Senran Kagura (閃乱カグラ) is a multimedia franchise created by Kenichiro Takaki and developed primarily by Tamsoft and Marvelous. The series debuted in Japan in 2011 with the release of Senran Kagura: Shōjo-tachi no Shinei (Senran Kagura: Portrait of Girls) for the Nintendo 3DS and debuted abroad in 2013 with Senran Kagura Burst. The franchise has since expanded into numerous video games, manga adaptations, anime series, and merchandise.[1]
The Senran Kagura games are primarily action hack and slash titles where players control one of several characters in combat missions against enemy shinobi or supernatural foes. The series is also notable for its RPG elements, character customization, and fast-paced combat system. Spin-off titles have incorporated other genres, such as rhythm games and third-person shooters.
The series centers on groups of female shinobi from various academies, focusing on their training, missions, and personal lives. While the narrative often explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and self-discovery, it is also known for its over-the-top action, comedic elements, and a high emphasis on fan service, particularly through its character designs and interactions. The story typically revolves around rivalries between "good" shinobi academies, such as Hanzo National Academy, and "evil" academies, such as Hebijo Clandestine Girls' Academy. Despite the conflicts, the series often delves into the characters' backstories, exploring their motivations and struggles. Each character has a distinct fighting style, weapon, and personality, making for a diverse cast.
Games
Main series
Senran Kagura: Skirting Shadows (2011) and Senran Kagura Burst (2012)
The first game in the series, Senran Kagura: Shōjo-tachi no Shin'ei (閃乱カグラ -少女達の真影-), is a side scrolling action game with playable ninja characters that was released in Japan for the Nintendo 3DS on September 22, 2011. The sequel, Senran Kagura Burst (閃乱カグラ Burst), consists of the original game and an extra storyline. It was released in Japan for Nintendo 3DS on August 30, 2012 and was later released digitally on the Nintendo eShop on January 10, 2013.[2][3]
Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus (2013)
Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus: Shōjo-tachi no Shōmei (閃乱カグラ SHINOVI VERSUS -少女達の証明-) is the sequel to Senran Kagura Burst.[4]
Controversy
In 2014, Official Nintendo Magazine wrote a preview about Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson (misnaming it as Senran Kagura Burst 2), labeling the game as "filth" and describing it as sexual objectification with breasts and buttocks. This elicited a response from Hatsuu, the Production Coordinator at Xseed Games, to unofficially reply, criticizing the writer's views as superficial and ignorant to the game's characters, story and actual gameplay. She also mentioned that a writer for Official Nintendo Magazine unsuccessfully attempted to boycott the game without having any knowledge, and that the writer made inappropriate jokes such as describing large breasts as "smuggling fleshy watermelons".[30]
Reception
Other media
Manga
There are various manga series based on the franchise. The main adaptation, written by Kenichirō Takaki and illustrated by Amami Takatsume, began serialization in Media Factory's Monthly Comic Alive magazine from August 27, 2011. Seven Seas Entertainment began releasing the series in North America in November 2013 as Senran Kagura: Skirting Shadows.[43] Senran Kagura: Guren no Uroboros, illustrated by Manabu Aoi, began serialization in Ichijinsha's Comic Rex magazine from September 27, 2011. Senran Kagura Spark! was published in Enterbrain's Famitsu Comic Clear between August 19, 2011 and February 17, 2012, followed by Senran Kagura: Senshi Bankō no Haruka and Senran Enji Kyonyū-gumi, both published between September 7, 2012 and February 1, 2013.
Anime
An anime television adaptation animated by Artland
External links
References
- Senran Kagura TV Anime "In the Works" Anime News Network, April 17, 2018, retrieved July 29, 2018^
- Senran Kagura Burst 3DS Game Sells 100,000+ Copies Anime News Network, June 27, 2013, retrieved July 1, 2013^
- Tony Ponce. Info dump for Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus on PS Vita