Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 28
  2. Negative: 0 out of 28
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  1. A deceptively cool game in that it hooks you almost immediately with its approachable controls and intuitive building-block combos, not to mention the sheer artistry of the graphics and animation. Then once you are entranced the game gets harder, but by then your skills are more than up for the task.
  2. An engaging action game from start to finish that is a blast to play. [JPN Import]
  3. Computer Games Magazine
    83
    The gameplay is comparable to someting like "Devil May Cry" or "Otogi" in that gamers have two weapons and are capable of unleashing combos on enemies using both of those weapons with just a few simple button taps. [Nov 2004, p.NP9]
  4. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    As cool as the sword fights and boss battles may be, Bujingai may frustrate you for hours at a time with poorly designed levels that depend too much on jumping puzzles. [July 2004, p.88]
  5. games(TM)
    80
    Spend time mastering the figting system, powering up your various attacks and revisiting stages to improve your combo scores and the game becomes so much more than just a basic hack-and-slash romp - it's a feast of replayable swordplay. [Apr 2004, p.100]
  6. A great piece of work, a kick-ass rush of lightning-fast swordplay garnered around the already breathtaking graphics.
  7. Weekly Famitsu
    78
    8 / 8 / 7 / 8 - 31 silver [Vol 785]
  8. A shining example of how polish and presentation can make an otherwise ordinary game seem special. It may be shallow but what it lacks in technique it makes up for with style and charisma.
  9. We may not call Bunjigai a classic, largely thanks to its less-than-refined story and level design, but as an action-packed hack and slash experience this game has it where it counts.
  10. It’s a bit on the short side, and the story wasn’t very well implemented, but the beautiful graphics, RPG depth and non-stop action more than make up for it.
  11. 74
    Overly simplistic and a bit formulaic, its unique approach to the genre isn't necessarily found in gameplay, but rather, it's style and presentation.
  12. Filled with flashy, colorful visuals and frenetic combat, Bujingai can be quite an enjoyable experience--provided you don't pay too much attention to the near nonexistent storyline and the linear-to-a-fault level design.
  13. It has a mediocre action framework at its core, but the polish and flair that surround it makes for a surprisingly engaging and enjoyable play. [July 2004, p.116]
  14. TotalGames.net
    73
    There are enough varied magical effects to keep the action interesting and fill the screen with the occasional burst of bright, explosive light effects.
  15. With everything from killer combos, tons of unlockable content, and a mere forty dollar price tag, what's not to love?
  16. PSM Magazine
    70
    It's got its share of problems - a weak story and some lackluster levels - but Bujingai makes up a lot of ground with its slick sword fighting system and clever gameplay. [Aug 2004, p.20]
  17. 70
    Bujingai ultimately falls short of the mark with a barely there story, doggy camerawork, and a surprisingly short completion time.
  18. Edge Magazine
    70
    It's all about flamboyance, stylish swordplay against clusters of spawning enemies. Anyone expecting more than the chance to concoct dazzling high-score strategies will find it a flat and empty experience, though. [Mar 2004, p.110]
  19. 70
    It's more satisfying to play than "Devil May Cry," and allows players to pull off awesome chaining attacks much like "Shinobi"...However, the repetitive levels and tiresome enemies may be enough to put some people off what is essentially an incredibly competent title. [JPN Import]
  20. GMR Magazine
    70
    The combat is fantastic, but...everything outside of combat is pretty bland. [Aug 2004, p.100]
  21. A good hack and slash title but not a great one. The lack of variety to the game hurts it in the long run.
  22. I like my straightforward Eastern swordplay as much as the next player, but just like my beat em ups, or FPS’s, I like at least a little bit of variety, especially given the vast array of options on the shelves and there really isn’t enough in Bujingai to elevate it out of the very, very ordinary.
  23. netjak
    70
    Within its current price range it's one of the best games around outside of the Greatest Hits titles, especially for anyone craving a good action game that happened to slide under the radar.
  24. Play Magazine
    67
    What it lacks in architecture and evolving gameplay, it makes up for in mood, ambience and polish. [June 2004, p.58]
  25. Cheat Code Central
    60
    The game is short, but thanks to unlockables, increased difficulty, best score challenges and different ways to beat bosses and levels, there is a good amount of replay value.
  26. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    60
    Precise controls, a deep magic system, and massive levels make this a fully above-average slashathon. [July 2004, p.99]
  27. A thrillingly tedious experience.
  28. Even running through a level on the first try is more of a task than an adventure. And neither the gameplay nor the story are enough of an incentive to push through.
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. Jun 6, 2013
    6
    Bujingai has great character animation and character design. But thats the best part of the game. The button mashing system is not asBujingai has great character animation and character design. But thats the best part of the game. The button mashing system is not as sophisticated as Devil May Cry. There is not any tit for tat, back and forth with the enemy. The bland levels are comparable to the bland levels in Sega's Shinobi. This game was obviously inspired by Shinobi, but it doesn't have that quaint magic or hardcore feeling. Ground textures look like a mess. Environments really aren't up to 2004 standards. What do you do? The game forces you to monotonously kill extremely lame enemies in order to progress. Thats the gameplay. While that same thing has been in other games, like Shinobi, this one feels forced, boring, and is barely a game. The music and graphics are pretty good. Some people might like this one, but I didn't. If you want a real button masher thats a total classic, get Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition instead. This game is not a classic and its not as fun as it should be. Full Review »
  2. Jan 28, 2013
    9
    If you like Shinobi/Ninja Gaiden/Night Shade/etc, this is the game for you! I'm not a huge fan of Gackt and his presence kind of made the mainIf you like Shinobi/Ninja Gaiden/Night Shade/etc, this is the game for you! I'm not a huge fan of Gackt and his presence kind of made the main character seem a bit "off" , however... I REALLY enjoyed the environments and battle system. Pick this up, if you see it somewhere or on amazon/ebay. Its REALLY fun :) Full Review »
  3. AriS.
    Oct 1, 2007
    8
    Extremely fast-paced, with an awesome combat and magic system, and great special effects. The levels encourage you to defy gravity, but in Extremely fast-paced, with an awesome combat and magic system, and great special effects. The levels encourage you to defy gravity, but in some cases it's frustrating to be prevented from running up a building by an invisible barrier. The levels are a bit too blocky, but are still well-textured, and usually allow for one or two clever shortcuts. Other than these, I don't have many complaints with the levels. The animation is fantastic, with very well executed motion capture (go Gackt!), and the moves are flashy and fun to perform. I have a bit of a problem with the enemies, some of which (like the undead) can be very easy to defeat, others (like the demon lion) very challenging, but there is very little in the middle ground. Although the overlords are quite a challenge, watching a fight between an overlord and Lau is like watching a high-adrenaline lightsaber battle in Star Wars. I bought the game with a bit of hesitation, but now that I've played for over 10 hours, I am definitely not disappointed. What the game does, it does extremely well. I personally like this game more than Devil May Cry. Although everyone's heard of that game and few have heard of Bujingai, don't let that stop you from trying this highly addicting game. Recommended! Full Review »