Baldr Force (2002)

by Christopher August 21, 2020

written by Christopher August 21, 2020 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2002
Genres: Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Visual Novel
Platforms: Dreamcast, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2
Developers: GIGA Team Baldrhead
Publishers: Alchemist, Giga

Baldr Force (2002): A Captivating Mecha Action Game with a Gripping Story

Released in 2002, Baldr Force is a mecha action game developed by Treasure and published by Capcom for the PlayStation 2. It is a follow-up to Baldr Bullet, released in 1998, but features a different scenario and cast of characters.

Story

Baldr Force is set in a futuristic world where cyberspace has become increasingly dominant. Armed conflicts and cyber-terrorism are commonplace, and giant mechas known as Simulacrums are used for battles within the virtual realm.

The protagonist of the game is Toru Souma, an expert hacker for the Steppenwolf group, which specializes in stealing and selling valuables from servers. One day, Toru is caught in a battle between the military organization FLAK and a terrorist group. During the chaos, his friend is killed, and Toru is severely injured.

Stricken by grief, Toru decides to avenge his friend’s death and joins FLAK. As he investigates the circumstances surrounding his friend’s death, he uncovers a much larger conspiracy involving the terrorist group and a rogue faction within FLAK.

Gameplay

Baldr Force is a side-scrolling mecha action game. The player controls Toru’s Simulacrum, the Baldr, through a series of missions. The missions take place in confined areas, and the player must defeat all of the enemies in order to progress.

The Baldr is equipped with a variety of weapons, including a sword, a gun, and missiles. The player can also use the Baldr’s force crashes, which are powerful attacks that can be equipped on the mech. Force crashes are unique to Baldr Force and add an exciting new element to the combat.

In addition to the main missions, Baldr Force also features a branching plot. The player’s choices during the visual novel-like portions of the game can affect the story’s outcome.

Reception

Baldr Force was met with positive reviews upon release. Critics praised the game’s intense combat, gripping story, and branching plot. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies in Japan.

Legacy

Baldr Force is considered to be one of the best mecha action games ever made. It is known for its innovative combat system, branching plot, and memorable characters. The game has been ported to several other platforms, including the PlayStation Portable and the PlayStation Vita.

Conclusion

Baldr Force is a captivating mecha action game with a gripping story and intense battles. The game’s unique combat system and branching plot make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Additional Information

Developer: Treasure
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita
Release Date: 2002
Genre: Mecha action
Metacritic Score: 75/100
Sales: Over 100,000 copies in Japan

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.