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Astro Boy: Omega Factor
Astro Boy's GBA Debut is Astro-nomical
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Company: SEGA
Development House: Hitmaker
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
By Sonny Gotos II
With a main character who wears undies while flying high over his metropolitan city, who couldn't love Astro Boy: Omega Factor.
In his first crack at the Nintendo handheld powerhouse, SEGA in conjunction with development house Hitmaker has reintroduced a cult icon in Japanimation, Astro Boy, from his four decade hiatus. Astro Boy was revealed to the Japanese, and later American, public by anime's arguable "God of Comics", Osamu Tezuka in the 60's. Spawning a successful manga comic, Tezuka transitioned his brainchild to an even more successful black and white television series. And now, Tezuka's magnum opus is making a big step into the video game industry.
Following the American version of Astro Boy's storyline, Astro seeks to develop his Omega Factor, hence the title. The Omega Factor is a gameplay mechanic that RPG lovers will appreciate. Every time Astro meets a character in the game, you receive a bio and a power-up point. The power-up points are used to improve Astro's stats: Life, Punch, Laser, Shot, Jets, and Sensor. 'Nuff said.
The initial thing I noticed when I powered up my GBA was the bright and cartoony look of the title screen. Flashing fiery reds and yellows emanate from the head of our metallic main character as the words "Press Start" lure you to play the game. Like the Sirens song, I couldn't refuse! Setting up my character file I could clearly see that this game was going to be a visual feast for the eyes. Yes, I was right. In fact, the beginning sequence (correct me if I'm wrong), there was an FMV sequence. Full Motion Video! Sure, it's just Astro opening his eyes, but it's a damn good awakening.
However visually stunning a game is, if the controls suck more than "Kirby", then that game's a flop. Not the case for Omega Factor. For an RPG/Adventure hybrid game, the GBA's buttons are surprisingly ergonomic. Trust me on this one you'll rubbing down the "B" (attack) button.
Speaking of attacking, you'll be doing a lot of it. The action is paced between slightly linear platform and track levels. In the platform levels you'll be barraged by robots and the occasional bee that is a robot enemy, but the kicker is that you'll encounter them in different sizes: Tiny, Regular, and obnoxiously Large. Same goes for the track level, but it's done in a horizontal "1942"-esque shooter. Again, you'll be tapping on the "B" button to shoot Astro's trademark finger laser.
Although I sing this game's praises, it's definitely not free from fault (is there such a game?). It suffers from slowdowns, the result of the larger than life enemies on screen. The sound isn't too particular appealing, but I guess that can be excused 'cause of the GBA's small speakers. Even though the graphics are great for the GBA, any gaming aficionado can see that this game's key demographic is in the 8-13 age group.
Some may deem this game as SEGA's answer to the flood of Capcom "Megaman" games out there, don't take it to heart. Astro Boy: Omega Factor is a must play of this summer.
Rating: 8 1/2 out of 10. Highly recommended.
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