Summary
- Release Year: 1997
- Genres: Arcade, Fighting
- Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation
- Developers: Hudson Soft, Raizing
- Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment
Bloody Roar: A Beastly Good Time
Released in 1997, Bloody Roar is a fighting game that stands out from the crowd with its unique zoanthrope mechanic. Players take control of characters who can transform into half-human, half-animal “Beasts,” each with their own unique abilities and fighting styles. This innovative gameplay mechanic adds a layer of depth and strategy to the game, making it a favorite among fighting game enthusiasts.
Story
Bloody Roar’s story centers around a group of warriors known as zoanthropes, who possess the power to transform into Beasts. These zoanthropes are hunted by the Tylon Corporation, an underground organization that seeks to use them as mind-controlled weapons. The player takes control of one of these zoanthropes and must fight their way through hordes of enemies to uncover the truth behind Tylon’s sinister plans.
Gameplay
Bloody Roar is a 2D fighting game with a unique twist: the ability to transform into Beasts. Each character has two forms: a human form and a Beast form. The human form is weaker, but more agile and has access to a wider range of moves. The Beast form is stronger and more powerful, but slower and less agile. Players must strategically switch between forms to gain an advantage in battle.
In addition to the standard fighting game mechanics, Bloody Roar also features a unique “Beast Drive” system. When a character’s Beast Gauge is full, they can activate Beast Drive, which increases their strength and speed for a limited time. Beast Drive can be used to turn the tide of battle in a character’s favor.
Characters
Bloody Roar features a cast of 10 playable characters, each with their own unique fighting style and Beast form. The characters include:
- Yugo Ogami: A Japanese martial artist who transforms into a wolf.
- Mitsuko Nakanishi: A Japanese schoolgirl who transforms into a lion.
- Gregorio Vargas: A Mexican wrestler who transforms into a jaguar.
- Alice Garnet: An American zoologist who transforms into a rabbit.
- Hans Taucher: A German scientist who transforms into a tiger.
- Jenny Burtory: A British actress who transforms into a bat.
- Bakuryu: A Chinese martial artist who transforms into a dragon.
- Gado: A Russian soldier who transforms into a bear.
- Shenlong: A Chinese martial artist who transforms into a phoenix.
- Uranus: A mysterious being who transforms into a unicorn.
Reception
Bloody Roar was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. It was also a hit in arcades, where it was one of the most popular fighting games of its time.
Bloody Roar has been ported to a number of platforms over the years, including the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Dreamcast. The game has also been released on the PlayStation Network and Steam.
Legacy
Bloody Roar is considered to be one of the most influential fighting games of its era. The game’s unique zoanthrope mechanic has been imitated by a number of other fighting games, including Tekken and Virtua Fighter. Bloody Roar has also spawned four sequels: Bloody Roar 2, Bloody Roar 3, Bloody Roar 4, and Bloody Roar: Primal Fury.
Conclusion
Bloody Roar is a classic fighting game that still holds up today. The game’s innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for any fan of the genre. If you’re looking for a fighting game that’s both unique and fun, then Bloody Roar is the game for you.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
