bosses from the game. There is also a page with an explaination of the game screen. Writting down and scanning the pics from all that material would be to time consuming so i skipped it.

>
> Loading instruktions:

> Starting up

> make sure the power switch is OFF.

> insert the game cartrige in the Power Base as described in your SEGA SYSTEM manual.

> Turn the power switch ON. If nothing appears on the screen, turn the power switch OFF, remove the cartrige, and try again.

> At the title screen, to start the game, press Button 1 or Button 2.

> IMPORTANT:
> Always make sure that the Power Base is turned OFF when inserting of removing your mega cartrige.

>
> Kenseiden

> The object in Kenseiden is to defeat the five evil warlocks to gain the five secret scrolls and recover the sword of the dragon king from the warlocks castle in edo.

> Kenseiden has 16 rounds each named after the japanese province in which it takes place (see map). Most rounds can be cleared by finding the exit and making it through alive. But when you encounter a warlock, it will always be a battle to the death! You will not be able to advance to the next round util you defeat the warlock.

> Each time you defeat a warlock you gain a scroll and will learn a new method of attack with your katana (samurai sword).

> Number of lives

> You begin kenseiden with three lives. You lose a life when your strenth meter reaches zero or you fall from a roof or a bridge.

> You gain a life each time your score reaches a multipe of 20.000 points. You can also gain extra lives by getting certain items (see ITEMS). You can have a maximum of nine lives at one time. After that, you recive 5.000 bonus points for every multiple of 20.000 points you get.

> Taking control

> Kenseiden is a one player game. Push either button 1 or button 2 start the game.

> DIRECTIONAL BUTTON (D-button)
> Will move Hayato

> BUTTON 1
> To attack with the sword

> BUTTON 2
> To jump

> Basic movements

> Up - enter building. Go up steps.
> Right - move to right.
> Down - Go down steps. Squat-defence pose
> Left - move to the left.

> You begin the game knowing three methods of attack; the horizontal slash when standing, the low cut then squatting and the and the defence position made by squatting and holding down Button 1

> Each time you defeat a warlock you will learn a new method of attack from the secret scrolls. There are five in all (see SECRETS OF THE SCROLLS).

> The secret of the scrolls

> When a warlock is defeated, you will be able to read the scroll.

> Scroll 1:
> High jump (taka tobi)
> This will give you the ability to jump higher.

> Scroll 2:
> Crushing head attack ( kare take wari)
> This will give you the power to attack from overhead. It increases the power and area of your attack. This is an effective move to get enemies who attack from above. Remeber this technique cannot be used when jumping or squatting.

> Scroll 3:
> Splitting the helmet (kabuto wari)
> Increases your attack power by one level. This technique lets you cut downward with your sword while jumping.

> Scroll 4:
> Cutting the air (shinku kiri)
> This technique gives you the ability to attack both front and rear, increasing you area of attack. This can only be use in a squatting position.

> Scroll 5:
> Wild wheel sword (ran sha to)
> With this technique you can move left and right while cutting with the sword in a windmill of razor sharp steel!

> Training rounds

> There are several training rounds in the course of the game. You enter the training ground by going up the steps.

> In the training rounds an elder teacher will order Hayato to study combat by dodging arrows and spears. If you succeed, your life meter will increase or you will earn an Omamori, the talisman of protection that reduces the amount of damage an enemy does to you.

> But fail and your life meter will decrease by a small fraction.

> If you with to skip the training round, move to the right past the steps and out of the round.

> Special items

> 1. Gourd of life (hyotan):
> Appears when you defeat some enemies. It will partially restore your strengh meter.

> 2. Sword (katana):
> Strengthens your attack power. It can be found in diffrent rounds.

> 3. Medical case (inro):
> Obtaining this item will replenish your strength neter when it reaches zero. Althougt you can only carry one at a time, you can take this from round to round until it is needed.

> 4. Talisman of protection (Omamori)
> This increases your defence power. It is won in the training rounds. There are a red and blue Omamori. The blue is the most powerful. However your defence will be strongest if you obtain both!

