Introduction

Once upon a time, in a galaxy not very far away (or maybe just a few years back in the early 2000s), a blue-haired girl washed ashore, aliens plotted to wipe out humanity, and two schoolboys were drafted to pilot a gigantic robot. Welcome to Gear Fighter Dendoh, where chunky robots and childhood angst mingle in a 38-episode saga. Grab your gear and let’s get this show on the road!

Gameplay

Piloting Dendoh is no cakewalk, and the game reflects this reality beautifully. Players switch between two protagonists, Ginga Izumo and Hokuto Kusanagi, each of whom brings their distinct flavor to the battlefield. You can go from hotheaded kid to the brooding strategist in a heartbeat. The combat is a delightful mash-up of button-smashing wholesomeness and strategic timing, ensuring you’ll get to experience the delights of both robot combat and mild existential crisis as a child soldier. Power-ups are scattered like breadcrumbs, and battling the Machine Beasts is thrilling, bordering on madness. You’ll need to roll with the punches while also keeping an eye on your robot's health bar; it's like a middle school dance — chaotically beautiful.

Graphics

For a PlayStation title, the visuals are surprisingly decent, although they might remind you of your favorite cereal box designs—you know, the bright colors but also the faint smell of nostalgia. The character designs capture that unique anime flair, complete with outrageous hair and flamboyant mecha designs. While some mechs might seem less intimidating than a sneeze, there’s still an undeniable charm to their blocky forms and flashy animations. 3D graphics were just starting to flex their muscles back then, and while it may not be groundbreaking, it does hit you right in the feels with that retro flair. Let’s face it, those PS1 graphics might be dated, but they still evoke a certain ‘guilty pleasure’ factor that modern graphics can’t always replicate.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, Gear Fighter Dendoh isn’t necessarily the crown jewel of the PlayStation library, but it certainly isn't the most horrifyingly terrible game either. It's a unique blend of childhood adventure and robot action that will both tickle your nostalgia and remind you of the fragility of youth. Plus, who doesn’t want to control a giant robot while grappling with the emotional complexities of life? So grab your controller and prepare to press some buttons—just don't forget to actually hit something in the game!

See Prices for Gear Senshi Dendoh on PlayStation on Ebay