Pocky and Rocky
Reviewed by Kerry
Maybe you have your eyes on the latest shiny new polygon spewing
*next-big-thing* game console. Maybe that old Super NES is under
an old baseball glove in your your closet. Maybe your friends would
make fun of you if you tried to get them to play this game. Then
again, maybe this game would remind them what video games are
all about...FUN. POCKY & ROCKY is one fun video game. Get ready
for some good old fashioned frantic two-player fun.
Graphics 8 out of 10
Well, I'm kind of a freak for 2D graphics, so I really like the
graphics in Pocky & Rocky. By Super NES standards they rate
pretty highly. The game is presented in an isometric perspective
with tons of colorful and nicely animated sprites. The overall
theme is basically Super Deformed Medieval Japan. Nice colors,
nice character design, goofy bosses- what more could you want?
There is some slowdown at times, but that is typical for a game
that throws this many sprites around.
Music and Sound 8 out of 10
The music and sound effects get the job done and set the tone
nicely. Lively Japanese flavored tunes and appropriate bonks
and squeaks are the order of the day. Nothing great by itself
but definitely part of the overall charm of the game.
Game Challenge 8 out of 10
There is an insane amount of things going on at times so sometimes
you will die not knowing quite what happened. Basically run through
the level smashing all the enemies and beat the boss. Not as easy
as it sounds.
Game Play-Fun 9 out of 10
Here is where this game (and so many on the Super NES) really shines.
As simple as the game play is, and as goofy as the bosses are, this
game just has IT. That certain fun factor that I find many of today's
technical marvels just lack. The two-player mode is a cooperative
*beat the bad guys up together* mode that is just too cool. Who
would thought playing as a little Japanese girl and her raccoon friend
could be this fun?
Frustration
There is a fair amount of frustration involved, especially if the person
your playing with stinks. It sometimes seems like it's impossible to avoid
getting hit by enemies. The fun factor greatly outweighs the
frustration factor though.
Replayability 8 out of 10
This is a great game to just pick up and enjoy any time. Play with
a friend or just run around like a nut yourself. While there is a
story of sorts involved you will play it again just for the sheer joy
of the game play and to feast your eyes on the splendor that is
16 bit 2D graphics.
Game Value 10 out of 10
Thanks to the Super NES's *demise* many of the games for it are
true bargains, and this is one of them. Pick it up on *that online
auction site* or your local used game supplier for around $10 bucks
and you will certainly get your fun value out of it.
Overall 9 out of 10
If you still have any interest in your Super NES (I'm assuming you do) and
you have not played this game, do yourself a favor and seek it out.
They just don't make em' like this anymore.