Rumble Roses XX

"Deserves Another Chance"

As a self-confessed fan of the original Rumble Roses game, I really didn't think it deserved the harsh criticism it's recieved. The first game really wasn't that bad, limited yes, but a bad game absolutely not. So it was obvious that I would get the second game for the X-box 360. Having played it for a while, I certainly can agree and nitpick about some issues with the game, but really it's not a bad game and in many ways better than the original.

Graphics: 8/10
The graphics to this game is much better than the PS2 original's. The superstars' clothing looks realistic, and few if any moves have any sort of glitch to it. The backgrounds are nice for the most part, namely the Red Valley and Island Resort stage, except the Skyscraper stage's lighting isn't all that, but that's just nitpicking more than a flaw. Each character's face looks more distinctive now rather than a carbon copy swap, and the newly added superstar costumes and options look fantastic. These graphics are standard X-box 360 fare, and there's nothing to complain about in this department.

Sound: 6/10
I'll be honest, the music in the game isn't too bad (it's similar to the original game's), but the voice acting is absolutely horrendous (fans of the original will notice the voice actresses have changed). In the original game, each character had a distinct accent (Dixie sounded like a Southern Texas Native, Aisha sounded like a bad girl from the 'hood, Miss Spencer sounded like a prim and proper teacher, etc...). (Although I'm still curious how Anethesia is latina yet had a very Australian accent...). In this game speech and dialogue is minimum, and the character's voices just sound from bland to really bad (especially Aigle, who sounds more constipated than ever). I wasn't too impressed given the first game really had better dialogue, even if it was a little on the corny side.

Gameplay: 7/10
This is where the good and bad really sets in. First the good. The counters and moves in the game have been better updated, from minor takedowns, different holds depending on the character's fighting style, disposition, and the dumbed down-Smackdown style gameplay works well with the game just as it did the original. The matches are fun to play for the most part. Specifically the Regular, Queen Matches, and PHM (Pure Humiliation) are just as good as the original's, and much more realistic and more challenging.

The bad? Well for starters the Street Fight mode is HORRIBLE and should not have been included (should be exchanged to bring back the Mud Match). Street Fight mode plays like a very, very dumbed down Tekken and just doesn't suit the game. Secondly, unlocking costumes for each character can be tedious (you can unlock, say, the school uniform for Reiko, but you have to do the same if you want it for Anethesia or any other wrestler. What really bites is playing as a CAW (Lambda), you can unlock these costumes for say, CAW A, but if you want it for CAW B, C, D, you have to go through the process of making money all over again, which can be tiring. Third, the AI can be really, really cheap at times, but that's more nitpicking than actual problem.

CAW Mode: 5/10
I had to include a section for this mode. Honestly, considering Yukes (who've worked on the WWE Smackdown series) helped develop this game, you'd think the CAW mode would be deep, with the power to make your own moveset, lots of different and original styles, the answer is actually no. Each CAW's face is the same and it can't be changed, there are nine hairstyles to choose from, and you have limited options over hair, eye, and the general features that sets her apart from the rest. The body type adjuster is good, but just misses the mark if you want a really tall or realistic looking type wrestler, and the weight cannot be manually set. You also choose from a list of movesets rather than create your own, and most of these movesets have been derived from the standard characters and most of the finishers/humiliation moves in these movesets are just standard moves and unimpressive. Also, the limited outfit options and lack of customization really weigh this mode down.

Overall: 8/10
Is Rumble Roses XX worth it? Well in my honest opinion, it depends. If you are a fan of the original series and not too nitpicky, then this title deserves a chance. As a fan of the series I enjoy the game, although Konami and Yukes better shape up and improve this series if they really want to get it off the air. I personally feel this series is underappreciated and underrated, but considering where other people are coming from with their opinions, I understand as well. However, this really is a good game despite all its shortcomings, and I would say it's at least worth a rental.

What would improve the game? In my honest opinion, an addition of new characters besides the series' original eleven ladies and their alter egos (and superstar versions of each); a (MUCH) deeper create a wrestler mode, and the elimination of unneccesary tedium (Street Fight mode, more outfits and easier ways to unlock things and more things to unlock). Plus more match types that are worth it (Mad Mud Match, Queens Match, maybe even a Hardcore match). If Konami and Yukes does all this, maybe the third time (if there is one) just may be the charm.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 08/30/07