Musashi No Ken is one of those NES games that feels like it should’ve been way more popular. You play as a kendo student slashing your way through side-scrolling stages packed with weird monsters—some of them just floating heads, because why not? The controls are simple but satisfying, with a real weight to your sword swings.

What makes it stand out is the two-player mode, where you and a friend can duel in a proper kendo ring. No power-ups, no gimmicks—just timing, spacing, and trying not to whiff your attacks while your buddy laughs at you. The single-player gets repetitive after a while, but those versus matches? Still hold up.

It’s got that classic Taito jank—some hitboxes are questionable, and the music loops way too fast—but there’s charm in its roughness. If you dig retro action games with a niche twist, this one’s worth a swing.