|
PS2
Berserk -
New Import |
 |
 |
|
 |
Gatsu (Guts) and a few friends charge onto the PS2 in a
frenetic hack 'n slasher where the blood spills
liberally and wholesale butchering is the name of the
game. Of interest to technical-minded fighters are the
reversals that may be pulled off when hacking away and
the adjunctive battle scenes that are triggered by
well-timed reversals. As Gatsu rages on through the
ranks successfully, his array of killing moves improve
and are honed to razor-like edge. Literally. During
tight spots, support from comrades may be called upon to
escape hairy situations. The standard attack is a
sweeping slash which chops monsters in half or at least
busts them up pretty badly. During one memorable
reversal cinema, there's a brutal leaping attack where
Gatsu jumps up and digs his massive sword into the
bowels of a hapless creature until it splits in half.
Decapitations, severed limbs, and other gory sights are
routine since Gatsu is the man when it's time to create
killing fields.
Playing through the game this morning, we've noticed the same
annoyance that pesters all other hack 'n slash games:
When Gatsu is surrounded by raving and bloodthirsty
beasts, they wait around and watch as Gatsu cuts them
down in sequence. For example, at any one time there's
perhaps 5 monsters on screen and they're all angling for
Gatsu's hide. Fact: Monsters lack the ability to
attack with any semblance of premeditated tactical
strategy. Going by this basis, they should all rush in
simultaneously for the jugular and gang up on our hero.
Theoretically, one chomps on the leg, another goes for
the face, yet another gnaws away at either arm, and two
more go for the torso in ravenous fashion. But they
don't. They politely hang back as their numbers are cut
down and queue up for death as if taking turns. Monsters
shouldn't act like gentlemen abiding by the rules of
war.
Other than that niggle, the game is a polished, richly detailed,
and enjoyable action game. The pace runs fast if a bit
monotonous with Gatsu performing a limited number of
moves at the outset although the cinematic reversal
scenes are entertaining to watch. The production values
rank high and the musical score by Susumu Hirasawa is
sumptuous.
A partial quantity of the Berserk Branded
Box Limited Edition also arrived today and we will be
able to fill 1/3 of our preorders today. The remainder
of the limited edition is expected next week and we'll
contact customers once the game is ready to ship. The LE game includes a large
posable Gatsu figure which is decked out in full regalia
and draped by a cape. A portion of the front of the
figure is stained with blood which tinges the drab color
scheme with a bit of ruddiness. Gatsu's trademark sword
is gripped firmly by his right hand and a circular
pedestal serves as a base for mounting purposes. The detail and sculpt quality are excellent
and impressive to behold.
|
 |
|
|
|
