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Is this worth buying?

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 12 / 14
Date: March 10, 2001
Author: Amazon User

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.

How I Learned To Shut Up and Enjoy The Bouncer

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 11 / 13
Date: March 14, 2001
Author: Amazon User

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 cinemas. 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.

It's ok.

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 9 / 10
Date: March 13, 2001
Author: Amazon User

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.

The Bouncer-Great Graphics, Good Gameplay, Worth Purchasing?

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: July 14, 2001
Author: Amazon User

"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.

Good Game...?

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: April 07, 2001
Author: Amazon User

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!

One of the best.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 9
Date: March 20, 2001
Author: Amazon User

This game could be better but it doesn't have to be for five stars. You can definitly beat this game within an hour but that's only one time. You'd have to beat it three times for each characters story and seven times for the full story to come together. The controls are easy to use no matter how new to video games you are. The game also has an rpg feel as you get battle points to raise your ability points. The story is interesting if nothing else and the game has a movie-like feel. It's even more like a movie then Metal Gear Solid especially with it's beautiful graphics and life-like characters. The battles are real-time and with two computer characters helping the game is not over challenging like Tenchu ( great game but really challenging...Still beat it though).

The two player mode is the most addictive part of the game. You can play with two computer helpers against a friend or a computer. There's also rumble mode in which you fight against three others in a free-for-all. The stages of play are great and there are plenty of hidden characters to earn in story mode which is quite a helper for replay value. With a multi-tap you can have four players against each other in rumble mode which makes for a great party mode in fact the fighting game could've been THE game instead the movie like one but that's no problem.

The problem with it is there is no two player team play in story mode. None in the fighting mode either. This is a small problem though. Even with the factors of three different story-lines and hidden characters the game still is fairly quick but it serves as a party game still. The only other thing is that survivor mode ...

Overall the game is close to perfect. Movie-like angles and storylines. It has a little romance and lot's of action and drama. The graphics are better then even Shenmue and the fighting mode is extremely fun. So definitly buy this game!

Stunning Graphics, Dissapointing Storyline

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 6 / 8
Date: February 22, 2001
Author: Amazon User

The game's graphics are simply breathtaking, the best I have ever seen but Squaresoft forgot about the rest of the game. Sure the graphics are great to look at but its only a fighting game and I was expected a whole lot more. The concept is great, the fighting moves are endless but its no more fun than Mortal Kombat only with much better graphics. It is a definite rent but don't buy it until you play it.

GREAT GRAPHICS, but.........

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: February 26, 2001
Author: Amazon User

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!

Playable Anime

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: March 23, 2001
Author: Amazon User

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.

The Bouncer:Short but sweet

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: October 19, 2002
Author: Amazon User

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!!

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