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Devil Kings

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Devil Kings
Devil Kings front cover
Developer(s)Capcom
Publisher(s)Capcom
Designer(s)Makoto Yamamoto (director)
Makoto Tsuchibayashi (character design)
Hiroyuki Kobayashi (producer)
Platform(s)PlayStation 2
ReleaseJP July 21, 2004
NA October 12, 2005
EU February 3, 2006
Genre(s)Action-adventure game
Mode(s)Single player

Devil Kings, known in Japan as Sengoku Basara (戦国BASARA), is a video game for PlayStation 2 first published on July 21, 2005 by Capcom. An expansion under the name Sengoku Basara 2 Heroes is currently in development for the Wii and PlayStation 2.[1]

Visually similar to the Samurai Warriors series, Sengoku Basara takes place during the Sengoku Period, or Warring States Period, during which Japan was split into many minor states battling over power and land. The game features two historical warlords as the main characters: Sanada Yukimura and Date Masamune. Devil Kings' main character is the Devil King (Oda Nobunaga in Sengoku Basara).

Actors

The game features voice actors from the Soul Calibur Series as well as the Final Fantasy X (The names in the parentheses are the names of the characters in Devil Kings and the names of their American voice actors, respectively).

Interview

An extract from interview from http://www.IGN.com with Capcom's Hiroyuki Kobayashi:

Kobayashi: In Japan, Devil Kings is called Sengoku Basara, and it focuses on Japanese history in the same sense that Dynasty Warriors focuses on Chinese history. So it's similar in that sense, but with a Capcom style, a Capcom flair to it. We took the concept, and said, "What can we do to differentiate this to make this different from the Dynasty Warriors games?" And we decided the secret maybe lay in some other games Capcom has done. We said, "Let's give the characters a kind of Devil May Cry flair -- some really cool moves, like the kind of things you might see in Devil May Cry. Let's the characters and make them all vastly and distinctly different from one another, like Street Fighter II." That's the Japanese version. Then, we said, "Okay, let's release it in North America -- what can we do to make it different again?" So we said, "Okay, we'll make it dark." Call it Devil Kings. The main character sold his soul to the devil. We'll darken up the background, give more moves, more ability to power your character up, and things like that for the American market.
IGN: Plus it's not historically accurate?
Kobayashi: The Japanese version of the game is based on Japanese history. There are some fantasy elements that didn't actually happen, of course, but enough of it is there. With the U.S. version, we've taken that element out entirely. Some of the backgrounds may retain that eastern flair. Many of them don't and are brand new; many of the enemies are brand new; and it's no longer based around the idea of feudal Japan at all. That part of the game has now been changed to be darker, devilish.

Characters

In Devil Kings, all Sengoku references are removed.

Playable Characters

The ruler of the Date clan known as the Dokuganryuu (One-Eyed Dragon). Usually wields a single katana, but he stores and can fight with six swords at once (three in each hand, held between the fingers). He's also known to speak English words in the midst of Japanese sentence ("Miseteyaru ze, SHOWTIME!"). One of the main characters in Sengoku Basara. Somewhat similar to Dante of Devil May Cry in terms of attitude and mannerisms. Is often depicted in a rivalry with Yukimura.

    • Devil Kings name: Azure Dragon
    • His four-character description is "奧州筆頭," or "Oushu's Top Leader."
    • His element is lightning.

One of the most distinguished warriors in the Sengoku Era who opposes Ieyasu Tokugawa to the end. Wields two jumoni-yari, and is fanatically loyal to Takeda Shingen. Also one of the main characters in Sengoku Basara. Is often depicted in a rivalry with Masamune and is a common "punching bag" for Takeda's brawls, though looks at it as a test of strength.

    • Devil Kings name: Scorpio
    • His four-character description is "天霸絕槍," or "Sky Ultimate Extreme Spear."
    • His element is fire.

