Kendo Rage is a 2D action side scrolling game. The player controls a fighter that is equipped with a kendo stick capable of melee attacks, and several ranged attacks. Certain combos and attacks can be used when the player's energy bar (known as 'Psy' in the game) is appropriately charged. There is a boss at the end of each stage, with seven stages total. The player begins the game at 04:00, and progress is shown by how fast each stage is completed rather than through a point system.[1]
The original Japanese version of the game stars a girl named Mai Tsurugino (剣野 舞, Tsurugino Mai). A spirit detective named Doro (ドロ) finds Mai and asks her to help him attack monsters.[2]
In the English version of the game, an American girl named Josephine "Jo" goes to Japan to attend a summer kendo school. Her personal trainer, Osaki "Bob" Yoritomo, asks her to fight monsters on the way to school.[1]
Makeruna! Makendō was released for the Super Famicom on January 22, 1993.[3]AnOVA series, Makeruna! Makendo, closely follows the original Japanese version of the game, featuring both Mai and her younger sister Hikari (the main character from the second game).[citation needed]
It was released in North America as Kendo Rage in October 1993 and published by SETA.[4]
