Hayato’s Journey (2024)
a FREE game by ‘Master Linkuei’ for Sega Genesis
Written for BrewOtaku #003 by Usman A. Khan
‘Hayato’s Journey,’ developed by ‘Master Linkuei’, is an unofficial spiritual successor to the cult-classic game ‘Kenseiden’. Powered by the Scorpion Engine, this homebrew title for the Sega Genesis is essentially a heartfelt love letter.
HERE COMES THE SWORD
In Hayato’s Journey, players step into the shoes of Hayato, the last descendant of a legendary Dragon family warrior. The story unfolds as Yonensai, an evil warlock, returns from the Demon World, wreaking havoc and seeking vengeance on the
remaining Dragon family descendants. Armed with the sword of the Dragon King, Hayato embarks on a dangerous quest to avenge his master’s death and rescue his beloved Sakura. The gameplay is a nostalgic nod to side-scrolling action-adventures of years gone by. Players navigate through beautifully crafted levels filled with evil entities, warlocks, and wicked beasts, all while wielding the powerful sword of the Dragon King.
The influence of classic games such as Actraiser, Revenge of the Shinobi, and Super Empire Strikes Back is quite evident in the game’s art and mechanics. The Scorpion Engine really shines in this release, delivering smooth gameplay and impressive graphics that rival many official Genesis titles. The dedication to the craft is apparent in every detail, from the intricate enemy designs to the atmospheric backgrounds. Edmo Caldas’ music score further enhances the experience, though some players might find the looping music during pauses slightly disruptive. The incorporation of assets from various classic games adds a unique flavour, giving Hayato’s Journey a familiar and homely feel.
Conclusion
Hayato’s Journey looks like a game that could have been released in the 90ies. That’s really saying something. Even if you’re not a fan of Kenseiden, this game will keep you coming back for more until you end up beating it!
