Rurōni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan – Jūyūshi Inbō Hen

Description

Rurōni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan – Jūyūshi Inbō Hen (The Ten Brave Warriors Conspiracy Arc) is a role-playing game that differs from most other Rurōni Kenshin games. While most titles in this franchise are fighting games that retell the manga’s major arcs, this entry is unique for featuring an entirely original, non-canonical storyline. It departs from the traditional Kyoto or Jinchu narratives in favor of a mystery involving a group known as the Ten Braves. The game utilises a visual style of high-quality 2D character sprites over pre-rendered backgrounds, effectively capturing the aesthetic of the 1990s anime while introducing a fresh perspective on the Meiji-era setting.

The narrative centers on a new protagonist, you choose between Shizuma (a male swordsman) or Hijiri (a female martial artist), who begins the story suffering from amnesia. After being rescued by Kenshin Himura and the residents of the Kamiya Dojo, the protagonist becomes embroiled in a conspiracy orchestrated by the Ten Braves, a group seeking to destabilize the Meiji government through shadowy operations. The story explores themes of identity and redemption as the protagonist recovers their memories while fighting alongside the series’ iconic cast. Because it functions as a “Gaiden” or side-story, it allows for unique character interactions that are not possible within the strict timeline of the original manga.

The gameplay transitions between top-down exploration and a specialized turn-based combat system. Battles do not use a standard Attack command; instead, players must select specific strike zones (Head, Body, or Feet) and the direction of their swing. This creates a tactical guessing game where you must predict an opponent’s guard or counter-move, mirroring the psychological nature of a sword duel. As the protagonist’s memories return, they unlock new techniques and Secret Swords, while classic characters like Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Saitō can join the party to provide support with their own signature moves.

The game was well-received as a high-quality licensed RPG, specifically for its willingness to experiment with an original script. Critics praised the tactical depth of the directional combat system and the high production values of the 2D animations. However, some reviewers noted that the difficulty could spike significantly during boss encounters if the player had not mastered the timing-based counter mechanics. Retrospectively, it is a standout for its narrative independence and remains highly regarded for its polished presentation of the Meiji period.