> 5. Wooden doll (kokeshi)
> Finding this item will give you an additional life.

> 6. Secret scrolls (hidensho)
> There are five scrolls. Each contains a secret method of sword fighting. When you obtain scrolls by defeating certain warlocks, you will learn the techniques written in the scrolls.

> 7. Diary (nikki):
> Finding this item will allow you to continue the game at once. If the game ends when you have the diary you will see the continue screen:
> Use the D-button to choose îcontinueî or îstopî and press button 1. The game will continue from the point Hayato last fell.

> Map

> After each round you will see a map screen of old Japan. Each area of the map is a round of the game. The black magic castle is in round 16, Edo.

> After you clear Chikuzen, Round 2, you may select diffrent rounds. The round you should enter next will be flashing.
> To select a diffrent round, press button1 until the desired japanese character begins to flash. Then press button 2

> Helpful hints

> The enemy creatures and warlocks attack in patterns. Learn these patterns and use them to your advantage.

> Each warlock has a weak spot. Find it and attack them where it hurts! (Ex. strike the fire wheel warlock in the skull face while dodging his flames.)

> The defence position can be very effective against that attack from above and below.

> Continue mode: when the GAME OVER screen appears, push the D-button UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN, and press button 2. The game will begin in the last round you played.

> Rumor has it that Kenseiden has a ROUND SELECT FEATURE. Can you find it?

> Downloaded from Emulation Sphere:
> http://www.emusphere.com

Author	Message
Consolemu Guest	Even More on Legend of the Sacred Sword (For Helophobe) Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2000 8:57 pm
Consolemu Guest	I've been playing Kenseiden off and on and there are some things that confuse me. For 1, the map used in it is strikingly similar to Genpei Tourmaden, almost an exact copy. Is that a map of ancient Japan or something? For 2, what is my purpose in the game? I found my north by taking the cave route and I eventually ended up in the training center. But what puzzles me is who controls this training center and why do I need to be there? Who is shooting those arrows at me? I completed it by cheating (save/load) cause it's hard as nuts but I got some item that I don't even know how to use. Do you think we should seriously investigate this game and see what we wind up with. I'm happy with the title but there's little things in the game that leave clues. I can't read japanese but there's a lot more japanese in the game besides what's on the title screen. If you look on the map after each level there's japanese as you select which path you decide to take. Also, there's items sprinkled throughout the game that have japanese text on them and have you noticed that the japanese on the top left corner of the status screen changes when you collect items and when you goto different levels? What's also puzzling is that I don't know how to defeat the second boss. The giant warrior with the spiked club and the wooden sandals who slowly walks back and fourth and bashes you senseless. Even with the powered up sword (From the first temple) and the black box (Revival or Medical Kit from in the northern caves) I am still no match. Mainly because my hits don't count correctly for some reason. Chris :o)

Zoop Joined: 24 Jun 1999 Posts: 1732 Location: Paris, France	Re: .... Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2000 10:48 pm
	Please repost your message in the main forum so I can safely delete it from there :)

