The best video games combine originality with innovative and exciting gameplay. This has long been a challenge for videogame developers. Stepping up to the plate, Capcom has developed a very imaginative and unique take on the combat action game with the Asura’s Wrath. Wrapped in mysticism, the game introduces Asura as one of eight guardians, godly warriors who protected civilization from a destructive force. However during a celebration when the guardians emerge victorious, the Emperor is assassinated and blame is placed on Asura. In the ensuing commotion, Asura’s wife is murdered and his daughter kidnapped. Asura is stripped of his powers and banished to Earth where he is forced to toil for over 12,000 years. After escaping his earthly prison, Asura vows vengeance on his former comrades who have betrayed him.
The game combines science fiction and Hindu mythology in a setting that is similar to watching a dramatic TV series with levels that are in episodic format. The game also allows you to play as Asura’s rival, Yasha, to experience another unique fighting style. The enemies make up a big chunk of the game as you have everything from planet sized bosses to ever-changing legions to fight your way through. Finding a style of play that is unique to you is essential as the game does allow you to have a more customizable fighting style than most of the traditional button mashers on the market.
Graphically the game is extremely solid and the voice performances are a perfect match for the action and gameplay. I reviewed the game on the Xbox 360 system and was extremely pleased with the overall final performance. I initially went in thinking this was going to be another run of the mill anime button-mashing fight game and was pleasantly surprised to find it to be an intelligent and imaginative take on the genre. Asura’s Wrath offers plenty of action as well as a complicated story and dynamic characters.
The game is rated T for Teen so therefore it is not the bloodsoaked gorefest that many gamers have come to expect, but because it isn’t, everyone from younger players to the more seasoned vets can easily get into this game and enjoy. Blending action and narrative can be tricky but in this case Capcom pulled it off and provided a very engrossing and entertaining tale, as well as a game that will provide plenty of action and excitement to players looking for something new.
