|
ARC Systemworks fundamentally changes the Guilty Gear series. Guilty Gear X2 was loved for its lush, high-resolution visuals and solid 2D gameplay. For this version, ARC Systemworks decided that the one on one battles of previous games just wasn’t cutting it anymore and changed the system to four player brawls at one time. While it does give the engine ample time to show off, it makes the gameplay feel a bit too hectic but fun nonetheless.
The game includes a number of gameplay modes. Its main mode is the Arcade mode, in which you’ll fight hordes of opponents one after another until you finally lose. In Versus mode, you’ll fight another player. In Training, you can practice to sharpen your skills. More interesting it the game’s side-scroller beat-em-up, Boost mode, in which you can control any of the game’s characters and fight drones of enemies in a number of stages. In Boost mode, you are given credits when can be used in the factory mode. You use these points to customize a character which can learn any special in the game. Lastly, there is a color edit feature to change the colors of the clothing for the game’s many characters.
Guilty Gear Isuka allows you to simply play against another opponent, as has been in the case with previous entries in the series. In this mode, it is all about pure skill – you against the AI. The fighting mechanic is solid as always and pretty enjoyable. Nonetheless, the main update to the game is the ability to have four players on-screen at one time. You can set this up in a number of variables like two on two, three on one, two on one, and free for alls and any combination in between.
There have been updates to the gameplay mechanics to make all of this feasible. The battles take place on two planes – one in the front and in the back – to allow you to concentrate on one opponent while the others fight in a different plane. It isn’t always easy to tell which character is on what plane but with enough practice it becomes easier and adds a new layer to the game. Additionally, in team matches, team members can attack each other, forcing you to be careful and make sure both are in sync.
The game’s visuals are top-notch. The character models are excellent and animate with incredible fluidity. The game’s frame-rate doesn’t stutter even with all four characters on-screen pulling off insane and very stylish moves. The backgrounds are also incredibly detailed and also animated, which adds even more flair to the game.
The audio component isn’t great as magnificent but great nonetheless. The background music is very rock-driven but thankfully it goes with the hectic gameplay. The sound effects are lively and loud, as expected. You’re also hear grunts and catchphrases being said as the battle progresses.
Overall, Guilty Gear Isuka is a great fighting title with a pretty unique, if hectic twist. The visuals are among the finest in the genre, and the gameplay is as smooth as ever when you can figure out what is going on. Online would have been nice but as it is, Guilty Gear Isuka is still a great fighting game. -- Adam Nunez, PGNx Media
---- Nov 2, 2004
|
