Guilty Gear Isuka
- January 16, 2014
- Arc System Works
"Guilty Gear Isuka" is a fast-paced 2D fighting game with unique characters and distinct fighting styles. It introduces a four-player battle mode, allowing for chaotic and strategic matches. The game also features a survival mode and a range of single-player and multiplayer options, making it a comprehensive fighting experience.
Reviews
- Guilty Gear Isuka offers a unique four-player fighting experience that can be chaotic and fun, especially in local multiplayer settings.
- The game features a great soundtrack and includes memorable characters like Robo-Ky Mk. II and A.B.A., adding to its charm for fans of the series.
- Despite its flaws, Isuka can be enjoyable for those familiar with the Guilty Gear franchise, providing a nostalgic experience with its quirky mechanics.
- The port suffers from severe control issues, including a cumbersome manual turn button that disrupts the flow of gameplay, especially in one-on-one matches.
- There is a lack of online multiplayer support, and the game is plagued by technical problems, such as poor controller recognition and no resolution options.
- Many players find the game to be a poorly executed experiment that fails to capture the essence of traditional Guilty Gear titles, making it hard to recommend over other entries in the series.
- music29 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in this game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting its nostalgic and energetic qualities, often describing it as one of the standout features of the title. While some note that certain tracks are missing from the included soundtrack, the overall consensus is that the original compositions are memorable and enhance the gaming experience. Despite mixed feelings about the gameplay, the soundtrack is frequently regarded as a major reason to engage with the game.
“It also includes 'the cat attached to the rust' along with a collection of the most unique and memorable music in the Guilty Gear series.”
“And all that being said, this game has an incredible soundtrack with some of the best 00's era Gear songs.”
“Also, this may be one of the worst GG games, but it has arguably the best soundtrack.”
“Music is too upbeat, backgrounds hurt the eyes and the gameplay with ridiculously non-player-friendly line switching and turning is pure cancer.”
“The included soundtrack isn't even the full one, missing songs like a.b.a.'s theme (which is my favorite track, so that's a downer).”
“I just can't recommend it unless you really want all the Guilty Gear games on Steam, you don't mind an incomplete soundtrack, and it's on a decent sale.”
- gameplay25 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this fighting game has received largely negative feedback, with many players criticizing its complicated mechanics, poor controls, and overwhelming number of systems and buttons. The turn mechanic, which requires players to toggle a button to switch directions, is particularly frustrating, especially in fast-paced battles. While some players appreciate the depth and potential for skill development, the overall consensus is that the gameplay feels bloated, confusing, and outdated, making it difficult to recommend.
“But co-op lets you bust asses with a friend, making the gameplay more engaging.”
“Every character can win, with enough skill; tier listings are merely a suggestion of relative strength of a character based on how often that character wins tournaments, not whether a character is overpowered or too weak to compete; strong system mechanics tie together interesting character mechanics into a cohesive battle system that is both intuitive and deep; and if you enjoy the game, putting in the time to get better becomes infinitely more rewarding and fun.”
“The mechanics are odd, but not bad.”
“This game is utter dogshit; it controls horrifically and has mechanics no fighting game player should ever be forced to use. This is an ancient relic and shouldn't be touched at all unless you're deranged and want to try out every single Guilty Gear game.”
“In terms of gameplay, many complained about the usage of a button to switch the direction your character was facing.”
“The game is good, but I can't get around the fighting mechanics; the fact that you have to toggle a button to switch sides is tedious as hell.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received largely negative feedback, with many users noting a lack of options to adjust settings and a significant downgrade from the original console version. Players have criticized the character designs and overall visual quality as outdated and poorly executed, often describing the graphics as choppy and fragmented. Despite some praise for the music and sound effects, the visual presentation has left many feeling disappointed.
“The graphics and music are perfectly ported, as are sounds despite some voice effects missing.”
“When I played the GG games back on the PlayStation, I was amazed; wonderful anime style artwork, brilliant characters, and a rocking soundtrack.”
“Cute game with dated graphics.”
“The port shows in many ways that you would be better off emulating the PS2 version, as at least that would have some control over the graphics.”
“This is a PC game that appears to lack a graphics menu, something standard on most every PC game.”
“The gameplay lags a lot and when it's doing decent it has graphic issues; I'm pissed.”
- humor9 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in this game is highlighted by its absurd animations and the comedic chaos that ensues during multiplayer matches, especially when played with friends. Players find the game to be hilariously entertaining, particularly in free-for-all and team formats, where the unconventional fighting mechanics and character interactions lead to unexpected and funny moments. Overall, it’s recommended for those with a sense of humor, as it transforms the serious fighting game genre into a lighthearted party experience.
“This is a party game disguised as a fighting game, and it becomes funny as hell when you treat it like one, because none of these archetypes work in a game like this.”
“The animations for this are often hilarious and absurd, such as pulling out a giant electrified fly swatter for Anji's command grab attack, or a giant frying pan for Zappa's Raou Bellow's Malice super, and flinging bacon at the enemy.”
“Free-for-alls can be hilarious and silly (especially if everyone chooses Potemkin), and 2v2s can be intense and produce surprisingly awesome combos and mix-ups.”
- story4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story emphasizes resilience and the unpredictability of life, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. It features a variety of engaging elements, including arcade and survival missions, set in a robo-ky centered facility, and offers interactive components like coloring favorite characters. Overall, the narrative is seen as a blend of motivational themes and diverse gameplay experiences.
“The moral of the story is that you never know what life has in store for you. If I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“Story: 2”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game frustrating, particularly due to cumbersome fighting mechanics, such as the tedious button toggling required to switch sides during combat.
“The game is good, but I can't get around the fighting mechanics; the fact that you have to toggle a button to switch sides is tedious.”
“Grinding feels like a never-ending chore rather than an engaging part of the game.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes it hard to stay motivated to continue playing.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers indicate that the game's replayability has diminished over time, particularly noting a decline in enjoyment compared to previous console experiences.
“I have trouble saying this because I stopped playing consoles around 6 years ago, but even then this game was infinitely more playable back then than it is now on PC.”