Heliophobe Site Admin Joined: 25 Oct 1999 Posts: 2029 Location: Monterey, California	Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2000 10:59 pm
	Quote > I've been playing Kenseiden off and on and there are some things that confuse me. For 1, the map used in it is strikingly similar to Genpei Tourmaden, almost an exact copy. Is that a map of ancient Japan or something? Yes (of course the island and islets as a whole are the japan of today). The subdivisions are the provinces of japan, possibly as they were in the era that the game is said to have taken place. Genpei Toumaden has more divisions and provinces, this have something to do with the time period toumaden is set in, or it might be divided into kingdoms as well as provinces. Actually, the map is not to scale, bits of it are artificually compressed to fill a game screen (it stretches out east to west, and rises north in the western side. If it were all shown to scale you'd be looking at a lot of water and very small looking provinces.) Quote >For 2, what is my purpose in the game? I found my north by taking the cave route and I eventually ended up in the training center. The object of the game is to make it to the province with the picture of the house on the map, and defeat the evil monsters within. You can also defeat the monsters ('warlocks' according to the manual) that rule the other houses (not visible on the map) in the various provinces, which will earn you various sword techniques or a new sword. You can bypass these provinces by not going there (if you enter one your committed to finishing it), although you may not be powerful enough to survive when you meet the final warlock. BTW, the stages that you just pass through with no evil warlock all have the same music as the first level (except for the training levels). If there's other music then there's a demon to find and slaughter. Quote > But what puzzles me is who controls this training center and why do I need to be there? Who is shooting those arrows at me? Whoever runs the training center. It's there for you to increase your skills (duh) and earn bonuses which will let you live longer. Quote >I completed it by cheating (save/load) cause it's hard as nuts but I got some item that I don't even know how to use. You don't need to complete the training centers. Some are so hard it's not worth trying, others are doable with a little practice. If you don't want to do it just run past the staircase. The red and blue talismans you get (little bags I think) make you more resistant to damage. If you have both I think you only take half (or one fourth?) the damage you usually would. Other training grounds simply extend your life bar. Quote >Do you think we should seriously investigate this game and see what we wind up with. I understand all I think these is to understand about playability, but I am still curious about how much the monsters and locations reflect japanese history and mythology. Quote > I'm happy with the title but there's little things in the game that leave clues. I can't read japanese but there's a lot more japanese in the game besides what's on the title screen. If you look on the map after each level there's japanese as you select which path you decide to take. The those are the names of the provinces. They probably relate to the modern provinces but I don't know for sure right now. Quote > Also, there's items sprinkled throughout the game that have japanese text on them and have you noticed that the japanese on the top left corner of the status screen changes when you collect items and when you goto different levels? The kanji in the status bar is the name of the province you entered (from the map screen). If there's kanji on any of the items (I don't remember) it's too small to read. Quote > What's also puzzling is that I don't know how to defeat the second boss. The giant warrior with the spiked club and the wooden sandals who slowly walks back and fourth and bashes you senseless. Even with the powered up sword (From the first temple) and the black box (Revival or Medical Kit from in the northern caves) I am still no match. Mainly because my hits don't count correctly for some reason. It is very frusterating, probably intentionally so, because the area can be skipped altogether, but if you succeed you'll be rewarded with the most powerful sword technique and the oppurtunity to go to the easiest training ground and get your health extended. You must jump up and hit him in the hand. There is very little tolerance for anything but a direct hit, and you'll want to keep your distance because about four good whumps from the club are enough drain a life bar. If the hit goes through, he'll tilt his head back and take a few steps back. If you miss, he'll have no reaction (except perhaps to smack you on the head again) and you'll see a white spark where your sword connected. Definately bring the medicine bag and sword. SPECIAL PINK DOT BONUS! I found a text transcription of the manual, and I'll post it as a followup. (it's missing the table of province translations and monster names, unfortunately, so I shouldn't stop looking for my manual). Of course I wonder how closely this relates to the plot in the japanese original version (sometimes the translation team sort of makes up their own story).

