Battle Arena Toshindin Remix
I'm probably not the best person in the world to review this game. I like all kinds of games, but I am by no means an expert at fighters. I could never really get into remembering long button patterns just to perform a combo. I know, to some this is what makes fighters so fun, but to me it is kinda boring.
Now, with that said, I have to admit that I do like some fighters. Usually not the kind that spurts blood all over, but the kind with balanced gameplay, and a respectable theme. Battle Arena Toshinden Remix just happens to be one of those rare breed of fighting games, and I really got into it.
Battle Arena Toshindin is a little different then your average fighter. Instead of straight fighting (like in Virtua Fighter 2), each of the ten character has a certain weapon: whips, claws, daggers, clubs, ect.. In addition each player has two special moves that are available by pressing button combinations, or if in an easy mode, pressing the corresponding button that pulls off the move. Once executed, the player shoots fireballs, throws a whip, ect.. Sometimes, it's hard to tell what the move is doing, but all are quite effective.
The character movements, and and gameplay balance is near perfect. This game is super smooth, just like Virtua Fighter 2 (this is a strong compliment). I do have a little gripe however. I would've liked them to include a way to cancel a special move if it was pulled off wrong. Sometimes I found myself shooting fireballs in the complete opposite direction of my opponent, with no way to stop once I realized my error. Still, the overall gameplay was great, and helped make this one of my favorite fighter games.
In story mode, the designers give the player the true story of each character. For example, Eija is in search of his lost brother, Kayin was a bounty hunter, but now is in search of his fathers killer, and Sofia was once a spy for the KGB, but now is in search of her own mysterious past. Each of the characters has somewhat of a respectable reason for being involved in the tournaments. I like this fact. I think more games need a story line that has something socially redemable rather then just excessive violence. Heck, in this game when the characters are done fighting, they all talk in a way as to help the winner complete his/her quest. No animosity against the winner whatsoever.
Graphically, the game looks good, but isn't anywhere near the quality of Virtua Fighter 2. I haven't played it, but the game does looks better on the Playstation. The story animations are a little cheesy too. All you get is some well drawn figures, that do not move except for their mouths when they talk. For a game that is as high quality as this, it's unbelievable that the dialog was so bad.
Like I said, I'm not an expert at fighters, but I still think almost everyone will like this game. It is fun, well balanced, and has many options for play. If you haven't already, I suggest you give is a try!
RATINGS
GRAPHICS 80%
SOUND 80%
GAMEPLAY 87%
ORIGINALITY 85%
REPLAY VALUE90%
OVERALL 84.4%
