Throughout every generation of gaming, there is always one game genre that becomes the dominant style of game for the system. Whereas today a majority of games are either FPSs or 3rd Person action games, in the 80's the brawler game was the predominant genre for games. While many present games have tried to recreate the genre, very few have been successful - robbing newer gamers of the chance to play some of these games. Now, thanks to Atlus, newcomers will be able to check out two of these classic brawler games, while older gamers will have the chance to relieve their gaming memories.
The first of these two games was THE defining title in the brawler series - Double Dragon. Forgetting the abysmal movie with Alyssa Milano and that guy from Party of Five, Double Dragon has always held a special place in the hearts of older gamers. Set in a post apocalyptic world left in ruins by a nuclear war, the world is one ruled by lawlessness where only the strong survive. Gangs rule the streets, the biggest and most powerful being the Shadow Warriors. On the outskirts of town, the Lee brothers - Jimmy and Billy, try to get by on just their martial arts skills, the Sou-Setsu-Ken method. This method is known to be the most powerful martial art in the world, and the Shadow Warriors want it. In order to obtain the secrets of Sou-Setsu-Ken from the Lee brothers, the Shadow Warriors kidnap Billy's girlfriend Marian and hold her for ransom. Confused and angry, Billy sets out to kick Shadow Warrior ass. Jimmy joins his brother, but only because he has the hots for Marian as well... (but that's a different game).
Although many gamers would probably be happy with just the original version, the new GBA version will include numerous upgrades to the original, such as two-player co-op play, a VS. mode and a one player mode that allows players to use both characters at once with the aid of the computer. The game will also contain two never before seen stages and boss characters.
Thought not nearly as well known as Double Dragon, River City Ransom was one of the more unique brawler experiences, with a good blend of both action and RPG elements, earning it cult status among gamers. Though not quite as bleak a world as Double Dragon, River City Ransom also features a city in peril. Slick, the most powerful gang lord in River City, takes over the local high school and holds the students for ransom. At the same time, all of his thugs and bosses take over the city. Unless his demands are met, River City is toast. But, as anyone who's seen a movie featuring a school - always be on the look out for the students who skip, since they usually turn out to be your greatest threat. Such is the case with Alex and Ryan, who set out to challenge street gangs in order to rescue their fellow students - one of which just happens to be Ryan's girlfriend (There's no word on whether Alex has the hots for her too).
What made River City Ransom so unique was that for the first time, it introduced the option to customize your character by purchasing new techniques and increasing your stats. The game also featured a dynamic story that progressed along with players, allowing them to collect clues and work through the Story mode in their way. With the new GBA version of the game, these features will be further expanded upon. Depending on how they built their fighter, players will be able to save that character and link up with another player and challenge his character. Players will be able to change virtually every aspect of their character to their liking, including techniques, character stats, and even background music.
While release dates have yet to be given for both these titles, they're definitely something that gamers, both old and new, will want to pick up and keep an eye on.
