User Rating: 8.2 | Gekido Advance: Kintaro's Revenge GBA
"Gekido" is a series that saw its beginnings on the PSOne, in polygonal form. For the GBA, however, the sequel "Gekido Advance" takes it back to 2-D form, which actually makes the game better in many regards. It's essentially "Final Fight" for the 21st century. Rather than just be a straightforward beat-em-up, "Gekido Advance" actually requires you to do a tiny bit of RPG action, whether it be talking to townsfolk or exploring areas for items. This works to the benefit of the game, because it gives you a little more meat on what would otherwise be a skin-and-bones genre. Technical aspects of the game had me really impressed. Tetsuo, the main character, is animated amazingly well. Almost "Guilty Gear X" quality. Cutscenes, while simplistic, are animated fluidly and stylsihly. The enemies are menacing, and the levels are beautiful. The music, although a bit repetitive, never grates on the nerves, and fortunately suits the action well. As it stands, if you love games like Final Fight and Streets of Rage - even if you're like me and loved the original - go on and pick up a copy of "Gekido Advance". It's everything that a fan of the genre could ask for.
