Rival Schools

"Capcom does not disappoint with this 3-D fighting game."

Capcom does not disappoint with this 3-D fighting game. Complete with a cast of new characters, new techniques to learn, and that same ol' Capcom touch, this fighting game is one little gem you won't want to miss.

Graphics: 9/10

The graphics are great. The polygonal fighters are perfectly animated, and are well-constructed. The martial arts potrayed in this game is very realistic; Capcom captured all of the puches and kicks perfectly. The backrounds, though a bit repititive, are colorful and well-drawn. All of the fireballs, energy blasts, and chi attacks are also very colorful, though a bit pixelated at times. The real problem comes in up close - say, at a winning pose, for instance. The characters look like one big blocky mess; everything's pixelated, polygons are flashing on and off the screen, and the character's neck look like it was pushed down into his body. That's where the graphics lose a point. But this is a minor complaint, since you never really get up close until a winning pose.

Music/Sound: 10/10

I don't know why, but the music in this game just really, really appeals to me. Granted, I don't like it nearly as much as Xenogears, but for the type of music that it is, it's wonderful. I find myself really getting into the game because of the music; it's all upbeat, rockin' fighting music, with cool synthesizer effects. It can get a little repetitious, but not very often - only when the fight is really, really long. The sound effects are nicely done too; the voices (which are COMPLETELY Japanese ((good going, Capcom!!)) ) are crisp and clear, and almost every technique has a name that your character will yell out. Great job, Capcom.

Control: 10/10

The controls are incredibly easy to learn, and are incredibly responsive. There isn't really anything bad about the controls; the special moves always respond when you do them, and you can even assign a single button to a "Burning Vigor Attack" (specifically, your super/hyper combos for this game). The Team-Up Techniques are easy to do, too - just press the Triangle and Circle buttons at the same time and watch the spectacular attack unfold right before your eyes. Even X-Men Vs. Street Fighter falls behind in the Control category, whereas Rival Schools doesn't.

Story: 9/10

The story can seem lame at first, but it really isn't. Once you start playing through the game with different characters, you'll understand how their stories are linked, and the "linking" is done quite well. It's hard to explain, but you'll know if you play the game. Basically, the story goes like this: Justice High School is capturing and brainwashing students from various other high schools, in an elaborate plan to rule the country. You play as a student from one of these high schools, and it's up to you (and your partner(s) ) to bring peace back to the schools. The path you take to do so is determined by the first (and second) character you pick. Anyway, there are 20 (yes, 20!) characters to choose from, EACH with their own Good and Bad Endings. A Bad Ending is earned by simply beating the game with your chosen character; a Good Ending is achieved by finishing off the last opponent with a Team-Up Technique. All of these endings can be saved to Memory Card, as well as the many, many, MANY other extras you can earn.

Fun Factor: 9/10

This game is just fun to play, and it takes awhile to get boring. There's a lot to find: hidden characters, hidden modes, and hidden options, in addition to getting all of the Good and Bad Endings. And, this little goodie is a two- disc game, meaning that there are two significantly different discs, each with their own secrets. There's no way that one could find everything in one sitting - it'll take awhile. And you'll have fun doing it every minute of the way. The only reason the Fun Factor loses a point is because the game can get quite repetitive, but that's why all the instruction manuals recommend breaks, right? ^_^

Overall: 9/10

Capcom does not disappoint with Rival Schools. This one is sure to bring you many, many hours of fun and.. um.. smashing heads. ^_^ Get it - it's definitely worth your money. Oh, by the way, this game is Dual Shock compatible - specifically, with the rumble feature. If you have a Dual Shock controller, be sure to use it!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99