Tech Romancer

"A Tremendously Fun Fighting Game"

Tech Romancer--the colorful Capcom 3D fighter featuring dozens of huge, powerful mechs--has become one of my favorite Dreamcast games, and is a definite permanent addition to my collection (I trade away anything even slightly mediocre). Why? It is FUN, backed up by vibrant, colorful graphics; massive, loud explosions; killer moves; tons of earned secrets that are actually desirable; and the most entertaining single player/story mode of any fighter yet.

GAMEPLAY- There are three main modes of gameplay: Story Mode, Hero Mode, and Versus. Plus a secret/bonus collection fed by the first two called Tatsume Technodrome. Story Mode really is a story, with unique and well-produced anime style events happening for EVERY unique character, including several branching paths that often significantly alter the story. Hero Mode is basically a survival test through the 12 primary characters. Importantly, this is the main source of money to buy secrets. Also included are some minigames that are fun enough, but we're here for the mech fighting!

The fighting is all 3D and has actual 3D movement for dodging attacks, but is still otherwise direct-line attacking. In addition, the fighting system is about as different from Capcom's own staple Street Fighter series as it can get. There are buttons dedicated to jumping and blocking, since the directional pad is dedicated to 360-degree movement. There are two main attack buttons, but several moves still available with various button/direction commands. Furthermore, there are icons that can be picked up enabling various functions specific to each character, such as a powerful optional attack or increased offensive power. Better yet, you can stock up to 5 of these icons, and then select and activate one as needed.

Other innovations include character-specific Final Attacks, which enable an instant kill if conditions allow it to be triggered. Fotunately, your opponent usually has to be in really bad shape already for it to be allowed. And, boy, you'll love the vibrantly violent explosiveness of these moves when they connect!

Overall, the fighting engine is designed to highlight the explosive power of these giant mechs and does not quite have the balance of Street Fighter 3 especially. It's fast, fun, loud fighting! And you'll both want to play a zillion times and need to...to earn money for secrets, complete story arcs, and more.

AUDIO/VIDEO - Tech Romancer is one of those Dreamcast games that a) does not entirely take advantage of the DC, and b) still looks great and far beyond the 32/64-bit machines. This is an extremely fast, high-res, 3D fighter. Nitpickers might point out some simple, pixelly backgrounds and that some mechs could use a few more polygons. That's about it though, otherwise it looks great, the explosions and special move effects are awesome, and the story panels and graphic design are simply very appealing.

As for audio, there are dozens of stage and character-specific music, hundreds of spoken lines (Japanese with well-written subtitles), and great effect sounds. The announcer (English) is suitably and entertainingly over-the-top!

REPLAYABILITY - Unbelievable. Jump into the Technodrome and you'll see dozens of unlockable secrets and modes, some bought with funds earned from Hero Mode and/or VMU games, or simply opened by finishing stories. And this is good stuff, such as movies, animations, secret characters, biographies of both mechs and pilots...and all packaged within an attractive, inviting interface. Best of all, they took the time to set up and explain the branching conditions in the stories. Some characters have only one branch, most have a couple, and others have several. Some of the conditions are tough (no continues and never fall, for instance) and yet are always worth it.

A DEFINITE BUY - Whether you're an anime fan, a fighting fan, or just plain a fan of great games (especially sleeper hits), you should own Tech Romancer. Enjoy!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/02/01, Updated 03/02/01