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Review of Martial Beat on PlayStation

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Jan 2001
Cover image of Martial Beat on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 01 Jan 2001
Genre: Rhythm/Action
Developer: BEMANI
Publisher: Konami

Introduction

If you've ever wanted to feel like a kung fu legend while effectively using your living room as a personal dojo, Martial Beat might be your new best friend. It combines the art of dancing and martial arts into a glorious, sweaty mess that makes you look less like 'the next Bruce Lee' and more like 'my aunt at weddings after a few too many.'

Gameplay

Imagine this: you strap on some funky wrist sensors (don't worry, they won't attempt to take over your life just yet), and instead of pressing buttons, you're channeling your inner martial arts master. You follow an on-screen instructor who looks vaguely familiar (we're sure you've seen them in a gym's advertisement). When a big red light appears, you mimic their moves. Miss the cue, and your on-screen persona delivers a look that screams disappointment more effectively than your parents at family dinners. The game was initially hailed as an innovative twist on the Dance Dance Revolution style but set in a world where you can kick higher than your ego.

Graphics

The graphics of Martial Beat scream 'early 2000s' with a splash of late-night anime. Expect colorful, vibrant designs that are reminiscent of youth as they dance across your screen, complete with some woefully pixelated backgrounds and characters that feel as if they just graduated from 'How to be a Video Game Character 101.' The intro sequences are particularly memorable, evoking both nostalgia and a slight urge to reach for your sunglasses-it's a wild ride.

Conclusion

Martial Beat is essentially the embodiment of every awkward moment you've had dancing in public (or at least tried to). Its charm lies in the novelty of practicing martial arts moves at home, likely ensuring you don't join the local dojo after discovering what it feels like to kick your coffee table. You get to exercise while failing gloriously at choreography that's reminiscent of that one dance in the second Matrix movie. So slip on those sensors and unleash your inner ninja, even if that means looking like a fish out of water flopping around. Just remember-if you can't beat 'em with skill, beat 'em with enthusiasm!

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