Heliophobe Site Admin Joined: 25 Oct 1999 Posts: 2029 Location: Monterey, California	Kenseiden manual transcription Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2000 11:00 pm
	Kenseiden manual written in 11/3/96 by Lance_mc Note: the manual contains a map with the names of the Japanese provinces and the monsters and bosses from the game. There is also a page with an explaination of the game screen. Writting down and scanning the pics from all that material would be to time consuming so i skipped it. Loading instruktions: Starting up make sure the power switch is OFF. insert the game cartrige in the Power Base as described in your SEGA SYSTEM manual. Turn the power switch ON. If nothing appears on the screen, turn the power switch OFF, remove the cartrige, and try again. At the title screen, to start the game, press Button 1 or Button 2. IMPORTANT: Always make sure that the Power Base is turned OFF when inserting of removing your mega cartrige. Kenseiden The object in Kenseiden is to defeat the five evil warlocks to gain the five secret scrolls and recover the sword of the dragon king from the warlocks castle in edo. Kenseiden has 16 rounds each named after the japanese province in which it takes place (see map). Most rounds can be cleared by finding the exit and making it through alive. But when you encounter a warlock, it will always be a battle to the death! You will not be able to advance to the next round util you defeat the warlock. Each time you defeat a warlock you gain a scroll and will learn a new method of attack with your katana (samurai sword). Number of lives You begin kenseiden with three lives. You lose a life when your strenth meter reaches zero or you fall from a roof or a bridge. You gain a life each time your score reaches a multipe of 20.000 points. You can also gain extra lives by getting certain items (see ITEMS). You can have a maximum of nine lives at one time. After that, you recive 5.000 bonus points for every multiple of 20.000 points you get. Taking control Kenseiden is a one player game. Push either button 1 or button 2 start the game. DIRECTIONAL BUTTON (D-button) Will move Hayato BUTTON 1 To attack with the sword BUTTON 2 To jump Basic movements Up - enter building. Go up steps. Right - move to right. Down - Go down steps. Squat-defence pose Left - move to the left. You begin the game knowing three methods of attack; the horizontal slash when standing, the low cut then squatting and the and the defence position made by squatting and holding down Button 1 Each time you defeat a warlock you will learn a new method of attack from the secret scrolls. There are five in all (see SECRETS OF THE SCROLLS). The secret of the scrolls When a warlock is defeated, you will be able to read the scroll. Scroll 1: High jump (taka tobi) This will give you the ability to jump higher. Scroll 2: Crushing head attack ( kare take wari) This will give you the power to attack from overhead. It increases the power and area of your attack. This is an effective move to get enemies who attack from above. Remeber this technique cannot be used when jumping or squatting. Scroll 3: Splitting the helmet (kabuto wari) Increases your attack power by one level. This technique lets you cut downward with your sword while jumping. Scroll 4: Cutting the air (shinku kiri) This technique gives you the ability to attack both front and rear, increasing you area of attack. This can only be use in a squatting position. Scroll 5: Wild wheel sword (ran sha to) With this technique you can move left and right while cutting with the sword in a windmill of razor sharp steel! Training rounds There are several training rounds in the course of the game. You enter the training ground by going up the steps. In the training rounds an elder teacher will order Hayato to study combat by dodging arrows and spears. If you succeed, your life meter will increase or you will earn an Omamori, the talisman of protection that reduces the amount of damage an enemy does to you. But fail and your life meter will decrease by a small fraction. If you with to skip the training round, move to the right past the steps and out of the round. Special items 1. Gourd of life (hyotan): Appears when you defeat some enemies. It will partially restore your strengh meter. 2. Sword (katana): Strengthens your attack power. It can be found in diffrent rounds. 3. Medical case (inro): Obtaining this item will replenish your strength neter when it reaches zero. Althougt you can only carry one at a time, you can take this from round to round until it is needed. 4. Talisman of protection (Omamori) This increases your defence power. It is won in the training rounds. There are a red and blue Omamori. The blue is the most powerful. However your defence will be strongest if you obtain both! 5. Wooden doll (kokeshi) Finding this item will give you an additional life. 6. Secret scrolls (hidensho) There are five scrolls. Each contains a secret method of sword fighting. When you obtain scrolls by defeating certain warlocks, you will learn the techniques written in the scrolls. 7. Diary (nikki): Finding this item will allow you to continue the game at once. If the game ends when you have the diary you will see the continue screen: Use the D-button to choose îcontinueî or îstopî and press button 1. The game will continue from the point Hayato last fell. Map After each round you will see a map screen of old Japan. Each area of the map is a round of the game. The black magic castle is in round 16, Edo. After you clear Chikuzen, Round 2, you may select diffrent rounds. The round you should enter next will be flashing. To select a diffrent round, press button1 until the desired japanese character begins to flash. Then press button 2 Helpful hints The enemy creatures and warlocks attack in patterns. Learn these patterns and use them to your advantage. Each warlock has a weak spot. Find it and attack them where it hurts! (Ex. strike the fire wheel warlock in the skull face while dodging his flames.) The defence position can be very effective against that attack from above and below. Continue mode: when the GAME OVER screen appears, push the D-button UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN, and press button 2. The game will begin in the last round you played. Rumor has it that Kenseiden has a ROUND SELECT FEATURE. Can you find it? Downloaded from Emulation Sphere: http://www.emusphere.com

