Deadly Arts Game Sample (1) - N64

Original Air Date: October 4th, 2009

...so I'm not feeling anything "beyond average" for this game. To say it's without its charms would be a stretch, but considering another branch of Konami put out Kensei (which wasn't perfect, but much better than this), you'd hope this was better than what it was, not arguably one of the worst fighter for N64.

All the right ideas were in place with this game, they were just executed poorly. The environments are interactive, characters have various realistic evasive manuevers. For instance, if you're backed up against an object with Azami, pressing down-C and back will make her jump over it. Characters can also bob & weave and jump off walls, and apparently pick up objects (though I don't know how). There are even Ring-Outs and judged rulings when time runs out. You can also create fighters, though there isn't much depth.

But... all good things must come to an end right? I can remember when mags slammed this game so much that I had to play it for myself to see just how bad it was. All the anime-inspired characters in the world couldn't prepare me for what I was going to face. The visuals are incredibly blurry and the game is very choppy, and the game doesn't even utilize the whole screen. You'll notice this when you compare the window size of menus versus fights and demos.

The controls will instill much anger in amateurs and pros alike, as I've seen few games make executing a back+punch+kick move so hard. The characters are relatively uninteresting and aren't very deep. Actually, Azami has an unimaginative seven-hit combo that's done just by tapping punch (cough*all kicks*cough*Saya*cough). Actually, that's not correct, as it can be blocked mid-way. However, you can launch an opponent and turn that unimaginative seven-hit into an unimaginative eight-hit. After that, you can hit them on the ground and turn that unimaginative eight hit into an unimaginative nine-hit. However, I'm not sure how her air combo connects when it doesn't on the ground...they give her opponents extra float time or something??? Given how clunky the controls are though, one can only be grateful.

Needless to say, the game also has some pretty steep balancing issues. Just because Kai is like the main character of sorts doesn't mean he should be good at everything, which he is... he has decent throws, he's strong, has decent mobility, and matches Azami's striking capabilities blow for blow... actually, his seven hit combo actually connects, making him take over half an opponents life in a single execution (though it is much harder to pull off). Add a ground kick to that and you'll turn the whole world upside-down. Why??? She's a speed character...Kai is a power/balance character...why does Kai seem faster in nearly every way? Azami is the character for people new to the game, not Kai.

The audio is okay, though something was definately lost in translation, namely the CVs. Characters run their mouthes and seldom say anything other than a grunt or moan. There are many times when they move their mouthes and nothing at all comes out. I'm thinking there were Japanese voices that were removed. The announcer should say unbelievable for that, not a fancy combo. As if the Japanese and European name didn't foreshadow what was to come (G.A.S.P!!: Fighter's NEXTream), heh. Still, I'd file this under a "guilty pleasure", whatever that honestly is. I can see a lot of things in this game that would have been cool if the game was cleaned up.

Category:

Gaming

Tags:

• Deadly
• Arts
• Konami
• Computer
• Entertainment
• Osaka
• N64

[TheLEVEL1Network]

It was sure greater then any other fighting game Nintendo 64 put out. P.S. I should know because I've played them all

[Vysethedetermined2]

@TheLEVEL1Network As have I and in my opinion, this is not better than Super Smash Bros or Fighter's Destiny. I also prefer Flying Dragon and Mace too. It's not the worst I've played, but I didn't find it that good.

[alvieao2]

The Japanese version had more voice audio, not just the characters but also the announcer referring to the JP/EU name G.A.S.P. Fighter's NEXTream. But Konami of America hacked most of it out (blech). A shame that the N64 had not many good proper fighters. The only better Konami fighters over Deadly Arts were Kensei: Sacred Fist and the JP/EU-only Rakuga Kids (also on N64).

[TheLEVEL1Network]

That's your opinion BUT I've played them too and I consider deadly arts the DEAD OR ALIVE Of the N64 Generation. P.S. PERSONA 3 is my favorite game ever... And yes it was not an N64 release.

[abecistheshit1]

i think every one complaining where just the little kids that werent good enough to learn to play the game and beat their older brother :) cause i fucking demolished anything and anyone in this game :)

[prophetenoch211]

This game is dumb as fuck!!!

[Eresdimed]

I can personally say that I had fun with this game. Of course, I was like 6-8 when me and my bro were playing this but man, I remember how HARD this game was to even understand the moves >.>

[Doberboy218]

DAMN this game was HORRIBLE!! I remember making the mistake of renting it way back when. I returned it the next day and demanded they let me exchange it for another game. They asked why and I told them that it had too many glitches and technical issues. Thankfully they allowed it and I was rid of the god awful game.

[Retro8bit]

Fun fighting game, wish the N64 had more of them.

[NeverForgetWizet]

I expected more out of Sakai... :l

[skimpy343]

this guy sounds like link.