Customer Reviews

The Bouncer

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(44)
3 star:		(27)
2 star:		(34)
1 star:		(25)

 

 

Yes, the Story mode is short and leaves something to be desired. But there's more to The Bouncer than just the story mode. Once you've gone through that mode with all three main characters, you've unlocked a ton of fighters to use in the Vs. and Survival modes. There are over 10 unique characters in all, and that isn't counting the multiple Mugetsus and Dauragons. They each have loads of moves, and the system is truly fresh and fun: it utilizes the Dualshock2's analog buttons. Pressing an attack button soft or hard will activate different attacks. It took a little getting used to, but soon it felt completely natural. It was great fun to figure out as many various combos as I could.

The battles in story mode are usually pretty brief, and they seem even more so when sandwiched between two long cut scenes. If you want long battles, go into Vs. mode. If you don't have anyone to play against, that's OK, because the enemy AI in this game is incredible. Many times I've had a single round in a 4-way brawl last well over five minutes before a winner is finally declared. I had to set the timer to "infinite", because there is no victor if the time runs out before there is a last man standing. 120 seconds just isn't enough in a good 4-way. There's a staggering number of different character combinations you can put into a battle. If 4-way is too much for you, you can configure it to 3-way. And if you set it to 1-on-1, you've got a traditional fighting game that easily holds its own against Tekken, DoA, Tobal, etc. Of course, you get the usual alternate costumes for each character (I think they all have at least four) and selectable locations. Story mode is fun a few times, but to me, the real meat of The Bouncer is the Vs. mode. I can already tell that I'll be playing this for years to come. Take it from a seasoned Tekken/Tobal veteran, there is a LOT of excellent fighting to be done in The Bouncer even long after you've finished story mode.

In my honest opinion, this game probably has one of the best graphics and sound available today. Let's start with the graphics and sound. Graphics is exactly as expected with a Squaresoft title (creators of Final Fantasy). The pictures were beautifully rendered and characters look so nice. It has great cut scenes and an interesting story plot to it. There is a dolby digital 5.1 selection within the game options menu, but it's really a pitiful job by Squaresoft in that aspect of it. When the dolby digital 5.1 does take effect in certain parts of the scenes (story part), it is amazing. It truly could have been awesome but I was disappointed as the majority of the game really is just in dolby surround mode. The actual game play is purely in dolby surround mode.

In fact, there is probably more story than actual gameplay. If you're looking for a game with lots of pure action, this game may not be the one for you. Gameplay is extremely short. I finished this game within 3-4 hours in the story mode. The story is interesting at first, but when you replay it, you'll more than likely skip all the story plots and go straight to the fights. Without the plots, you probably could finish this game in 30-45 minutes. It does have good replay value as each character has a different ending to it. After certain battles you will gain points to increase characters strength, stamina, defense, and other special moves. So in order to increase a character to maximum power in everything possible, you will need to finish it twice using the same character.

Since this is the only game that has dolby digital 5.1 (at least they attempted it), I rated it quite high. I love the graphics, sound, story and actual gameplay. I just don't think it is worth paying that much to play a game that doesn't seem to last that long. I have extremely mixed feelings toward this game. It's a love - hate relations type of game. This is the first game that I have such mixed feelings. It's worthy to keep but yet when you think about it, you really don't feel like keeping it. It does make good for showing off your playstation 2 potentials. Okay, to answer your question. Is it worth buying? I suggest you rent this game prior to buying it or buy it from a store which will allow returns.

I bought the game on friday, messed around with a little, liked it. Saturday I sat down to play it and I ended up not only beating it but completing the whole game (Unlocking all of the secrets). The game doesn't meet up to all of the hype. Yes, it is fun, you can play a one on one style fight with your friends (Up to four at a time) and the "inbetween" movies are visually amazing. Pro's - Very fun, good story to the game, Vs. Mode, survival mode, replay value after beating it is still pretty high, great graphics. Con's - Waaaaaaay too easy, you can probably beat the game using only one button, you can only use "Dual Shock 2" controllers on it (no psOne controllers work), same with the Multi Tap (No PsOne), DEFINITELY NOT WHAT IT WAS HYPED AS. I would say to rent first, but then there will be no need to buy it. Hmmmmmm.

"Is The Bouncer worth purchasing?," is the main question that has to be answered. Read my review and draw your own conclusions.

