Kamen Rider Kabuto

Based on the Japanese franchise of the same name, Kamen Rider Kabuto for the PS2 has quite a lot to offer. Featuring an over the top sense of style in keeping with the original Kamen Rider show. A soundtrack that feels reminiscent of the old days of 70s anime and general japanese entertainment, and a fast paced combat style that puts you in the shoes of the titular rider himself.

The Perfect Tone

One of the best aspects of Kamen Rider Kabuto is just how well it manages to capture the tone crafted in the original television show. The designs of each character have a great sense of detail in terms of how accurate they are to those of the originals. Even characters that were added specifically for the game still have the mainstays of the series.

Robotic suits that are nearly power rangers like in design, fitted with many different weapons both long range and short. Topped off with a narrator who amplifies the insanity of the action packed fight scenes offered by the game. It almost feels like the insanely fun monster romp that is War of the Monsters. The game knows that it is a silly robot beat em up, and it really plays up that aspect of it in a way that only video games really can!

Combat of the Kabuto

The combat of Kamen Rider Kabuto uses a rather simple but satisfying and fun system. Managing to feel floaty and freeing while also holding a heavy weight behind each strike. Giving the player access to certain gadgets and abilities also helps to spice things up. Special transformations allow the player to tear down enemies with lightning quick speed and intense impact. Battles typically concluding in a grandiose explosion of flair and robotic parts. The combat can become a bit repetitive over time, but the game itself is very short so it doesn’t overstay its welcome. The length of the game could be seen as a problem for some, but its old age now results in a much lower price.

Sound of the Rider

Kamen Rider Kabuto has a soundtrack that perfectly complements its source material. Waving and pulsating synths give the entire game a real classic feel to it. Elevated by some killer vocals that harken back to the Japanese television openings of the time. Even if you’ve never been interested in these types of shows, there is a good chance that the music in this game will give you a very warm and nostalgic feel.

Accuracy

Kamen Rider Kabuto is of course based on the franchise of the same name, and due to that acts as an adaptation of some of the more notable events within said franchise. Capturing and showcasing direct events such as major fights and other plot points. The game manages to be mostly similar to the original, but sometimes changes a few things for more dramatic effect. Most of these changes only serve to make the story more suited for a video game format, and most of them simply change how things happen and not what exactly happens. Outside of that, there are a few completely original stages that help elongate the game and give the player even more content than before.

Other Modes

Outside of the normal single player mode, Kabuto has a multiplayer mode as well. It is a rather simple couch versus mode which feels mostly the same as the main game. It is well made enough but lacks enough additive systems to make it feel worth trying out alongside the single player.

Pros

• Great visual design
• Feels like the movies and TV show
• Weighty and impactful combat
• Fun and nostalgic soundtrack

Cons

• Repetitive gameplay
• Short run time
• Lack of interesting multiplayer