《戰國 Blade for Nintendo Switch》（日文：戦国ブレード，英文：Sengoku Blade: Sengoku Ace Episode II）是由日本Psikyo開發的橫向捲軸射擊遊戲，原版於1996 年登上街機平台，是《戰國 Ace》的正統續作。與前作的垂直捲軸設計不同，採用橫向捲軸的玩法，並在2018年由Zerodiv移植到Nintendo Switch平台，完整保留當年的街機風格與硬派設計，讓現代玩家能在新平台上再次體驗90年代的射擊遊戲魅力。

故事延續《戰國 Ace》的世界觀，背景設於融合戰國時代與科幻元素的虛構世界。邪惡組織「神羅教」打算透過禁忌的古老儀式復活邪神以掌控天下，並綁架將軍的女兒「月姬」作為儀式的祭品。為了阻止神羅教的陰謀，多位風格迥異的英雄展開拯救之旅。這些角色不僅造型鮮明，性格各異，也各自搭乘獨特的飛行器，擁有不同的攻擊方式與必殺技，使得玩家能根據喜好選擇操作角色，增加遊戲的多樣性與可玩性。

遊戲操作維持傳統街機射擊遊戲的簡潔設計，玩家以方向鍵操控飛行器的移動，並使用兩個主要按鍵執行射擊與投擲炸彈。武器可透過收集道具進行升級，達到最高等級後會進入一段火力最強的狀態，但這種強化會隨時間衰減。每個角色還具備蓄力攻擊功能，只要按住射擊鍵即可發動專屬技能。整體關卡共有七個，前幾關的出現順序會隨機變化，而後半則採固定流程。關卡設計節奏明快，敵人配置多變，加上華麗又密集的彈幕系統，以及風格誇張的頭目設計，讓整體遊戲體驗緊張刺激且富有挑戰性。

Nintendo Switch 版本完整重現原作內容，並藉由主機的便攜特性讓玩家可以隨時隨地進行短時間遊戲。畫面保留90年代街機畫風，聲音與配樂則洋溢濃厚的懷舊感，為整體氛圍增色不少。角色語音與設定融合日本傳統與科幻風格，營造出一種既熟悉又奇異的戰國幻想世界。儘管本作難度偏高，需要玩家適應敵人的攻擊模式與彈幕節奏，但正因如此，它更受到喜歡硬派射擊遊戲玩家的肯定。

在市場評價方面，受到不少懷舊玩家與射擊遊戲愛好者的好評。他們認為本作忠實還原初版的遊戲性，同時在掌機平台上的重生，為這類經典射擊遊戲注入了新的生命力。部分玩家則指出，Switch 版沒有加入太多現代化的輔助功能，例如自定義難度或新手導引，對於新玩家來說可能有較高的入門門檻，但也正因為保留原汁原味，才更能讓人感受到街機遊戲的精髓。

總的來說，《戰國 Blade for Nintendo Switch》是極具代表性的復古射擊遊戲，其融合戰國與科幻的獨特世界觀、豐富的角色設計與緊湊的戰鬥節奏，至今仍保有不凡的娛樂性與挑戰性。無論是曾在街機廳體驗過原作的老玩家，還是對傳統彈幕射擊有興趣的新世代玩家，都能從中找到屬於自己的樂趣。這是一款在懷舊與技術層面都極具魅力的作品，絕對值得收藏與遊玩。

“Sengoku Blade for Nintendo Switch” (Japanese: 戦国ブレード, English: Sengoku Blade: Sengoku Ace Episode II) is a side-scrolling shoot-’em-up developed by Japanese studio Psikyo. Originally released in arcades in 1996, it serves as the direct sequel to Sengoku Ace. Unlike its predecessor’s vertical scrolling format, this installment features horizontal scrolling gameplay. In 2018, it was ported to the Nintendo Switch by Zerodiv, faithfully preserving its arcade-style aesthetics and hardcore mechanics, allowing modern players to once again experience the charm of 1990s shoot-’em-ups on a new platform.

The story continues the world established in Sengoku Ace, set in a fictional universe that blends elements of Japan’s Sengoku (Warring States) period with science fiction. An evil organization called the Shinra Cult seeks to resurrect an ancient dark god through a forbidden ritual, intending to seize control of the world. They kidnap the general’s daughter, Tsukihime, as a sacrificial offering. In response, a diverse cast of heroes embarks on a rescue mission. Each character stands out with a distinct design, unique personality, and individualized flying machine, complete with different attack styles and special moves—giving players the freedom to choose characters based on their preferences and adding depth and replay value to the game.

Gameplay sticks to the classic arcade shooter formula: players control their aircraft with directional inputs and use two main buttons for shooting and deploying bombs. Weapons can be powered up by collecting items, eventually reaching a maxed-out state with the strongest firepower, although this powered-up mode decays over time. Each character also has a charge attack that can be unleashed by holding down the fire button, allowing for powerful signature moves. The game consists of seven stages; the order of the initial stages is randomized, while the later stages follow a fixed path. With its fast-paced level design, varied enemy patterns, dense and vibrant bullet-hell barrages, and over-the-top boss fights, the gameplay delivers an intense and challenging arcade experience.

The Nintendo Switch version fully recreates the original content while benefiting from the console’s portability, allowing players to enjoy short bursts of gameplay anytime, anywhere. The visuals retain the retro arcade art style of the 1990s, and the soundtrack brims with nostalgic charm, enhancing the game’s atmosphere. Character voiceovers and settings combine traditional Japanese aesthetics with sci-fi themes, crafting a world that feels both familiar and fantastically strange. While the game’s difficulty level is relatively high—demanding players to adapt to enemy attack patterns and bullet trajectories—this very challenge is part of what has earned it praise from hardcore shoot-’em-up fans.

In terms of market reception, Sengoku Blade for Nintendo Switch has been well received by nostalgic players and shoot-’em-up enthusiasts. Many appreciate how faithfully it reproduces the original gameplay while giving the title a new lease on life through its handheld release. Some players have noted the absence of modern quality-of-life features, such as customizable difficulty settings or beginner tutorials, which may pose a higher entry barrier for newcomers. However, it is precisely this preservation of the original experience that allows the game’s arcade essence to truly shine through.

In summary, Sengoku Blade for Nintendo Switch is a standout retro shoot-’em-up that continues to entertain and challenge players with its unique blend of Sengoku-era fantasy and sci-fi, diverse character lineup, and tightly-paced combat. Whether you’re a veteran who once played the arcade original or a new player curious about classic bullet-hell shooters, there’s enjoyment to be found here. It’s a title rich in both nostalgia and gameplay depth—a true gem worth collecting and revisiting.