An intellegent and impressive fighter that deserves to be in your PSP fighting collection.
User Rating: 9.3 | Guilty Gear XX #Reload PSP
First of all, let me start out by giving a short disclaimer: This review is written from the perspective of a nit-picking 2-D fighting game crazy, who holds this game in the highest esteem (my poor wife knows this all too well). If you like the other games in the series, or 2-D fighters in general, you will probably find this review useful. If not, and you just want to know when the next Tony Hawk is coming out, then get lost. Ok, onto the game. Guilty Gear XX #Reload for the PSP is in all intensive purposes, the PS2 and XBOX version (PS2 version only available in Japan) of the same game shrunk down for your portable, sneak-off-during-work to play enjoyment. The PSP version contains all of the same modes as its bigger brother: Arcade, Training, Story, Mission, Versus, Medal and Survival. New to the PSP version is the wireless mode via ad-hock, that allows you to customize the match, such as rounds, rules, and if alternate versions of the characters can be used. The Boost mode that has been floating around is not present here, as it seems Guilty Gear Judgment and #Reload are separate games (much to my disappointment). Unfortunately, I have not been able to experience the ad-hoc mode as of yet, since I don’t know anyone else who has imported this title. The PSP version supports 2 screen modes for your fighting pleasure: 4:3, and 16:9 aspect ratios. The 4:3 mode is exactly what you get on the home versions, nuff said. The 16:9 mode, unlike games like Darkstalkers which takes the original 4:3 image and stretches it, actually re-formats the characters and backgrounds to fit the screen. The characters and backgrounds are essentially zoomed-in, making it easier to see your character and opponent. Choose your fate, but I would highly recommend the 16:9 ratio here. Not only is it best suited for the screen, but the high-resolution hand drawn artwork looks simply beautiful! The one problem many have had with the PSP is the D-Pad, and this causes logical concern for those who wish to enjoy 2-D fighters on the go. While Darkstalkers performed well, some moves such as half-circle motions were almost impossible. In some cases, diagonals became tricky, making the good ol’ Dragon Punch out of reach. Indeed, a game like Guilty Gear needs flawless control, and much worry has sent in the minds of my fellow brethren. To my sheer happiness, the fine folks at Arch System works have heard the fans concerns, and have used their talents to make a near-perfect controlling game! Nearly every motion and combination can be pulled off almost as effortlessly as its larger counterparts. The decay and response time is immaculate, and really makes you wonder what Capcom could have done to make Darkstalkers play with more finesse (not ripping on Capcom here folks, I love the game). Occasionally, the architectural design of the PSP buttons may make your figures a bit sore after a long playing session, but that really depends on your own comfort levels. The presentation is identical to the PS2 and XBOX versions, and the loading times are just a wee-bit longer on the PSP. There is plenty to unlock here in the way of character modes such as EX, Black and Gold, and the game gives a decent challenge that ramps accordingly to the difficulty setting that will keep you busy. For the un-initiated, the game may seem hard with a steep learning curve, but the end-result is very rewarding as you begin to master the various elements of the fighting engine. The sound effects and voices are crisp, and the Melodic Metal by the talented A.S.H. is still wonderful. It seems that the Korean Soundtrack from founding N. EX. T. member Shin Hae Chuhl is not featured here, but I have not completed every task yet in the game to know whether or not it may be un-lockable (being a Music teacher, I have a special place in my heart for both Soundtracks). In the end Guilty Gear XX #Reload is a fine and impressive addition to the PSP. The big question is: should you get it if you already own it on the PS2 or XBOX? My answer would be no, but if you are a dire-hard dedicated fan, or just want a great fighter for your PSP, then this is the game to get. Plus, if you pre-ordered in Japan, you’ll get a very nice little Guilty Gear pouch to put…..stuff…..in, I guess.