The first of the three unifiers. Nobunaga is much similar to his counterpart in Onimusha. He is ruthless and will stop at nothing until the world bows to his might. Wields a sword in one hand and a shotgun in the other.

    • Devil Kings name: Devil King (also the main character of Devil Kings)
    • His four-character description is "征天魔王," or "Heaven-Conquering Evil King."
    • His element is darkness.

Nobunaga's wife, who Nobunaga happens to not care very much for. Very devoted to him, although she shows no mercy to her enemies. Wields two handguns and is also able to unleash other types of guns such as a cannon, shotgun or gatling gun.

    • Devil Kings name: Lady Butterfly
    • Her four-character description is "繚亂無比," or "Chaotic Like No Other."
    • Her element is fire.

Leader of the Takeda clan, famous for its cavalry. Has a large, imposing frame and a brilliant mind as well. Wields a giant axe. Is often prone to large and unnecessary brawls with Yukimura, usually by exchanging names while punching each other at the face.

    • Devil Kings name: Red Minotaur
    • His four-character description is "戰神霸王," or "War God Great King."
    • His element is fire.

Leader of the Uesugi clan, Takeda Shingen's rival as well as a devout monk to Bishamonten. He looks very feminine, but his accomplishments earned him the nickname "God of War". Wields a katana and uses a style seemingly based on iaijutsu (yet heavily stylized as he has great speed). He is sometimes compared to Kenshin Himura, due to the two sharing a first name and fighting style.

    • Devil Kings name: Frost
    • His four-character description is "神速聖將," or "Godlike Speed Holy Warrior."
    • His element is ice.

A ninja in the service of Takeda clan (or to be exact the Sanada clan), counted as one of the Sanada Ten Braves. He is sneaky, cunning and laid back but has a big sense of responsibility when necessary. Wields two giant shuriken which he can use as yo-yos.

    • Devil Kings name: Talon
    • His four-character description is "蒼天疾驅," or "Extreme Quickness."
    • His element is darkness.
  • Kasuga

A fictional ninja serving the Uesugi clan. She fell in love with Uesugi Kenshin at first sight (while attempting to assassinate him, nonetheless) and became his most loyal ninja. She takes her duties seriously, and also makes rivalries with Nōhime (regarding on those they protect) and Sarutobi Sasuke (ninja rivalry, and the fact that their personalities contradict each other). Due to her outfit and mannerism towards Kenshin (whom she swoons over whenever he is within arm's length of her), she is regarded as the game's sex symbol. Wields two small ringblades. In Sengoku Basara 2, she wields ten kunai (five on each hand) tied with invisible razor-wire.

    • Devil Kings name: Venus
    • Her four-character description is "月下為君," or "For the Lord Beneath the Moon."
    • Her element is light.

The young page of Oda Nobunaga. He eagerly desires recognition from his master and will fight eagerly for him. Wields a bow.

    • Devil Kings name: Hornet
    • His four-character description is "破邪清真," or "Break Evil Clean Innocence."
    • His element is lightning.
  • Itsuki

A fictional character representing the Ainu tribe from Hokkaidō as well as the Buddhist sect. She leads a rebel group for the sake of the peasants suffering due to war. She has a special taskforce wearing pink vests called the "Itsuki Fans Club" in SB2. In Devil Kings, she speaks with a Southern United States accent. Wields a giant hammer.

    • Devil Kings name: Puff
    • Her four-character description is "天真爛漫," or "Naive Romantic."
    • Her element is ice.
  • Zabii/Xavi

Based on the Christian missionary Francis Xavier. Zabii is a missionary whose intention is to spread the love of God in Japan. Very proficient with machinery; his stronghold contains traps and mechanical drones (bearing resemblance to himself and dubbed the Mecha-Q's in Devil King). An inside joke is that his angels resemble his face with curly hair. In Devil Kings, he speaks with what seems to be an Italian accent. Wields two hand cannons.

