The improved graphics are nice, and the gameplay combines some of Boktai 1's gun del sol customization with a streamlined version of Boktai 2's core mechanics, making what is possibly the series' best foundation for a great game. Unfortunately what is built on this foundation seems a little half assed. Puzzles and stealth are largely sidelined for more of a focus on combat, which was never the series' strong suit. Combat in general is trivialized by the trance system, which essentially functions as an "I win" button in most situations. The motorcycle levels are pure filler and the story is probably the worst it has been, featuring a pointless time travel subplot, clumsy callbacks to the first game that don't amount to anything interesting, and overly verbose characters who barely had anything worth saying to begin with. The world feels the smallest it has ever felt as well, consisting of about 6 disconnected levels with a hub town that has been reduced to a point and click menu.

It's true that Hideo Kojima's influence on Boktai has been overstated, but the further away the series drifts from its charming and clever first installment the more I feel that this series really could've used the master's touch. Then again, I suppose he was busy at the time with Metal Gear Solid 3, one of the greatest games ever made, so I can't be too upset, but it makes me wonder what could've been.