Gameplay-This is your basic puzzle game, Ranma style. The cast of selectable characters are familiar icons from the show, including Ranma (duh!), Mousuu, and Genma among others. What makes this game different is the way it is played. Each player has different parameters which affects their ability to attack their opponent. Of course the gist of the game is to eliminate pieces that fall while making your opponent's stack hit the top. Pieces come in the form of a fist (rock), a open palm (paper), and a peace sign (scissors)-hence the name Ougijanken (janken-Jap for rock, paper, scissors). The game play is confusing at first because matching the same blocks in groups will not make them dissappear. Instead, you have to place the block on top of the one it beats-rock beats the scissor, paper the rock, and scissor the paper. Also scattered are green balloons that pop when you eliminate pieces to add a little bit of attack. Chains are hard to do, and if you eliminate enough blocks, you do a attack in the screen and balloons rain down on the victim. An ace in the hole you have is the bucket of water which clears out some of the stack and makes your opponent weaker by transforming them into their alter ego. An innovator for its time.
GFX and sound-This game has nice graphics, and player art is done straight from the cartoon. Japanese voices are clearly dubbed and the music and sound is nicely loud and distinctly Japanese.
Funfactor-Though the funky gameplay may frustrate at first, this game is fun once you find out how to play it. The AI is even a challenge which means that you don't necessarily have to have someone against you to enjoy this game. Like Tetris Attack, its pretty addictive.
Replay-Being schooled by the CPU makes you want to come back for more. The differences between characters further adds more to the mix by making you adapt to a certain style for each. This game has a strong replay value and I play it from time to time.
Overall-This game is pretty rare in its original form, but it can be played on emulator. Try to find this game if at all possible. You will be pleasantly surprised.-Joel-
Score-7.75
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