    • Devil Kings name: Q-Ball
    • His four-character description is "南蠻我道," or "Southern Wild Own Philosophy."
    • His element is fire.

One of the greatest generals under Ieyasu Tokugawa. A giant man clad in armor, possessing great strength in each of his blows. For some reasons, he resembles a giant robot. Due to his size, nature and his abilities, fans often call him Hondam and for good reason. Wields a huge drill-spear.

    • Devil Kings name: Iron Ox
    • His four-character description is "戰國最強," or "Sengoku's Most Powerful."
    • His element is lightning.

An Oda vassal who would eventually betray Nobunaga. Contrary to the usual portrayal of Mitsuhide (especially in Onimusha and Samurai Warriors), here he is depicted as a sadistic psychopath that enjoys the suffering of other people; possibly of a greater evil than Nobunaga himself. This is depicted as one of two characters who can hurt his allies, though they don't lose life. Wields two scythes.

    • Devil Kings name: Reaper (NPC in Devil Kings)
    • His four-character description is "冷眼下瞰," or "Looking Down with a Cold Eye."
    • His element is darkness.

Another of Oda's most prominent vassals. A strong family man, he loves his wife (and Keiji in SB2) dearly but he doesn't have much for brains and seems to be perpetually famished, often asking Matsu for more food, even though he's had enough. Wields a trident.

    • Devil Kings name: Lark (NPC in Devil Kings)
    • His four-character description is "槍之叉左," or "Spear's Fork Left" in Part 1, and "豪放磊落," or "Great and Honorable" in Part 2.
    • His element is fire.
  • Matsu

Wife of Maeda Toshiie. She's more responsible than her husband but still loves him whole-heartedly. Due to her characteristics, fans call her "the ideal housewife". Has a unique ability to summon animals. Wields a katana in Uesugi Kenshin's style. In Sengoku Basara 2, she wields a naginata.

    • Devil Kings name: Bramble (NPC in Devil Kings)
    • Her four-character description is "賢才瞬麗," or "Gifted Elegance."
    • Her element is wind.

The daimyo of Satsuma. Although old, he is a great warrior who is not to be underestimated. He is also known for his impeccable ambush parties. He is the desired target of Honda Tadakatsu. Wields a broad sword.

    • Devil Kings name: Zaan (NPC in Devil Kings)
    • His four-character description is "一刀必殺," or "One Cut Must Kill."
    • His element is lightning.

Non Playable Characters

The third of the Three Unifiers. Although small in size, he makes it up with his trust over his generals as well as his control over his most prized general (or creation), Honda Tadakatsu. Wields a dual-edged spear with a rounded blade on one end. In Sengoku Basara 2, for some strange reason, many characters opted to kidnap him and succeeded, forcing Tadakatsu to go on various journeys to rescue him.

    • Devil Kings name: Irdene
    • His four-character description is "東照權現," or "Eastern Authority Apparent."
    • His element is lightning.

Head of the Hojo clan. Mostly known for his impressive castle, Odawara, and his defensive stance towards the brewing war. Wields a multi-bladed spear. He honors his ancestors wholeheartedly as well.

    • Devil Kings name: Orwik
    • His four-character description is "老成剛毅," or "Experienced Strong Perseverance."
    • His element is ice.

Daimyo of Suruga; childish and cowardly but will fight when ultimately cornered. In Sengoku Basara 2, he confuses his enemies by creating decoys. Wields a giant fan.

    • Devil Kings name: Muri
    • His four-character description is "虛張聲勢," or "Exaggerated Dominance."
    • His element is fire.

Daimyo of Chūgoku. Possesses a great tactical mind, but thinks very little of his subordinates and considers them disposable pawns. He, like Mitsuhide, can hit his allies with his weapon. In SB1, he uses a baton with paper charms. In SB2, he wields a ringblade, which he can separate to become twin blades. Becomes playable in SB2.

