Official Score
Overall - 85%
85%
While it wears its inspiration on its sleeve, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk manages to evoke a style all its own with its always-stylish REP. For those pining for days gone by - or for those looking for something funky and fresh - be sure to hit the streets of New Amsterdam.
Known for their funky fresh beats and smooth moves, Dion Koster and the folks at Team Reptile are thinking big with the release of Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. Lethal League Blaze was a bona-fide hit for the studio; can they keep the beat going with this release?
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk Review
Things in Bomb Rush Cyberfunk start out with a bang. Breaking out of prison with the help of Tryce, Faux ends up losing his head – literally – from a deathly record by DJ Cyber. However, not all is lost – players wake up with a new cyberhead, courtesy of the Bomb Rush Crew. Not one to take things sitting down (he does have a good head on his shoulders), players hit the streets of New Amsterdam – now as Red – to grind, trick, and manual their way to get respect through REP and get things back to normal.
It’s hard not to make comparisons to SEGA’s Jet Set Radio series; there’s plenty of graffiti, tricks, and cel-shaded style between the two. However, the former has established itself as a cult classic, and Bomb Rush Cyberfunk manages to take the formula and run/skate/BMX with it.
Players will still be taking on gangs and navigating the city, but things are on a much bigger scale here. The tools that one has at their disposal means that players can get around with ease right from the offset; no training wheels here. When paired with a boost pack, one can easily get around to their next point of interest. While it can take some getting used to – with a finicky camera to match – everything becomes second nature before too long.
Everything done in Jet Set Radio is done here and taken to the next level, with more ways to travel and explore. Imitation might be the sincerest form of flattery, but Team Reptile understood the assignment and carefully made improvements to the formula with love.
This tribute also extends to Bomb Rush Cyberfunk’s style. From its music to its world, this game exudes style. The catchy beats and infectious energy kept us going throughout the title, eager to see which gang, police force, or threat lies next. It also encouraged us to nail the next trick and better ourselves along the way – just the thing needed when storming a rival group’s headquarters.
However, not all is groovy in Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. The title can be a bit awkward at times with its boss battles; the speedy flow that comes from its trick system kind of feels at odds when it comes to a specific target. Also, while it is a matter of taste, some of the tracks don’t quite hit the mark. Synth is great, but some don’t quite flow as well as one would expect.
While it wears its inspiration on its sleeve, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk manages to evoke a style all its own with its always-stylish REP. For those pining for days gone by – or for those looking for something funky and fresh – be sure to hit the streets of New Amsterdam.
