A Bandai developed PlayStation 2 action game entry into the longrunning series of Kamen Rider video games, featuring the characters from the 2005 TV series "Kamen Rider Hibiki".
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Excellent game! If only the rhythm game aspect was more complex...
In a shocking twist, Digifloyd finally makes a Kamen Rider game that's actually kinda good! While it still lacks overall on content and replay value, it's competently made - for the most part, and vitally feels like the actual freaking show.
Gameplay has seen a total overhaul, all 4 face buttons now do something (as opposed to Blade's 2). Square blocks, circle is the standard attack, cross is medium and triangle is heavy, and these can be comboed into each other in various fashions. Jumping is actually responsive, though for some reason there's also a double jump for added mobility. I'm not sure this was needed, as aerial attacks aren't nearly as useful as in Agito, but it's fun.
Super attacks are completely removed, thank god. Instead a Rider at half or less health can call upon their disc animals for an assist attack - I found these easy to avoid. With larger health bars and no supers, fights can last quite a while, elongated a little by the amount of attacks that cause stunning/knockdown. This could've probably been toned down a bit...
The crucial flaw, though, is that you don't automatically face your opponent - you can turn in the wrong direction, a mistake even the AI repeatedly makes. The reasoning is that, like in the show, most monsters fight in a team of 2, and thus can surround the player. Fortunately the moveset is designed for both single opponents and duos, so you simply have to adapt.
Story mode is present, and it's...kinda weird. You fight as 3 different riders, then Hibiki reaching his Crimson Form, then it's over. After beating a team of 2 monsters, your Rider fights a giant boss monster. These are a pain to bring down, as they're just bullet sponges your attacks weren't designed for fighting. Once their health is critical, your Rider gets their instrumental weapon out and just like in the show, plays a tune to destroy them. And yes....they actually added a rhythm minigame to finish them off.
The weird part, though, comes from replaying the story mode (necessary to unlock certain characters). When you replay it, the Riders you control will change, and I'm not sure if there's a reason or pattern, or what. Furthermore, every playthough after your 1st adds a new final stage where Hibiki reaches his Armed Form against powered up enemies.
All in all, best Rider game since Agito, which is a better fighting game, but Hibiki has more in common with the source material. Graphics are great for the time, and the music evokes the show's feel. Recommended for a try, especially to fans, but it's not particularly deep.
Gameplay has seen a total overhaul, all 4 face buttons now do something (as opposed to Blade's 2). Square blocks, circle is the standard attack, cross is medium and triangle is heavy, and these can be comboed into each other in various fashions. Jumping is actually responsive, though for some reason there's also a double jump for added mobility. I'm not sure this was needed, as aerial attacks aren't nearly as useful as in Agito, but it's fun.
Super attacks are completely removed, thank god. Instead a Rider at half or less health can call upon their disc animals for an assist attack - I found these easy to avoid. With larger health bars and no supers, fights can last quite a while, elongated a little by the amount of attacks that cause stunning/knockdown. This could've probably been toned down a bit...
The crucial flaw, though, is that you don't automatically face your opponent - you can turn in the wrong direction, a mistake even the AI repeatedly makes. The reasoning is that, like in the show, most monsters fight in a team of 2, and thus can surround the player. Fortunately the moveset is designed for both single opponents and duos, so you simply have to adapt.
Story mode is present, and it's...kinda weird. You fight as 3 different riders, then Hibiki reaching his Crimson Form, then it's over. After beating a team of 2 monsters, your Rider fights a giant boss monster. These are a pain to bring down, as they're just bullet sponges your attacks weren't designed for fighting. Once their health is critical, your Rider gets their instrumental weapon out and just like in the show, plays a tune to destroy them. And yes....they actually added a rhythm minigame to finish them off.
The weird part, though, comes from replaying the story mode (necessary to unlock certain characters). When you replay it, the Riders you control will change, and I'm not sure if there's a reason or pattern, or what. Furthermore, every playthough after your 1st adds a new final stage where Hibiki reaches his Armed Form against powered up enemies.
All in all, best Rider game since Agito, which is a better fighting game, but Hibiki has more in common with the source material. Graphics are great for the time, and the music evokes the show's feel. Recommended for a try, especially to fans, but it's not particularly deep.