This game is no doubt one of the most technologically advanced games to ever be released. The graphics are beautiful, each character has it's own distinctive look and style, the backgrounds are also some of the best in a game, and the enemy models hold up well. There's no question from the time you pop in the Bouncer, you'll be hooked by the graphics and also the storyline. The storyline is excellent. A terrorist group called Mikado kidnaps a young girl at a bar and the bouncers have to infiltrate the Mikado headquarters and reclaim her. It unfolds very well and the replay value is high thanks to three very seperate endings, one for each character. The gameplay may not be the future of beat 'em ups such as this though. Winning battles doesn't take skill, just well timed button mashing. Also, the actual gameplay doesn't take up more than 25-30 minutes. The other hour or so is owned by cinemas. So there's your problem-the game is way too short. The replay value is high as I said, but putting it into perspective, it's only four hours or so of gameplay anyways. I beat this game three times in two days. By then I was sick of it. We'll come back to this topic later. The controls are okay. It's easy to move your character around and the menus are navigable. But as I said, the primary facet to fighting is mashing buttons. There is however one redeeming quality though-pressure sensitivity. This is a cool idea and I'd like to see it used in more games. As far as having fun goes, I can guarantee you you'll love the Bouncer for the short time you're playing it. It's just a fun game to play. But...the underlying problem rears its ugly head again. The game is too short. If I could give you a recommendation it would be to rent it, play it, love it, and return it. You don't want to spend... dollars on one hour and thirty minutes. But if you're just dying to have this game, it may be worth a purchase, but as much as I'd like to, I can't recommend it.

In my opinion, this game isn't bad at all, BUT, it depends what kind of game you want to play. Best graphics I've seen in a game, although Shenmue was supposed to have good graphics too. Voiceovers can be very dramatic which is a good thing. Usual Squaresoft type of story line (Save the world). It's not too bad, but it is very short. The real game lies in its multiplayer capabilities. There are two modes, Battle Royal (4-player), which is basically a free-for-all, and a team battle (2-player), you have to kill the opponent's leader before you die but you have 2 cpu's (as does the opponent). The AI is INCREDIBLE in multiplayer. Survival unlocks a new outfit for Sion, not any use otherwise. Also, this game uses dual shock 2 controllers only, because it is pressure sensitive, so have some of those for multiplayer. In conclusion, SWEET MULTIPLAYER GAME, good storyline, good graphics, good sound, short and easy story mode. If you want a deeper, harder single-player mode, get Onimusha, otherwise, BUY THIS NOW!

And when I say short, I'm not even complaining. This game is awesome, and I think it's a shame everybody flames it like they do. Y'know, there is more to a game then just kicking some guys ... Graphics, story-and, agh! The dreaded word: MOVIE ELEMENTS, add to a very engaging story. Must be all the wrong people playing this game...although I doubt it.
'The Bouncer' has beautiful graphics, with amazing character movement (right on par with Final Fantasy X)-whether running, kicking,punching..or flopping onto the ground when someone punched or kicked you too many times. ;) Very realistic.
The real time battle system is easy, fun, and in my opinion, very addictive! Pressure sensitive set-up in the buttons means you can execute at least 4-5 moves, all of different calibur, right when you start the game! And that's before you've even gotten a chance to customize your three characters yet.
And each character has a fighting style all their own, and customizable Life, Power and Defense as well as half a dozen new moves you can have them learn with the 'Bouncer Points' they glean when you them in battle.
Sion is a street-style, kung fu kinda guy, with a lot of use of the legs in hard hitting, less graceful way.Volt Krueger, his pal, and another bouncer at the bar,has to be one of the strongest and blatantly obvious toughest guy in your trio, one I find myself picking all the time to fight out the Versus Modes (get to that later). His style is a mix of wrestling (?), combined with some of his own moves. Which includes a four decker punch move, a double low kick, (and a stomp and kick move that really isn't at all fair to the enemy!)..and much more.
Kou Leifoh, another heavily tatooed dude in the party, backs up his smart mouth with his own style of martial arts. Using his legs a lot, with swift, painful results. With moves like 'Triple Roundhouse Kick' and such. You get the idea.
Plus,as the game goes along, you will be able to unlock other people (mainly enemies), you can fiddle around with later.
Ah, and the marvellous story. Enthralling, and much like a choose your own adventure, this is one cool story worth watching three times (if you wanna know it all, you got to play ALL three characters three seperate times). Which won't be a hassle, if you love the game as much as I do.
The bad guy is sneery and believable, his motives are..well, obviously, bad(well duh) but not overly ridiculous. He has power and means to do what he will with it..whether or not it really benefits him or anyone else.
Anyway,and for all those whining about how the boss fights are easy and the bosses aren't "overly hard", get your butts into versus mode, and stop whining and pit all the hardest bosses against you and your party of weakies. That oughta challenge you a bit. Try the 2nd version Mugetsu, with the third version Dauragon and PD-4. Or have two Mugetsu's. Or two Dauragon's against you. Challenging enough yet? Keep trying.
Versus mode is where you get to use all those characters you unlocked, you get to fight against them, have them fight with your selected character, or just duke it out with EVERYONE.
Music is excellent too. I must confess to buying the soundtrack not very long after getting the game.
:D Rent it! Do something!!

