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ERETZVAJU
SLPS-01790
Copyright © Yukes/Future Media Creations
Sony PlayStation
1-2 players
VS Fighting
¥5800
Available now in Japan
Where to buy
FAQ
—by Eddie Kwon
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ERETZVAJU is the latest offering for the
PlayStation by Yukes, makers of Squaresoft's SOUKAIGI and the popular TOUKUON
RETSUDEN wrestling series in Japan. With the oversaturation
of console 3D fighters that started with
VF1 and TOSHINDEN,
newer fighting games often require some kind of hook to market
themselves. Aside from being a game with a tongue-twister name, ERETZVAJU could be called a "cinematic anime fighter."
I call it that because the presentation of characters and
special attacks provides a visual treat on par with the team supers
from Capcom's JUSTICE GAKUEN (RIVAL SCHOOLS in the US).
With nine original characters drawn from various anime and sci-fi,
the roster is led by the heroic armored sentai fighter, along with
a couple characters straight out of X,
a VAMPIRE PRINCESS MIYU clone, your generic fantasy
swordsman/cleric, and a bubbly, big-breasted space mercenary. As for
the boss, she could have been taken straight out of RAYEARTH. Aside from the standard Arcade and
Vs. modes, the Story mode gives the real cinematic flavor by dropping
each character into his/her own TV anime,
complete with OP title, cut scene, fight,
eye-catch, cut scene #2, "next episode" preview, and a "tsuzuku" (to
be continued) screen. This really lends to the feel that you're
watching an interactive show.
Gameplay and control can be compared somewhat to TOBAL.
It's a full 3D fighter which allows you to
sidestep by moving up or down on the D-pad. Jumping involves button
tapping and there is no crouch. The button controls are very simple;
one attack and one block button. While the control scheme may appear
sparse, moves are executed by different directional taps and the
attack button. Blocking is quite useful, because it's not only
defensive but can be used to deflect projectiles back at an opponent
if timed correctly. The life bar and super bar occupy the same meter
and characters can charge their supers KOF-style.
Each time they fully charge the super bar a crystal is given, good
for one super. Players can charge for a maximum of three supers.
What's unique about this system is that when your life bar goes down,
the super bar has less to charge and it fills up faster. The result
is players can be very low on life and charge three supers very quickly
for a comeback. Special attacks come in two flavors; those that use
crystals and those that do not. The regular ones do less damage than
the ones that require crystals. Supers done when the opponent is
down to about 40% life are performed in a more dramatic "finishing"
style which knocks out the opponent.
Graphics-wise the game is very pleasant to look at, running
at 30 fps and featuring well rendered character models. This shows an
improvement over the models displayed in SOUKAIGI.
Special effects with lighting and transparencies are complimented by
dramatic camera angles which add to the cinematic super attacks. As
mentioned previously, these specials are the game's main attraction.
Supers range from a sword-bearing school girl who splits into three
for a three slash attack, to the sentai warrior summoning an orbital
laser satellite attack!
Sounds effects are standard but well done and the soundtrack
is very well suited to this game, comprising of the various themes for
each character and "show." The OP FMV is also a
beautiful anime sequence, complete with catchy pop tune.
As far as 3D fighting games go, ERETZVAJU is nowhere near the complexity of a VIRTUA FIGHTER, or even a TEKKEN
game, but it doesn't pretend to be and concentrates more on the fun
factor. Its key strengths lie in its visuals and fast paced action.
Furthermore, anime fans will enjoy this more than those who have never
seen a "Japanese cartoon" before. I say if you have money to burn and
are looking for something to hold you over till the next great game
comes along, ERETZVAJU is definitely worth a look.
It's been confirmed that Titus will be releasing ERETZVAJU in the US under the
new title EVIL ZONE (?), and that aside from
translation the game's anime flavor should remain intact. 
Rating: 7 / 10 |
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