    • Devil Kings name: Kahz
    • His four-character description is "詭計智將," or "Deceptive Tactical General."
    • His element is light.

Daimyo of Shikoku. He used to be called "Little Princess" but is now known as the "Demon". Rules over the sea. His fortress has a cannon which repels his opponents and several mechanical machines. His crew often call him "brother". Wields an anchor, which he normally uses one-handed. Speaks with something of a mix between a Scottish and an Irish accent in Devil Kings. Becomes playable in SB2.

    • Devil Kings name: Arslan
    • His four-character description is "天衣無縫," or "Seamless Cloth of Sky."
    • His element is fire.

Sengoku Basara 2

The sequel to Sengoku Basara was released in Japan on July 27, 2006. It is unknown for now that it will become the basis for Devil Kings 2.

New characters added in Sengoku Basara 2 (also with voice actor; the four characters in brackets below refer to their "titles"):

Playable Characters

Adopted son of Toshiie Maeda and Matsu. Keiji is what people call a happy-go-lucky man. He enjoys festivals, as well as pulling pranks at Toshiie. Despite his demeanor towards his step-family, he loves them though shows resentment at them due to their objection to his lifestyle. Accompanying him is a small monkey. His weapon is a nodachi, which is strangly longer than a normal nodachi. Despite its length, he can use it one-handed.

    • His element is wind.

Second of the Three Unifiers. Although once a general of Oda Nobunaga, became his bitter enemy. Unlike his real and Samurai Warriors counterparts, he is depicted as a giant man, whose ambition is to rule all of Japan. With just his bare hands, he can destroy an entire platoon in just seconds. His weapons are his hands, which can be strengthened with magical gauntlets.

    • His element is light.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi's strategist. He is intelligent and extremely loyal to Hideyoshi. Around his enemies, he is narcissistic, cold and very cruel. Given the chance, he can wipe them all out by swinging his weapon. His favorite methods of assassination are back-stabbing his opponents at his weapon's reach and snaring his opponents when they are not looking. Despite his physique, he suffers from tuberculosis. Somehow similar to Zorro in style and look (the face mask). His weapon is a whipsword.

    • His element is darkness.

A master swordsman who is portrayed as a wild man itching for a fight to prove that he is the strongest man in Japan. Players can encounter him at random on Unification mode. Earning 50+ points in Unification mode unlocks Musashi as playable in Unification, Free and Arena modes only. He however is limited to only two moves. Wields an Eku and a wooden sword.

    • He is elementless.

Non Playable Characters

While these characters are fashioned to have similar movesets to the playable characters, each of them has one special move.

Date Masamune's strategist and bodyguard in battle. He seems to agree with Masamune at some points in battle. Wields a Katana and a Wakizashi set, with the smaller one on top of the larger one. His unique move is a rapid dash-stab, much faster than Masamune's Magnum Step. He is confirmed to be playable in the upcoming Sengoku Basara 2 Heroes.

    • His element is lightning.
  • Fuuma Kotaro (疾風翔慟)(Has no voice actor due to being portrayed as a silent man who never talks)

A ninja serving Hojo Ujimasa. He is depicted as a man who never talks, but takes action immediately. Like Kasuga and Sarutobi Sasuke, he can create duplicates of himself. His weapons are giant shuriken. His unique move involves him jumping high and throwing his shuriken like yo-yo's in "walking the dog" fashion.

    • His element is lightning.

A former officer of Oda Nobunaga, now rebelling against him. He is a man fighting for justice and vows to destroy anybody who creates chaos, namely Nobunaga. Wields a long sword. His unique move is a powerful dash-stab, followed by a rising uppercut with his sword. He is confirmed to be playable in the upcoming Sengoku Basara 2 Heroes.

    • His element is light.

The wife of Azai Nagamasa and sister of Oda Nobunaga. She is depicted as a depressed woman who worries about Nagamasa. While considered innocent looking, she seems to possess an evil spirit. She wields a double bladed naginata. Her unique move is calling her evil spirit in the form of hands from the ground. She is confirmed to be playable in the upcoming Sengoku Basara 2 Heroes.

