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Review of Bloody Roar on PlayStation

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Mar 1998
Cover image of Bloody Roar on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 05 Mar 1998
Genre: Fighting
Developer: Raizing, Hudson Soft
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Introduction

Ah, Bloody Roar. It's like Street Fighter but with a twist-a furry twist. Imagine if all your favorite fighters decided to take a vacation in an animal preserve and came back as part-time werewolves. That's essentially what you'll dive into with this PlayStation classic. Perfect for those who want to experience deep-rooted horror aesthetics while still scratching their competitive itch.

Gameplay

At its core, Bloody Roar is a fighting game, and boy does it deliver the punches. Each character can transform into a beast form, giving them an edge and a whole new set of combo attacks. This transformation isn't just for fancy visuals; it adds a significant strategic layer to gameplay that keeps things interesting. The stage starts, and your health bar slowly morphs-just like your character. But don't be fooled, behind the fluctuating health, lies a sound combat system reminiscent of the beloved Tekken series. Just hit combos, mix in some counters, and pray your opponents aren't proficient at dodging while you mash buttons like a toddler with a toy piano. One of the standout mechanics is the 'Beast Indicator.' It's like a magic thumbs-up that lets you unleash your beastly powers once it fills up. But here's the kicker: it doesn't recharge during the round, making every decision count. You'll need to strategically choose when to transform-nothing like turning into a tiger only to find you've neglected your health. The energy management adds a layer of depth, allowing for varied play styles. Good luck mastering combos while sweating over your charging bar, though; it's as nerve-wracking as trying to tame a wild animal in real life.

Graphics

Now let's talk about graphics. For the late 90s, Bloody Roar looks surprisingly good. Character designs were eccentric yet charming, with a delightful fusion of realism and anime symbolism. Each zoanthrope comes with their quirks, from Yugo the wolf to Alice the rabbit. And the backgrounds? A thrilling combo of urban grunge and exotic locales that would make your Instagram feed jealous. Sure, they're not as high-res as today's titles, but you know what they say: old-school charm is like an aged cheese-it gets better the longer it lasts. Let's just say, the graphics fit the time frame well, like a fluffy pair of slippers at a family reunion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bloody Roar is a quirky gem that offers laughs, epic battles, and a dash of wildness. Sure, it might not be on everyone's radar, especially if you prefer your fighters grounded in reality. But if you want to take a trip down memory lane with a fighting game that offers unique mechanics, decent graphics, and an engaging story about werewolf shenanigans, then look no further! This game has earned its place as a fondly recalled classic that will still get you howling for a rematch. So plug in that old PlayStation, and get ready to transition from human to beast-just don't bite off more than you can chew!

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