When I first picked up a copy of Bouncer I was astounded by its graphics. Unlike most games that I have played for any system, save wing commander, the games are designed around an intensive combination of button mashing and timing. The Bouncer on the other hand relies on plot and superb graphics. This game could easily have been released as an anime with no playability to speak of. As it is it is almost this without any real changes. The game plot is a single linear plot starting three main characters that are pulled into a search to try and rescue a mutual friend. As the game continues you are able to select between which of the three you wish to play. Each character has their own fighting style, power levels, and story lines. Don't discount one because they are weaker than the other it is easy to purchase increased abilities and new techniques to level the playing field.

As for control and playability this game is developed around a three-button attack system with the strength that you press the button down determining the force that your character puts behind each attack. It takes a while to get used to and doesn't serve any real purpose but is fun to play with. Also remember to use the analogue controller to move around otherwise you won't be able to run.

I would recommend this game for anyone that is interested in watching a movie, and would suggest that others be hesitant. There is very little playability to the game and reacts very similarly to Double Dragon for the Nintendo, but with better graphics. A great game to play but with such a short time line to follow and few tracks to follow the game could only keep me interested for a day, so its probably best to rent it.

Squaresoft has been living up to its name for years. The game looks really amazing but it's too darn short. The whole story ends too quick. I can beat the game in 1 hour, but the CG movies hulls it longer... which is kinda good. If you're not the person who likes game that you go around fighting people, then I wouldn't recommend this game to you. But if you love smashing people and stuff like that, then you should definitely try this game!

this game is ok. well first of all, there is no gameplay except for the fight scenes which are all pretty easy (Dauragon 4 is the only character who puts up a fight). Square promised a lot with this game like being able to interact with the environment, but i've never been able to, oh say, pick up a chair or a pool stick and hurt the enemies. during some of the loading scenes, they show dialogue about the character's past which is really interesting, EXCEPT THAT THEY ONLY GIVE YOU 10 SECONDS TO READ THE WHOLE THING! lastly, i beat the game with Kou in about an hour and 20 minutes, Sion in an hour and 20 minutes, and i beat it with Volt in an hour and 10 minutes! now let's move on to the good points. this game probably has the best graphics on PS2. the loading times are only about 10-15 seconds long and by doing certain requirements in story mode, you can unlock secret characters in the multiplayer mode. the multiplayer mode is also pretty good. the voices match the characters too. All in all, this game has great graphics, ok story, and little gameplay. i actually liked the game, but that only lasted about a week or two because i had totally beaten the game by then. if you want to take a chance, buy this game, but i suggest it as a rental because you can totally beat it in two days if you try. hope this has been helpful(it seems to me that the people who designed these characters, also did FFVIII, seem to have lacking games. i really hope they don't mess up FFX!)

This is a weird game. I bought it even though i heard it really wasn't worth buying, and i am still on the fence with that in my own head.

The graphics are just amazing, but its squaresoft so that is expected. It's definitely the best graphics yet on the PS2, that i have seen. The storyline is pretty good, the more i play it the more i get into it.

The reason though it only gets 3 stars from me is that there is a lack of gameplay in it. It's a lot of movies and very little fighting. And when you do fight the controls are extremely easy but the camera blows. There are quite a few times that the camera is facing you and the enemies are behind the camera, you have to stumble blindly into them at times.

If and when the game goes down in price i recommend it, but if you are looking for a fighter with a LOT of replay value get DOA2 or Tekken Tag (if not just for the bowling game).