Summary

• Release Year: 1998
• Genres: Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
• Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable
• Developers: Bandai, Soft Machine
• Publishers: System 3 Software

Crisis Beat: An Arcade Classic that Still Packs a Punch

Released in 1998, Crisis Beat is an arcade beat ’em up game that pits players against a fanatical group of terrorists who have seized control of a futuristic ocean liner. With its fast-paced action, diverse characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Crisis Beat quickly became a hit among arcade enthusiasts and remains a beloved classic today.

Gameplay

Crisis Beat is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game in which players take control of one of four characters to fight their way through hordes of enemies and defeat the terrorist leaders. The game is known for its fast-paced and intense combat, which requires players to master a variety of attacks and combos to succeed.

One of the unique features of Crisis Beat is its ‘Lock On’ mode. When activated, players can lock on to an enemy and unleash a series of powerful attacks. This mode is essential for taking down the game’s challenging bosses, who can only be defeated by exploiting their specific weaknesses.

In addition to its standard melee attacks, players can also make use of environmental objects to defeat their enemies. These objects range from chairs and tables to barrels and crates, and can be thrown, smashed, or used as cover. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must learn to use their surroundings to their advantage.

Characters

Crisis Beat features a diverse cast of four playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and fighting styles:

• Brad: A well-rounded fighter with no major weaknesses.
• Katia: A fast and agile fighter with powerful kicks and acrobatic moves.
• Gin: A strong and durable fighter with a variety of powerful punches and throws.
• Rion: A balanced fighter with a mix of speed, power, and technique.

Story

The story of Crisis Beat is relatively simple, but it provides a solid backdrop for the game’s action-packed gameplay. The game takes place on a futuristic ocean liner called the SS Leviathan, which has been hijacked by a group of terrorists known as the Black Corsairs. The terrorists have taken the passengers hostage and are demanding a large ransom.

The player characters are tasked with infiltrating the Leviathan and defeating the Black Corsairs. As they fight their way through the ship, they will encounter a variety of enemies, including armed guards, martial artists, and even cyborgs.

Graphics and Sound

Crisis Beat’s graphics are impressive for an arcade game of its time. The character sprites are large and detailed, and the backgrounds are colorful and varied. The game’s soundtrack is also top-notch, with a mix of catchy techno and rock tracks that perfectly complement the fast-paced gameplay.

Legacy

Crisis Beat was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a popular choice among arcade enthusiasts today. The game has been ported to a variety of home consoles, including the Sega Dreamcast and the PlayStation 2.

Crisis Beat is often credited with popularizing the ‘Lock On’ mechanic in beat ’em up games. This mechanic has since been adopted by a number of other games, including the popular Yakuza series.

Conclusion

Crisis Beat is an arcade classic that still delivers a thrilling and satisfying gameplay experience today. With its fast-paced action, diverse characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics, it’s a must-play for fans of beat ’em up games. Whether you’re a seasoned arcade veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Crisis Beat is sure to leave you wanting more.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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