Heliophobe Site Admin Joined: 25 Oct 1999 Posts: 2029 Location: Monterey, California	Which means we've finally got a name for our hero (Hayato). (NT) Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2000 11:03 pm
	Quote > Kenseiden manual written in 11/3/96 by Lance_mc > Note: the manual contains a map with the names of the Japanese provinces and the monsters and bosses from the game. There is also a page with an explaination of the game screen. Writting down and scanning the pics from all that material would be to time consuming so i skipped it. > > Loading instruktions: > Starting up > make sure the power switch is OFF. > insert the game cartrige in the Power Base as described in your SEGA SYSTEM manual. > Turn the power switch ON. If nothing appears on the screen, turn the power switch OFF, remove the cartrige, and try again. > At the title screen, to start the game, press Button 1 or Button 2. > IMPORTANT: > Always make sure that the Power Base is turned OFF when inserting of removing your mega cartrige. > > Kenseiden > The object in Kenseiden is to defeat the five evil warlocks to gain the five secret scrolls and recover the sword of the dragon king from the warlocks castle in edo. > Kenseiden has 16 rounds each named after the japanese province in which it takes place (see map). Most rounds can be cleared by finding the exit and making it through alive. But when you encounter a warlock, it will always be a battle to the death! You will not be able to advance to the next round util you defeat the warlock. > Each time you defeat a warlock you gain a scroll and will learn a new method of attack with your katana (samurai sword). > Number of lives > You begin kenseiden with three lives. You lose a life when your strenth meter reaches zero or you fall from a roof or a bridge. > You gain a life each time your score reaches a multipe of 20.000 points. You can also gain extra lives by getting certain items (see ITEMS). You can have a maximum of nine lives at one time. After that, you recive 5.000 bonus points for every multiple of 20.000 points you get. > Taking control > Kenseiden is a one player game. Push either button 1 or button 2 start the game. > DIRECTIONAL BUTTON (D-button) > Will move Hayato > BUTTON 1 > To attack with the sword > BUTTON 2 > To jump > Basic movements > Up - enter building. Go up steps. > Right - move to right. > Down - Go down steps. Squat-defence pose > Left - move to the left. > You begin the game knowing three methods of attack; the horizontal slash when standing, the low cut then squatting and the and the defence position made by squatting and holding down Button 1 > Each time you defeat a warlock you will learn a new method of attack from the secret scrolls. There are five in all (see SECRETS OF THE SCROLLS). > The secret of the scrolls > When a warlock is defeated, you will be able to read the scroll. > Scroll 1: > High jump (taka tobi) > This will give you the ability to jump higher. > Scroll 2: > Crushing head attack ( kare take wari) > This will give you the power to attack from overhead. It increases the power and area of your attack. This is an effective move to get enemies who attack from above. Remeber this technique cannot be used when jumping or squatting. > Scroll 3: > Splitting the helmet (kabuto wari) > Increases your attack power by one level. This technique lets you cut downward with your sword while jumping. > Scroll 4: > Cutting the air (shinku kiri) > This technique gives you the ability to attack both front and rear, increasing you area of attack. This can only be use in a squatting position. > Scroll 5: > Wild wheel sword (ran sha to) > With this technique you can move left and right while cutting with the sword in a windmill of razor sharp steel! > Training rounds > There are several training rounds in the course of the game. You enter the training ground by going up the steps. > In the training rounds an elder teacher will order Hayato to study combat by dodging arrows and spears. If you succeed, your life meter will increase or you will earn an Omamori, the talisman of protection that reduces the amount of damage an enemy does to you. > But fail and your life meter will decrease by a small fraction. > If you with to skip the training round, move to the right past the steps and out of the round. > Special items > 1. Gourd of life (hyotan): > Appears when you defeat some enemies. It will partially restore your strengh meter. > 2. Sword (katana): > Strengthens your attack power. It can be found in diffrent rounds. > 3. Medical case (inro): > Obtaining this item will replenish your strength neter when it reaches zero. Althougt you can only carry one at a time, you can take this from round to round until it is needed. > 4. Talisman of protection (Omamori) > This increases your defence power. It is won in the training rounds. There are a red and blue Omamori. The blue is the most powerful. However your defence will be strongest if you obtain both! > 5. Wooden doll (kokeshi) > Finding this item will give you an additional life. > 6. Secret scrolls (hidensho) > There are five scrolls. Each contains a secret method of sword fighting. When you obtain scrolls by defeating certain warlocks, you will learn the techniques written in the scrolls. > 7. Diary (nikki): > Finding this item will allow you to continue the game at once. If the game ends when you have the diary you will see the continue screen: > Use the D-button to choose îcontinueî or îstopî and press button 1. The game will continue from the point Hayato last fell. > Map > After each round you will see a map screen of old Japan. Each area of the map is a round of the game. The black magic castle is in round 16, Edo. > After you clear Chikuzen, Round 2, you may select diffrent rounds. The round you should enter next will be flashing. > To select a diffrent round, press button1 until the desired japanese character begins to flash. Then press button 2 > Helpful hints > The enemy creatures and warlocks attack in patterns. Learn these patterns and use them to your advantage. > Each warlock has a weak spot. Find it and attack them where it hurts! (Ex. strike the fire wheel warlock in the skull face while dodging his flames.) > The defence position can be very effective against that attack from above and below. > Continue mode: when the GAME OVER screen appears, push the D-button UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN, and press button 2. The game will begin in the last round you played. > Rumor has it that Kenseiden has a ROUND SELECT FEATURE. Can you find it? > Downloaded from Emulation Sphere: > http://www.emusphere.com

