Gekido
Score: 94% ESRB: Teen Publisher: Interplay Developer: Naps Team / Gremlin Interactive Limited Media: CD/1 Players: 1 - 4 Genre: Miscellaneous
Graphics & Sound: If you're used to stunning graphics in your fighting games, then you may think those in Gekido are a bit mellow. Don't let this fool you though, as there is a perfect balance of graphics and framerate. And for a fast and furious game like this, framerate is key. The sound of Interplay's Gekido is, in one word... sweet! Background music by such bands as Apt. 26 and Fat Boy Slim is prevalent and keeps your heart pumping while the sound fx keep you involved in the on-screen action.
Gameplay: Picture this: Double Dragon crossed with Virtua Fighter. Toss in a bit of Japanimation-type special effects, and you've got Gekido! With multiple modes of play that can be unlocked by moving throughout the game, there is great replayability to this game. You can choose to play on your own or with a friend in a Double Dragon style game in which you move through the streets combating baddies with barrels, boxes, guns, and the most deadly of all, your bare hands. One of the best features of Gekido is the ability for up to four players to battle (MultiTap required) simultaneously inside mini arenas. Here you will find out who the real fighters are. Don't forget to use your weaponry, but definitely don't forget to smash, crash, and bash your opponents to the ground with your 'Rage!' Use it early or wait 'til stage 3. However you decide, bust up your buds with this anime-style specialty move and they are sure to perish. Explore Gekido with a lot of effort and you will eventually unlock many more characters, arenas, and modes of play. This is a stellar fighting game with a bit of action/adventure built in.
Difficulty: How about it? A fighting game that also has a bit of adventure to it. Button combinations in Gekido are actually very simple to figure out and I love the one-button rage feature. As you progress, you will also be rewarded with new combos. This takes a bit of memory (or a pen and paper), but other than that, the difficulty of this game is not all that hard ... just hard enough to keep you frustrated (in a good way). Of course, in multiplayer mode, your friends will determine the difficulty. But with a little practice, you will be puttin' the hurt on everyone you face.
Game Mechanics: Press the heck outta your buttons and kick some serious ass! Gekido is a fast and furious game of button-tapping mayhem. Like most games in the fighting genre, this one rewards the players that learn new button combinations. What sets Gekido apart is that these combos are used not only on your enemies, but also on the environment as you pick up boxes, food, or guns. Gekido is a must-rent game, if not a must-buy. Anyone looking for a multiplayer fighter should give Gekido a try!
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
Shrek Super Party Nascar 2001