GioGio's Bizarre Adventure

When it comes to games inspired by anime series, as long as there is combat involved, which their often is, then it tends to be a rather successful venture. However, back in 2002, there were very few games of this nature knocking around and the blueprint was far from established for games like these. However, this would not stop GioGio’s Bizarre Adventure from making the leap to consoles and offering fans an interactive experience.

This game is very similar to other anime video game adaptions such as Jump Force, Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi series, Attack on Titan, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm and My Hero One’s Justice 2. This game aims to be the fan service that all GioGio fans were asking for at the time of release. However, was this game a success in this department? We find out in our review of Giogio’s Bizarre Adventure.

Bizarrely Brilliant

So let’s begin with the presentation of this game. Now, we could hold this game up to modern gaming standards in an attempt to be harsh. However, even if we did, this game would still look good when stuck alongside other anime games out there. The visuals are outstanding, the art direction, UI and animations are all in keeping with the series themes. Plus, this game also has environments and character models are instantly recognisable and beautifully rendered. So visually, this game is a success and stands the test of time.

As for the gameplay, you are able to play as playable characters such as Giorno Giovanna, Bruno Bucciarati, Guido Mista, Narancia Ghirga, Pannacotta Fugo, Leone Abbacchio, and Trish Una. Each of these characters have their own physical attacks and moves which provide different tactical advantages and play styles. This is pretty typical of an anime series but that isn’t where this game stops.

The game doesn’t simply ask you to win fights by whittling down the enemies health. You are also asked to win in style, you are asked to perform different specific tasks within battles to complete challenges and the player is also rewarded with a series of cut scenes offer exposition and reiterations of the themes and storylines within the anime series for their efforts.

The Verdict

Overall, Giogio’s Bizarre Adventure is a great game that served as a blueprint for what anime video game adaptions should be. This game is made with the fans in mind, is true to the themes of the source material, has a full roster of characters, a great soundtrack and is visually stunning even today.

Pros:

• Visually still holds up today
• Good soundtrack
• True to the source material
• Fun combat mechanics
• Plenty of content

Cons:

• Somewhat primitive combat
• Questionable camera angles
• Series gets much better