This is one of the better non-Sonic properties to come from Sega in the last couple of years. The game features 2-player cooperative mode play for both the main character, multiple-magic-amputee samurai Hyakkimaru, and the titular (in Japan) young thief Dororo. In one player games, Dororo responds to commands and the AI for “get items”, “look around” or “fight” commands is pretty good. The Slash attacks are a way to demonstrate your sword mastery on a hapless enemy and are something that you either are going to like a lot or see as a necessary evil. Being able to string together a pretty good combo is definitely a plus, as that is how good items are dropped by killing average monsters. Without spoiling the plot, just be able to string together a pretty good combo before the endgame. The progression of skill development and defeating bosses is well done and the story is told by cut scenes with fairly good voice acting. The graphics engine is not going to compete with the best games on the PS2, but the art style is certainly unique and entertaining. The creatures taken from Japanese mythology are well-rendered and the character model for your avatar and the NPCs are significantly detailed. Replay value is added by optional hidden weapons that are worth the hunt, hidden bosses that must eventually be defeated for the real ending and an extra mode that unlocks after your first completion. There are numerous attacks that Hyakki has available which can change your boss strategies a bit. Also, the Dororo missions break up the action a little so the game does not seem like one big slash-fest. Overall, it is a very enjoyable game that is probably going to be overlooked by a lot of people. Possibly my least-regrettable game purchase in the last 12 months.
Other Helpful Reviews for Blood Will Tell: Tezuka Osamu's Dororo
I remember PSM's review of this game... "Crap Will Tell." I laughed it off and moved on. Fast forward a year and a half later, I see this game for cheap and I decide "why not try it out?" After a good hour or so, I was r... Read Full Review
This game proves to be more than just a routine button masher and should be remembered as one of the most under-appreciated titles of all time. All usual aspects that a game is graded on (graphics, sound, story, controls... Read Full Review
