Ah how I love games that perform well and also shake my funny bone at the same time. A game that does itself justice as well as rags on itself among other things is one of those rare treats we all get once in awhile and today’s treat is called Tokyo Beat Down. Does the game really measure up with the DS’s capabilities or is it too slapstick for its own good? Read on to find out…
Story:
In TBD you are Beast Cop Lewis Cannon (you also play as a few other characters) and you are a volatile cop who always takes it too far. Whether they bombed a building or ran out on a dinner check you will beat their ass accordingly. This obvious gets you into trouble with your superiors, but they tend to overlook it due to your abilities. After beating the crap out of some thugs that ditched on a dining ticket (see I told you about the overreaction) the station gets a phone call about something involving fireworks. You can’t tell if it is a threat or a prank until the downtown mall gets bombed and riots and looting ensue.
In this cut scene they seemingly rag on those who stood in lines for Wii’s by one character asking why there are so many people here, and Cannon replying that the newest game system comes out the next day. From here you fight on several gangs of thugs and enter a building where you make some of the worst catch phrases of all time;
“Third floor: clearance sale on lingerie… and justice!”
Yeah, it’s like that.
The thing is that the story can be dictated by your own actions which add a big twist to how it stems along. Depending on which places you go and certain things you do later in the game you could end up fighting the crime lord(s) or watch your comrade’s fall. Your decisions make the butter churn. This is really the true strength the game brings besides the obvious yet characterized humor due to it being different from many other not just DS, but games in general. It is a game that is technically a side scrolling beat em’ up game, but it is truly more than that when you look beyond face value. You have a strong story fallowing several characters and the way it develops is based solely on what you the user do.
The game transcends the genres it has combined by creating a fast paced yet unrefined piece of work. It side scrolls but it plays more like a true fighting game yet it allows you to make critical decisions to the games direct ending as well as your characters. By making this fusion of styles into a worthwhile playable entity you have to applaud the works put into it and appreciate the product. It has a thick story full of characters, baddies and an RPG for those not so fresh feeling times.
Gameplay:
This is a side scroller but it is not a typical one. It offers you choices which again dictate your ending. The gameplay is just the same in the sense of simple yet magnificent. To be honest when I first turned it on I went, “oh yay I bet I will struggle wanting to play this,” I really have to admit I underestimated and was wrong about this games gameplay.
While in game you punch with Y and kick with X, A picks up weapons, ammo, health and B jumps. B and Y together allow you to grapple you opponents and each character has a special grab move which are all equally funny and doubtfully actually used by police…ok maybe some but definitely not the powerbomb one. The left trigger button draws your gun and the right button blocks. You can dash by double tapping the D-pad in whatever direction you want to go. Like I said the controls are basic, but fun and create for a damn good beat down involving time. The controls allow you to string together many attacks to take down your adversaries and in the latter part of the game combos are everything. It is one of those games you know how to play and is pretty self explanatory but it is just too much damn fun to put down.
Graphics:
Let’s be honest we’re talking DS here so graphics are not truly the heavy focal point. The graphics for the game seem more Playstation meets PS2 right in the middle. The graphics are acceptable and pretty decent standard wise for the DS. The game is much more based on gameplay and story and the graphics are simple yet work wonderfully for the game.
The pixilated characters work in great unison with the DS and the graphic system it has. With the mix of artsy cut scenes and decent DS graphics it creates a good combination of good looking art and acceptable graphics. The graphics are not the most important part of the game and it is obvious, but the game makes up for this weakness with strengths in the gameplay and storyline.
Sound:
The music in the background has that retro 80’s cop movie feel which keeps you in that get shit done mindset. You feel like it is a mix of Lethal Weapon and Beverly Hills Cop where it is a technical drama, but includes comedy throughout as well. The sound is essential to the feeling you have and keep throughout the game and really impacts your mind when you’re playing. It is a side scrolling beat em’ up cop game, but it transcends by successfully pulling off humor, drama and damn good fighting all in one smooth motion. It is not an easy thing to do but the music and effects used truly create for an exciting and enjoyable play.
Replay:
The replay value is somewhat dependent upon your personal enjoyment so it turns more into how much you really liked it. It has multiple endings and your story can change throughout the game with each playthrough. It solely depends upon what your take of the game ends up being.
The game offers some decent reasons to play it again and the multi endings really are the big attraction to it. The game is enjoyable, but it is up to you for the second play and if you think it deserves that. Your choice and enjoyment determines it.
Final Analysis:
The game itself is one of those DS games that is worthwhile. The story is big and interesting and has a lot to offer. The gameplay is simple and straightforward but offers a lot of fun at the same time. The fun characters, thick story, decent graphics and sound that works well with the game it creates for a damn good time and a worthwhile play. The DS has very few games that are funny and decent fighting games and this is one of those games. Side scrolling is something that usually isn’t done nowadays but it is done correctly and done well with this game. If you’re looking for a game that is fun and has a great storyline to add into it, this is one of those games you’ll be surprised that you like. You’ll enjoy kicking the asses of random gangs and shoot people as well you’ll love Tokyo Beat Down.
"Tokyo Beat Down (DS)" is on sale March 31, 2009 and is rated T. Fighting. Developed by Success. Published by Atlus.
