Sword of the Berserk: Guts' Rage

"Interactive Movie from Yukes"

This is the first beat-em up game that I bought (usually rent it).

Graphics: 8/10
The movie clip is pretty good, although the environment is not as detailed as Shenmue. Nice gothic atmosphere.

Sound: 7/10
Sound of sword slashing can really blown up your speaker. Rely heavily for bass on sword slashing (make sure to turn down your speaker before playing). My friend said that he can hear the slashing sound from 20 feet outside my apartment (with the door closed and almost 40 feet from TV to front door)! The background music is pretty general. Two thumbs up for the opening theme (Japanese version). The opening song is a little bit eerie for some (my friends), but I like it very much! Nice voice acting (Japanese version).

Gameplay: 6/10
I just wish that knives and crossbow weapon is a little bit powerful since I rely on them most of the time. Why? When we are using the sword in the small alley, the combo can be distrupted by the surrounding walls. The only way to use sword in small alley is to turn our main character in Berserk mode (where the combo can continue even the sword touches the wall). Otherwise, we have to rely on secondary weapon (bare hand, unlimited knives, unlimited crossbow, bomb and firearm). There are several combos that can be executed two different attack button and jump button which add more variety in gaming. Price box add replayability factor. Stupid AI (like a chicken waiting to be slaughtered). Not much to say since this is a beat'em up game.

Overall: 7/7
I just wish that the level is a little bit longer, save point in mid game (Jpn version), more damage on secondary weapon, more weapons, and more combo for bare hard attacks.
The story is pretty good and interesting, in fact I already made request to a local ''fan subtitling'' (anime subtitling service directed by fans of anime)for Berserk anime series.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 04/21/00, Updated 04/21/00