A very unique game with RPG elements, platforming, and a battle arena. A combat simulator for the hardcor
To start of, you play as Mr. Diaz, as you navigate the sci-fi underground maze of labs and elevators, you, for some reason decide to let these 'monsters' free. Later on, you find that you are not actually a human. In fact, about a 1/3 way through the game, you become another person, Johnny Slater! The role-switching and plot of the story is actually quite confusing. To not give too much away, it's about cloning and taking over the world. Yup, typical sci-fi stuff. In this game, this is quite perfect as a setting for the combat mechanics, but otherwise lets down of what is a very ambitious concept.
Have i mentioned RPG, platforming and combat sim? Well, let's start with platforming. The 3rd person controls are pretty awful; the 3d stick, of which should be perfect for 3d roaming is, is stuck into a RE style mechanic of sorts which changes as the camera changes. You get a strange 'hybrid' of mario and resident evil movement. However, the platforming aspect of this game is not that important, it's used to navigate around, pick up items, open doors, meet enemies and a little shoot-em-up.
The main emphasis of this game is the combat simulator, and it is just as what it sounds like. Fortunately enough, this is the best part of this game. The mechanics are deep and it is meshed with RPG elements such as building offense and defense as well as stamina, HP, speed etc. The battle is all done in real time but attacks are activated through a menu much like final fantasy. Before attacking, you'll be charging up this action guage of which determines the strength of your selected move. This gives you the question of whether to build up your guage and then pull off a combo or to do a quick attack or use an item. Attacks and defense is very comprehensive, there are high, medium, low, kicks, punches, hooks, and then there are the grab moves.
Whenever a character initiates a move, you are also given a decision to step away, block or even counter, this applies to the enemy also. Different attacks can be initiated when the opponent is down or when you find yourself looking behind the enemy. Each attack and defense affects the body condition which is shown and highlighted between, head, left, right, arms, legs etc. Depending on the condition of you or the enemies' body parts, peformance can be weak or even slow. All these factors come into play of whether you will be damaged a lot, can pull of your attack fast enough, or whether you can dodge in time. Consecutive blows to the head will daze you or the enemy. If an opponent attacks with his right fist, and you decided to step to his right, damage is multiplied. Likewise, if you step in the opposite direction of his attack, damage is lessened.
Ok, that's enough of the combat. This game pulls of the combat mechanics almost flawlessly. If you're a combat enthusiast who likes to analyse enemy movements, judge distances, exercise split second reflexes and like to level up your body stats, this game is for you. But for everyone else? Only for the hardcore game players would play this game to the very end.
Unfortunately, the amazing combat mechanics is let down by a ropey plot, medicore platforming which is plagued by bad controls, and some battle after battle of level grinding though uninspiring interiors. At first, i found the controls iffy, but i got over this in about an hour. The combat was overwhelming at first. And the levels were not varied enough to keep my interest. Nevertheless, i kept at it. The sound is decent, and the ambience fits in really well with the theme of the game. The only highlights of this game are the platforming bosses, and the bosses at the very end. After completing this at a game time of 11:38 hours, it seemed that the easy slogfest of enemy after enemy and working through the level was for the buildup for the end bosses. The last bosses were epic, the experience you gained through the hours has you trying to figure out how best to defeat them, the music kicks up and everything freshens up again, it truly was epic. But this moment is shortlived and it wasn't long before you're watching the ending (which is quite nice to be honest).
These are my stats after my first playthrough:
Total battles - 129
Offense Rate - 94%
favourite finishing move - R Middle Kick
Clear Time - 11:38 hours
Ranking Total - SS: 85 S: 28 A: 12 B: 3 C: 1 D: 0 E: 0
Upon completion, i had unlocked the hard mode. But since this game wasn't all that enjoyable till the end bosses, i do not see myself replaying this game again.
In closing, this is one game that appeals to a very small audience, and i wouldn't recommend for any person who wishes to play games casually. If you were a stats and combat enthusiast, this game is for you. Otherwise, just avoid.
A OK-ish game, wihch won't be enjoyed by many people, i can't really give this a great score. I rate it 6.8.