Beyblade GRevolution is the latest in a long line of Anime-related titles for the Game Boy Advance. Based on the Beyblade Anime series, this game allows players to enter the arena and engage in Beyblade battles against other opponents in the form of a Role-Playing Game. As one progresses through the game, however, it becomes apparent that this title's lack of focus and direction is its biggest flaw.At the start of the game, you wake up at your grandfather's insistence for "training." I thought this would consist of an explanatory tutorial. Instead, it simply offers some dialogue and also exists as the first "flag," opening up your next goal to which you are given rather hazy directions. Once you finally find the individual you are meant to, you are given the game's rather short tutorial--basically how to launch your Beyblade into the arena. You aren't offered a tutorial on the actual battle. Well, you are, but if you participate in it you will absolutely lose the battle and incur the penalty (you will lose the Beyblade you participated with, if you have more than one). The game doesn't explain this to you beforehand, and you aren't offered any explanation of how you can win back your Beyblade, either.

This is where the game suffers most: the lack of direction. Once you exit the initial area, you are presented with an overhead map which includes single unerring paths from area to area. Unfortunately, these areas do not differentiate very much in appearance, and as the overhead map offers nothing in the way of labels, much of the game is spent wandering aimlessly. The dialogue present in the game is not very helpful in discerning your next destination, either. Some characters will make a reference to some other character, such as "I think Max wanted to see you... he should be home now." However, at this point in the game you don't know where Max is or why he wants to see you. In the beginning, only three areas are open to you, but as you progress and more paths open up to you, your confusion increases exponentially, and nothing within the game aids you in deciphering what you should be doing. Normally, non-linearity is a good thing, but throughout this experience most gamers will be wishing for more focus and direction than the game provides.

The inventory function is also relatively non-existent. As you wander around the game world, you pick up a number of miscellaneous items: apples, sodas, money, and various Beyblade parts. Other than at a shop, the only place you can view your items are before initiating a Beyblade battle. This just adds to the already high-level of confusion.

The graphics are standard for a game of this type: you are presented with standard overhead console-type RPG graphics, which do not really show off the potential of the Gameboy Advance. The battle arena offers some nice animation and effects. Consistent with the combat style, the Beyblades spin slower and slower as battle progresses, which was a nice touch.

Beyblade's battle system is unique as far as other RPGs are concerned. After spinning your Beyblade onto the arena, you proceed by launching it at your opponent's Beyblade or building up defense levels. You can also perform a combo attack. The amount of damage you can inflict or mitigate is based on your level and the quality of your Beyblade. You can find new Beyblades at the shop, or in the game world, or by defeating opponents. However, while there are many different Beyblades to acquire in the game, they vary little in appearance or effectiveness. As acquisition of these newer Beyblades is one possible interest a gamer may have in playing this title, it is unfortunate that they differ so little.

This affects the lure of multiplayer as well. Multiplayer consists of the same battle mode found in the single-player campaign. You can fight others for their Beyblades, and you can trade with them as well. But, as most Beyblades are readily available in the shop, and most others are easy enough to acquire within the game, the multiplayer modes offer little else than a diversion from the aimlessness of the single-player game.

Beyblade GRevolution has, nestled deep, the ingredients for a rather unique, fun title. As it stands, it is merely below average, marked by its lack of direction and uninteresting variety of Beyblades. The entire object of the game is to build your character and acquire newer and better Beyblades, and while this sounds like a relatively simple concept, the actual execution leaves a lot to be desired. The game is overly frustrating and, as the game unfolds, players will find themselves increasingly less eager to invest the time wandering from one area to another trying to uncover the next goal or person with whom your character is supposed to interact. Fans of the Beyblade Anime series may glean some enjoyment from this title; everyone else should stay far away.

Nov 24, 2004 | 0 comments
Roger Helgeson