Saturday, December 5, 2009

Battle Royale

~ BATTLE ROYALE ~
Incredible Technologies / NEC
HuCard
1990

Battle Royale has one thing going for it but manages to drop the ball in practically every other area. It definitely has personality, thanks not only to its colorful, showy, rambunctious crew of wrestlers, but to their nutty, freaky-looking managers as well.

And that's where the good news begins and ends, because BR's gameplay and graphics are simply terrible. There just isn't much to the action: without any real "techniques" to make use of, you basically have to smack people around until somebody hits the mat, and then you lift up the fallen brawler to heave him from the ring. The controls don't feel all that great, but they suffice for conquering the game as it's so simple and easy. The fighters' movements are extremely choppy, but at least it's amusing to hear the fools scream as they're eliminated, which goes back to the game's strong--and utterly wasted--charisma.

That charisma is mainly why Battle Royale has managed to earn the reputation of being a viable multi-player option. There's nothing wrong with mashing buttons for a little while with friends, especially when a game provides a fun cast to pick favorites from. But make no mistake: there are lots of better alternatives for any given Turbo get-together, titles with vastly superior gameplay and more than one virtue to boast of.


The announcer introduces you to BR's company of misfit musclemen...


...and then you take control of a manager and race for the right to represent your favorite fighter. You can deck your rivals if you wish, but I usually just make a beeline for my wrestler of choice.


The managers exude confidence no matter whom they end up with.


Tournament mode has you work your way up from one-on-one affairs...


...to all-out rumbles. I usually hover around on the fringe of the fray, utilizing my "special kick" or whatever when the opportunity presents itself. Winning is no problem.


The post-match stat chart isn't all that interesting.


Build a mountain of moneybags as you rack up victories.


These people really do creep me out.

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