1 Player
Graphics: 9/10
Despite being one of the few 2D games for the N64, I think the graphics on this game are amazing. Very colorful, very detailed manga styled graphics. Had this game included actual anime cut scenes it would have possibly been a 10. Unfortunately the N64 is unsuited for FMV and the cut scenes are limited to sprite movement. Anyway I really like the look of this game.
Music and Sound: 6/10
Nothing too spectacular. The music is all similarly styled and is ok, but there has been better. The sound effects are what you would expect, explosion, jumping sound etc. Marina’s “Shake Shake” gets somewhat annoying after the 5 billionth time you hear it, which is a drawback. The speech is ok though there isn’t much of it.
Gameplay: 9/10
A nice original style for a side scrolling game. Also since all the N64 games seem to the 3D clones of each other this game is a refreshing break in that repetition. Basically you go around beating up on these little ball guys called Clancers with various objectives in each level. some of the levels are laughably short however, but there are 60 levels to go through so it is somewhat made up for. Also the more gold gems you have found (there is one in each level) the more of the ending you get to see, which adds to the replay value.
Overall 8/10
Another for the list of top 5 games here. I love this game a lot. I can see how it might turn some people off though since the whole thing is rather bizarre. Also being a 2D game and not all that hyped I don’t think it did too well. I would recommend it, especially if you like silly Anime style action.
Tip: There is a ‘Surprise Ending’ so it is somewhat worth it to get all 60 gold gems. Don’t quit because you think that the rest of the ending is going to be credits.
