Digimon Rumble Arena - PlayStation

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Digimon Rumble Arena (PlayStation)
Viewed: 3D Side-on, Scrolling Genre:
Beat 'Em Up
Arcade origin:No
Developer: Bandai Soft. Co.: Bandai
Publishers: Bandai (GB)
Released: 26 Jul 2002 (GB)
Ratings: 3+
Features: Vibration Compatible
Accessories: Memory Card, Analogue Joystick

Summary

Just as most cartoons receive a video game spin-off at some point, Bandai's popular monster-battle franchise Digimon is now subject to its third outing on the Playstation.

Taking obvious inspiration from Nintendo's Super Smash Brothers games, Digimon Rumble Arena puts the player in control of their favourite digital monsters and pits them against each other in similarly-styled 3D battles. All the characters from the series are in the game, such as Agumon, Patamon and Veemon, and all can be transformed at certain points throughout the battles with the Digivolve command, resulting in their powered-up alter egos. More powerful moves and special techniques are then available, allowing players to reap more damage on opponents.

Like the Smash Brothers games, Digimon's levels are rendered in 3D but control mechanics are based around just the two dimensions. Platforms in the levels offer a wider scope to the battle sequences and various objects and obstacles are scattered throughout, to be collected and avoided respectively. Apart from these likenesses, the game is basically a straightforward beat-'em-up, with energy meters, power-ups and special moves.

Game modes on offer are the usual array you'd expect from a fighting game. One player mode offers the basic series of battles, becoming progressively more difficult and unlocking bonuses upon completion. A two player mode allows battles with friends and a versus computer mode is in there for quick, one-off games. Extra levels and bonus games can be unlocked, providing mini-games, such as a game where you play basketball with your Digimon.