As mentioned, the game follows two samurai, Jin and Mugen along with a girl named Fuu on an adventure to find "the samurai who smells of sunflowers." The game starts when the trio comes across a ship promising free food and beds for all those going. So, being both poor and hungry, they decide to board. Little do they know that they are in fact traveling to the distant snowy region of Ezo, but it is also a trap. Let the crazy sword fighting begin. During the game, you can play as either Jin or Mugen on their own separate story paths. This does provide some replay value for the game, which is welcome for it's otherwise repetitive gameplay (more down the road). In playing through the game, you get caught up in a small war between the original people of the island and the newcomers, and you are responsible for making things right. Those who have watched the show will realize that this scenario feels right at home next to the likes of Hellhounds For Hire or Misguided Miscreants (what can I say, I'm a fan).
For those who have seen the show, most likely the first thing you noticed was the amazing visuals. The show is expertly drawn and animated and has a very clean style. The game tries to follow in the footsteps and does a pretty good job at it. The cut scenes in this game are very well done, from the opening recreation of the anime's theme (complete with the song Battlecry) to the story advancing cinematics. The developer obviously wanted this to feel like you were playing a Samurai Champloo episode, and on the visual front, they achieved just that. When it comes to the action of the game, the visuals hold up, and never stutter. Unfortunately, just about all of your enemies look the same, which is never a good thing in any game. With the fast paced moves though, it shouldn't be too much of a hinderance. The animations on each of the main characters also follow the show, with Mugen's wild, breakdance-esque style showing through and Jin's more traditional way of fighting coming through as well. It is fun to play with each character, as you feel like a different samurai when playing each one. Also, it's just fun to pull a double slash to breakdance kick with Mugen.
Each of the game's environments are nicely done too, with locales that look straight from the show. There are feudal Japanese towns, snowy forests, and things on fire - you know, things that you would expect in an action anime. They are fun to play through, but not something that will keep you going for the endless hours of button mashing. Speaking of which...
Earlier I mentioned Battlecry, which is the show's and the game's main theme. The game itself is incredibly music based, as all your moves are based around the song you are currently playing, and the set of moves that go with that particular beat or song. For example, the first song you have is very simple, with some nice bass lines. The combos in this beat are very simple, and they are all shown in a type of "move hierarchy" in the top of your screen. It goes down the line with other button presses stemming off from the main line. It really does feel like you are fighting to the music, so the developer did a great job in integrating the music. However, the gameplay is extremely repetitive, as you can only do combos so many times. Also, there is a sort of "achievement" if you will in which you attempt to hit a certain person over 100 times by mashing on the buttons. Your "reward" is a monochromatic room with black sillohuettes of you and your enemies, in which you repeatedly beat them all 100 down, three at a time. I was frustrated with myself every time this happened, as I knew the only thing I got out of it was a lousy item in the shop (which you still have to pay for). This combined with the already repetitious gameplay in the normal world makes for a game that will no doubt hurt your thumbs. But, I suppose it is hard being a samurai.
Another problem with the game is the camera angle. It is a fixed camera, so no moving is allowed. It can be troublesome at times, especially when stuck behind a log or something of that nature. Off-screen enemies are, luckily, not usually a problem, as they all seem to gather in a circle rather closely to you (this makes for some good combo mashing, I guess). I really would've like to see a controllable camera, as it would make for some great angles and better control during some of the more hectic fights. However, it seems like Bandai just ran out of analog sticks on the controller, as the left stick controls you and the other controls the current music combo set.
Don't get me wrong, there is plenty to love for Champloo fans; this game oozes with the original show's visuals, music and overall coolness. But no amount of great looking samurai or hip-hop beats can save and endless button masher. This game really could have been great, if only they could have worked the music system a little differently and maybe given a little more options in the combo system. So if you are a Champloo fan, I would recommend checking it out, if only for the fact that the show is now over. But for everyone else, it is hard to recommend, unless you feel like hurting your fingers. At least there is Battlecry to sing you to sleep.
+ Looks just like the show
+ Ability to play as both samurais
+ Locales straight out of the show
- Repetitive gameplay
- Boring extra fights
- Music system limits combos somewhat
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28 May 2006, 10:14 AM