Update: October 7, 2004
«©NCSX» 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 but no one's making a concerted attack. 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. View the back cover on the main NCSX website. Jan Code: 4991694000963 This document is ©NCSX 2004. All rights reserved. No reproduction in whole or in part of this document may be made without express written consent of National Console Support, Inc.
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