    • Her element is darkness.

The leader of the Ikko sect. He is depicted as a greedy man who thinks of nothing but money. He believes that everything can be bought with money, especially victory. In order to win battles, he resorts to bribing his enemies in order to join him. Wields a monk staff. His unique move is grounding his enemy with his weapon, and then blasts them with lightning from it.

    • His element is lightning.

New Features

Chousokabe Motochika and Mori Motonari will become playable as opposed of mere NPCs.

New enemies to deal with, including Oni soldiers, ice and fire ninjas, dragon tanks, and five elemental mercenaries parodying the Super Sentai series known as the "Gohon Yari".

Additionally, the issue of 'character clones' is presumably removed. In the first game, Uesugi Kenshin and Matsu shared the same moveset and weapon. The same could be said to Sarutobi Sasuke and Kasuga. In the second installment, Matsu will wield a naginata and have the power to summon animals. Kasuga will wield five kunai per hand connected to razor-sharp wires. Kenshin and Sasuke's weapons remain the same as the first installment.

When a character reaches a 100 kill count, the player can activate the character's Battle Drive. During Battle Drive, a character's attack and attack speed are increased. When paired off with the Basara Attack, it will become the Ultimate Basara Attack. When a character levels up to certain points, the Battle Drive can be upgraded in that a stronger and longer-lasting version will be available if one kills 200-300 opponents straight without using a Drive in between. This can be shown by a Japanese character in the Basara Drive.

Money can be earned throughout the game. With the coins earned, player can avail of the Basara Shop, where they can buy upgrades, accessories and weapons. Certain items will have to be unlocked in order to be bought and some items require a certain difficulty to be unlocked (e.g. the "joke" weapons can be unlocked and bought in Extreme mode).

The characters now have their own individual Story Modes. There is also the Unifying Mode (similar to the first game's style of map-based Conquest), Free Mode (player can play any field he/she wants) and Arena Mode consisting of 100-rounds of varying opponents.

All of the characters have an individual taunt movement which when performed uninterrupted in the presence of enemies will refill a large amount of energy needed to perform a character's Basara attack (Fury Drive in Devil Kings).

Trivia

Of the above seiyu, the first three also voiced characters in Samurai Deeper Kyo, an anime based on the Sengoku period. In Samurai Deeper Kyo, the character who Ishida voices (Sarutobi Sasuke) was voiced by Koyasu in Basara.

  • The addition of Mamiko Noto as Oichi may be another insider joke: Kasuga is voiced by Natsuko Kuwatani, Mamiko's co-star in the anime version of Negima. To add to the Negima joke, Koyasu, Ishida and Norio have also voiced characters in the same anime.
  • Another inside joke is Sho Hayami as Mitsuhide and Ryotaro Okiayu as Hideyoshi. Sho Hayami once voiced Nobunaga in Samurai Deeper Kyo, while Ryotaro Okiayu voiced Nobunaga in Kessen III, and now they're voicing the ones who would compete for power right after the death of Nobunaga.
  • In Sengoku Basara 2, certain characters such as Motonari and Mitsuhide are able to attack their own soldiers (the attacks will do no damage however) due to their characterization (Motonari being uncaring and pragmatic and Mitsuhide being sadistic and insane).
  • The opening song of the first game is "Crosswise" by TM Revolution.
    • The opening song of Sengoku Basara 2 is "DIVE into YOURSELF" by HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR, while the ending song is "Brave" by Tomiko Van. Perhaps a remarkable coincidence, both TM Revolution and HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR had contributed songs to the Gundam Seed soundtracks.
  • The game's player select and menu screens feature the same guitar riff as used in the first level of the Die Hard With a Vengeance game on Die Hard Trilogy. Possibly both lifted from an existing song.
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