Heliophobe Site Admin Joined: 25 Oct 1999 Posts: 2029 Location: Monterey, California	Re: .... (I was wondering when you'd get sick of all this in the wrong forum...)(nt) Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2000 11:19 pm
	Quote > Please repost your message in the main forum so I can safely delete it from there :)

Zoop Joined: 24 Jun 1999 Posts: 1732 Location: Paris, France	I can possibly scan the european & japanese manuals if needed - but on the other forum :) nt Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2000 11:43 am
	Quote > Kenseiden manual written in 11/3/96 by Lance_mc > Note: the manual contains a map with the names of the Japanese provinces and the monsters and bosses from the game. There is also a page with an explaination of the game screen. Writting down and scanning the pics from all that material would be to time consuming so i skipped it. > > Loading instruktions: > Starting up > make sure the power switch is OFF. > insert the game cartrige in the Power Base as described in your SEGA SYSTEM manual. > Turn the power switch ON. If nothing appears on the screen, turn the power switch OFF, remove the cartrige, and try again. > At the title screen, to start the game, press Button 1 or Button 2. > IMPORTANT: > Always make sure that the Power Base is turned OFF when inserting of removing your mega cartrige. > > Kenseiden > The object in Kenseiden is to defeat the five evil warlocks to gain the five secret scrolls and recover the sword of the dragon king from the warlocks castle in edo. > Kenseiden has 16 rounds each named after the japanese province in which it takes place (see map). Most rounds can be cleared by finding the exit and making it through alive. But when you encounter a warlock, it will always be a battle to the death! You will not be able to advance to the next round util you defeat the warlock. > Each time you defeat a warlock you gain a scroll and will learn a new method of attack with your katana (samurai sword). > Number of lives > You begin kenseiden with three lives. You lose a life when your strenth meter reaches zero or you fall from a roof or a bridge. > You gain a life each time your score reaches a multipe of 20.000 points. You can also gain extra lives by getting certain items (see ITEMS). You can have a maximum of nine lives at one time. After that, you recive 5.000 bonus points for every multiple of 20.000 points you get. > Taking control > Kenseiden is a one player game. Push either button 1 or button 2 start the game. > DIRECTIONAL BUTTON (D-button) > Will move Hayato > BUTTON 1 > To attack with the sword > BUTTON 2 > To jump > Basic movements > Up - enter building. Go up steps. > Right - move to right. > Down - Go down steps. Squat-defence pose > Left - move to the left. > You begin the game knowing three methods of attack; the horizontal slash when standing, the low cut then squatting and the and the defence position made by squatting and holding down Button 1 > Each time you defeat a warlock you will learn a new method of attack from the secret scrolls. There are five in all (see SECRETS OF THE SCROLLS). > The secret of the scrolls > When a warlock is defeated, you will be able to read the scroll. > Scroll 1: > High jump (taka tobi) > This will give you the ability to jump higher. > Scroll 2: > Crushing head attack ( kare take wari) > This will give you the power to attack from overhead. It increases the power and area of your attack. This is an effective move to get enemies who attack from