Yu Yu Hakusho: Spirit Detective

"A game you will enjoy only if you like the series"

I will start by saying that this game isn't half bad for a first attempt. A Yu Yu Hakusho Game hasn't been made in 8 years and all of the previous ones were some form of fighting games, this one is a beat ém up adventure kind of game. It was definitely a nice twist on a Yu Yu Hakusho game.
Let's get started!

Graphics:6/10
The graphics of this game were for the most part not impressive. The same buildings are used over and over again as fillers, not a lot of detail in the sprite design, and for the most part the graphics are just a bit above average. I've seen what Game Boy Advance is capable of graphic wise and this is just not up to standards. Though the characters are easily distinguishable from one another you can't even see their eyes or any facial features at all for that matter. Fear not the mediocre graphics do not take away from the fun of the game and that is what all video games are about is fun.

Sound:5/10
In a word average. There is nothing special about the sound of this game. However I would think that sound is the last thing that people look for when buying a game. As long as it has something no harm done right? They could have at least but some background music from the anime that would have earned it a higher rating but once again, sound is not the key to video games.

Gameplay:8/10
Definitely a plus for this game and in my opinion a major key to a great game. You start out with the ability to move and fight, pretty basic right, well you are right to a certain degree. At first it may seem like tapping the A button gets old but if you get into the game it is fun. Also after a while you will be able to perform special techniques in the game that were in the show, examples of this include Yuske's Spirit Gun, Kuwabara's Spirit Sword, and Kurama's Petals and Thorns. Another nice feature to the game is the level system. In most beat ém up games there is no levels, a player simply starts out with the same amount of stats and ends with the same amount of stats, but not here you start at level 1 and can make your way up to 25, it gives you something to do and work for. Even with the special Spirit Energy techniques you may get a little tired of the repetitive fighting style but for the most part you should enjoy it.

Story:10/10
The best quality of any game is the story. And that is something that this game excels at. For those who have seen the show know what to expect. The story takes place through-out the entire Spirit Detective Saga. You might think that this makes the game dull but it doesn't. Since the game only focuses on the Spirit Detective Saga that means that there is less that will be left out of the game in the Spirit Detective Saga. This is a very good thing. Trying to do as least spoilers as possible... All of Yuske's cases are included even trying to get back to life. Even minor episodes are included such as when Kuwabara has to pass his test for his friend. There are a few things different though, such as how Kuwabara learns his Spirit Sword and How Yuske acquire's his Spirit Detective items. The only reason they are altered is to lengthen the game though so don't sweat it. In short if you watch Yu Yu Hakusho expect to have to complete the entire Spirit Detective Saga.

Replay ability:6/10
This is a little low since once you beat it you probably wont play it for a few months and there are little extras to unlock in it. But 2 or 3 months down the road when you have no other game to play you will find yourself pulling out Yu Yu Hakusho and joining Yuske, Kuwabara, Hiei, Kurama, Botan, and Kayko for the adventure all over again and will enjoy it.

Buy/rent
This holds true for all anime tied in games if you like the anime then with out a doubt buy it, research it first but buy it none the less. If you don't watch the show then rent it first since you don't know what the story is about it might seem cheesy to you, maybe try watching a few episodes before renting it to get the jist of it.

Overall:8/10
This is a good game not great, not legendary but good. If you are a true fan of Yu Yu Hakusho then you will love this game. The only downside is this game is very short and can be beaten if 2-3 days even if you take your time but all non fighting anime games are short so you know what to expect. Other than the shortness and the average graphics and sound everything else checks out I hope you found this review useful and if you have maybe I'll do more reviews in the future.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/22/04, Updated 04/29/04