Lightning Swords (also known as Ken-Go) is a 1991 side-scrolling hack-and-slash arcade game published by Irem. Set in feudal Japan, players control the samurai brothers Blue Dragon and Red Dragon on a quest to avenge Princess Orchid. The combat relies on a deliberate pace rather than mindless button mashing, rewarding players who master its charging mechanic against waves of enemies.
How to Play
Press Shift to insert a coin and Enter to start. Use the Arrow Keys to move. The game features a straightforward control scheme mapped to Z and X for attacking and jumping. A key mechanic is the ability to charge your weapon: hold the attack button down to build up power, then release it for a much stronger sword strike.
Tips
- Master the Charge: Holding the attack button to charge your strike is essential for dealing with tougher enemies and crowd control. Release it just as enemies enter your range.
- Play Co-op: The game supports two-player cooperative play, making it easier to manage the screen full of enemies when one player charges attacks while the other handles faster foes.
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