Rave Master: Special Attack Force

"A decent time killer."

When it comes down to it, there are three types of games. The good, the bad, and the decent. While the good games get high scores on web sites, and sell out all over the place, and the bad games are known throughout the world as complete and utter garbage, the decent games, for better or for worse, are never heard of. This game is an example of that. Rave Master: Special Attack Force (hereby known as RV:SAF), is a decent little time killing game that fans of the anime will enjoy. Heck, even if you don't like the anime, but enjoy unique fighting games like Super Smash Bros, you should enjoy this somewhat.

Graphics: 8/10
The Graphics in this game have no real horrible flaws to them, the characters look just as they should in the anime, and nothing really sticks out as bad. However, they could always be improved, as there seems to be some minor flashing issues with the sprites in the battles, and speaking of the sprites, they are a little on the "chibi" side, which really isn't all that bad, but I think a few of them could show more detail were they a little bigger. All and all, the graphics in RM:SAF aren't too bad.

Sound: 6/10
Here's a weaker point...the sound.
While the actual voices of the anime characters (save possibly Elie?) are all in this game, they are of somewhat low quality. Add that up with the fact the music is sub par, and the constant screaming of some of the more annoying voiced characters (mainly griff/plue and ruby), you'll find yourself turning your GBA's volume down.

Controls: 7/10
While the controls are simple and easy to pick up and understand, they could be much better. A for jumping, pressing the B button repeatedly is your character's punching combo, and pushing B while running or in conjunction with a directional button will do something else. Pushing R will use your projectile attack, pushing R and Up will do a different special attack (usually a jumping attack), and pushing R and down will do yet another special attack (usually a launcher attack). When the time comes, you can unleash the game-winning final attack by pushing, oddly enough, the START button. I never understood why they put final attack on START, but hey, it works. Oh, and if you're wondering about pausing, that's on select. This layout of controls may seem kind of weird and...well, ok, it kind of is, but after a while you'll get used to it. If they changed a few buttons around it could be a bit better, but I have nothing of real importance to complain about or praise, so I'll stick an average 7 on for Controls.

Overall Fun Factor: 8/10
This is a very unique experience. Think Super Smash Bros. at a crazy rave party. RM:SAF offers up to four-player combat with many of the more popular characters from the anime. Gameplay is simple, beat your foes up until your bar at the top of the screen begins to flash, and then unleash your final attack and beat your opponent in the button-mashing mini game. There are no life bars, although if your bar becomes very low and your opponent smacks you hard, you'll be stunned for a good period of time. Parts of this game remind me of Super Smash Bros, so if you're looking for a good pocket SSB game, this may be a good one to pick up.

Average:7.25 (rounded DOWN for GameFAQs' rating system)
Rent it, or pick it up cheap somewhere, either way it's worth at least one playthrough, as it offers a very decently unique experience. I enjoyed it overall, though some may not. It's not going to win any Game of the Year awards, but it's without a doubt worth at least whatever merit this humble review is worth.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 08/05/05