Skating games seem to be hard to come by these days, but it feels like the indie space is where you want to go when it comes to seeing this specific game genre be explored in new and fresh ways. Last year’s “Rollerdrome” (check out my review HERE) is a perfect example of revitalizing the genre. With this game, “Bomb Rush Cyberfunk,” developed by the ingenious Team Reptile, I found myself swept up in a breathtaking homage to the beloved early 2000s gem, “Jet Set Radio Future.” While this one doesn’t necessarily revitalize the same way, it rejuvenated the kid in me. The game’s cel-shaded art style, the exhilarating skating mechanics, the pulsating music reminiscent of those older titles—everything about it resonated with the spirit of “Jet Set Radio,” encapsulating a vibe that instantly transported me back in time.
In this captivating indie action-adventure platformer, I embodied the role of Faux, a streetwise gang member navigating the vibrant streets of the fictional city, New Amsterdam. My journey began in a police prison cell, a peculiar starting point that held a twist of fate. It was within these walls that I encountered Tryce, a figure with a determination to forge a new gang. Together, we shattered the confines of imprisonment, as Tryce unveiled the art of maneuvering, grinding, and even the art of graffiti—a skill that would become my weapon and expression… as well as a good way to be a tutorial for you on how to play. As the narrative unfolded, I found myself adorning a crimson cybernetic head, entangled in the enigma of amnesia. Tryce divulged the shocking truth: Faux, my former self, had met a gruesome demise by decapitation. Now, armed with a fresh purpose and an augmented identity, I embraced the moniker “Red,” a cybernetic entity redefining existence.
My odyssey took the form of skating through the sprawling metropolis, marking my territory with vibrant graffiti while executing breathtaking tricks and grinds that effortlessly fused style with substance. The city transformed into an expansive playground, each corner exuding the allure of a massive jungle gym. Five distinct territories beckoned to be conquered—with some really cool areas to play in, such as a bustling shopping mall, dynamic construction sites, and the captivating landscapes of a Japanese-inspired cityscape. The maps, masterfully crafted, breathed life into these skating utopias, a canvas upon which I decided to glide on a skateboard, but also sometimes roller skates. The inclusion of a nimble jet pack really gives you that extra boost to help you fulfill tricks and you even get opportunities to enjoy the thrill of bicycle tricks, and thanks to the jet pack, all of which made it effortless to dash and weave through the urban landscape. The game’s structure was ingeniously compartmentalized, each territory unveiling its unique objectives. My initiation involved tagging and repainting areas, bolstering my street credibility from the ground up. With this foundation laid, I eagerly embraced the challenges posed by rival gang members, engaging in trick-laden contests that showcased the prowess I had honed.
Having said that, as I immersed myself in this dynamic world, one aspect weighed on me—the presence of those pesky pigs. Engaging in acts of rebellion, such as graffiti and other acts, brought forth escalating attention from the relentless police force. While the initial encounters proved manageable, the escalation of police aggression (the “heat” meter) began to encroach on my enjoyment. Later stages of the game saw the cops donning mech suits, forcing mandatory police boss fights that were chaotic and somewhat excessive skirmishes. My desire to revel in the art of expression by tagging the walls of the city was often marred by the extreme police intervention. Just let me do my thing, coppers!
Drawing inspiration from the Tony Hawk Pro Skater series, the skating mechanics exuded familiarity even if the gravity seemed to be much more forgiving. Executing tricks not only gratified my senses but also yielded valuable points, essential for powering my performance through extra boosts. A particularly fascinating aspect of the game unfolded during boss battles. Upon successfully taking control of a rival gang’s territory, I was summoned to engage in score attack battles—a spectacle of trick-filled mayhem pitting my crew against the rival crew. Triumph hinged on the execution of awe-inspiring combos, which made me temporarily rewire my brain and rather than skating around for fun, I had to look at the jungle gym in front of me with more strategy and figure out how to best use it to get the biggest combos, thus giving me more points. It’s a pretty fun time, not going to lie.
One aspect outshone all others—the unforgettable soundtrack. The return of the original composer of the “Jet Set Radio” games, Hideki Naganuma, breathed amazing life into the auditory landscape, reasserting his status as a musical virtuoso. The tracks resonated with sheer brilliance, leaving me yearning for a vinyl release that could immortalize this sonic masterpiece. I could do a whole 10/10 review on just the music for this game, and how it brought me back to playing the games that inspired this one. Completing the game will probably span you about eight to twelve hours, I marveled at the world “Bomb Rush Cyberfunk” had unfurled before me. This wasn’t just a game; it was a nostalgia-drenched journey, an ode to an era that shaped my gaming heart. The game’s fusion of captivating visuals, electrifying gameplay, and an unparalleled soundtrack evoked a myriad of emotions, making it an experience that etched itself into my gaming legacy.
9/10
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Related: Reviews by Nick Navarro
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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