above. Remeber this technique cannot be used when jumping or squatting. > Scroll 3: > Splitting the helmet (kabuto wari) > Increases your attack power by one level. This technique lets you cut downward with your sword while jumping. > Scroll 4: > Cutting the air (shinku kiri) > This technique gives you the ability to attack both front and rear, increasing you area of attack. This can only be use in a squatting position. > Scroll 5: > Wild wheel sword (ran sha to) > With this technique you can move left and right while cutting with the sword in a windmill of razor sharp steel! > Training rounds > There are several training rounds in the course of the game. You enter the training ground by going up the steps. > In the training rounds an elder teacher will order Hayato to study combat by dodging arrows and spears. If you succeed, your life meter will increase or you will earn an Omamori, the talisman of protection that reduces the amount of damage an enemy does to you. > But fail and your life meter will decrease by a small fraction. > If you with to skip the training round, move to the right past the steps and out of the round. > Special items > 1. Gourd of life (hyotan): > Appears when you defeat some enemies. It will partially restore your strengh meter. > 2. Sword (katana): > Strengthens your attack power. It can be found in diffrent rounds. > 3. Medical case (inro): > Obtaining this item will replenish your strength neter when it reaches zero. Althougt you can only carry one at a time, you can take this from round to round until it is needed. > 4. Talisman of protection (Omamori) > This increases your defence power. It is won in the training rounds. There are a red and blue Omamori. The blue is the most powerful. However your defence will be strongest if you obtain both! > 5. Wooden doll (kokeshi) > Finding this item will give you an additional life. > 6. Secret scrolls (hidensho) > There are five scrolls. Each contains a secret method of sword fighting. When you obtain scrolls by defeating certain warlocks, you will learn the techniques written in the scrolls. > 7. Diary (nikki): > Finding this item will allow you to continue the game at once. If the game ends when you have the diary you will see the continue screen: > Use the D-button to choose îcontinueî or îstopî and press button 1. The game will continue from the point Hayato last fell. > Map > After each round you will see a map screen of old Japan. Each area of the map is a round of the game. The black magic castle is in round 16, Edo. > After you clear Chikuzen, Round 2, you may select diffrent rounds. The round you should enter next will be flashing. > To select a diffrent round, press button1 until the desired japanese character begins to flash. Then press button 2 > Helpful hints > The enemy creatures and warlocks attack in patterns. Learn these patterns and use them to your advantage. > Each warlock has a weak spot. Find it and attack them where it hurts! (Ex. strike the fire wheel warlock in the skull face while dodging his flames.) > The defence position can be very effective against that attack from above and below. > Continue mode: when the GAME OVER screen appears, push the D-button UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN, and press button 2. The game will begin in the last round you played. > Rumor has it that Kenseiden has a ROUND SELECT FEATURE. Can you find it? > Downloaded from Emulation Sphere: > http://www.emusphere.com

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