Tenchi wo Kurau II is one of those NES beat 'em ups that flew under the radar outside Japan, which is a shame because it's way more polished than most of its peers. You pick from three warriors—Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, or Zhao Yun—and slash your way through waves of enemies with surprisingly smooth combat for an 8-bit game. The sprites are big, the hits feel weighty, and there's even a dash move that actually works when you need it.

What sets it apart? The weapon system. You can grab different swords and spears mid-stage, each with unique reach and power. I always went for the long halberd—clearing crowds before they swarm you makes a huge difference. The music’s got that classic Capcom energy too, all driving drums and heroic melodies. Just don’t expect an easy ride; even the first boss will test your timing.

If you’ve played Final Fight or Streets of Rage and want something with a historical twist, this is a solid deep cut.