Gitaroo Man

"Most Underatted Game EVER!"

You may have walked passed this a few times in you game store, perhaps looked at the back. But until you play this you won't appreciate the uniqueness of his Rythum-Beat-Em-up Game.

Graphics-7
They’re very refreshing, I mean you have Metal Gear Solid with its hyper realistic graphics then you have Gitaroo Man with its cartoony style. That’s the most important part of this game, it maintains its style; making you feel like your inside an insane Japanese cartoon. The graphics are not amazing but they do stand out among other games.

Gameplay-9
This is where this game separates it self away from all the other rhythm games. You have two types of phase an attack and a defence. The defence if you basic pressing the different buttons at the right time affair (common to all bemainia games) this can become tricky but once you get the hang of it your fine. The attack phase is where the game really shines. With the left analogue stick you can control a blue cone this most be kept on a moving squigerly line (which goes up down and all over the place depending on the songs pitch and feel) along the line are orange blobs of different lengths (longer=longer note) you have to press any button when on these hits the centre of your cone and hold it fir the length of the note. Although this may not sound fun but it is and you feel like your not playing a guitar but not anything else ether to really appreciate the gameplay you need to play it

Sound-10
The music in this game goes from metal to techno and even jazz! Each song is incredibly deferent and fun to listen to although sometimes you may not think so as you miss the incredibly hard but cool solo. Although mainly the music entails guitars many song include quite a few varied instruments. All in all the Sound in this game is defiantly on par with all other rhythm games.

Lifespan-7
Maybe a bit harsh but you need someone who's good at the game to get anything out of v.s mode. The reason v.s mode is only good with someone else who owns the games is the simple fact this game requires skill and you need practise. There s on very redeeming feature of v.s four player mode this really is interesting as you all struggle to remember when to start playing when your it's your partners dodging phase. Story modes a bit too short although the story itself is quite novel (a boy who is a loser discovers his ancient ancestor was the legendary Gitaroo man and he is distend to become him, oh this is all explain by a talking dog), but then again there is master mode to offer an extreme challenge!

Overall-8
This game is brilliant and a worthy purchase for any one who likes rhythm games or hasn't had the enjoyment of playing it yet. Truly the most underrated game ever. Go on try it you might like!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/05/03, Updated 03/05/03