Sore Losers

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When you typically think about a post-apocalyptic RPG, what usually comes to mind? Well, for me, a lot of things come to mind such as Fallout, Shadowrun, Wild Arms, even Final Fantasy 6. Often, however, what DOESN'T come to mind is comedy. Oh sure, these games have their moments, but we're often not treated to constant sarcasm or anything of that nature.

Therefore, Sore Losers is a breath of fresh air for two reasons, really. For one, Sore Losers is actually a GOOD game made in RPG Maker 2K3, although admittedly, I hadn't played very many RPG Maker games, so I guess I'm not a good determinant thus far on good or bad in comparison to other RPG Maker titles. That said, reason two is the most important anyway: here we have a post-apocalypic, cyber punk game that is, in my opinion, hilarious.

So where to begin? Well, let's start with the mapping. As much flak as I'd given both Chikita and Chaos Knights, you figure I'd probably find something wrong or out of place here. Nope. The mapping is perfect, actually. And in fact, the overall design is top notch. Sure, it looks a little "dated" in comparison to XP and VX titles, but I tell ya, it brings an extra grubby/graininess to the game, which makes sense as it's a cyberpunk game anyway.

Next up is gameplay. Alright, not much is new here when it comes to battles. I mean, it's possible to have limit breaks, but it feels a little random. The techniques and comments are hilarious, but really, it's just your standard first person combat. There are a variety of minigames that occur that are actually pretty well done such as lockpicking, chase scenes, hacking, stealth, learning, and more.

Also included is a "to do list," which I want to figure out for my own game, honestly. It's nothing too complex, but it's pretty handy since there's a fairly decent amount of side quests in the game. You can also have items synthesized, but this brings about an issue that I hated in Final Fantasy 8 that fortunately is crafted a little better here and that is this is the only way (besides finding stuff) to get new equipment.

It's also VERY hard to get money. As an example, you get NO credits for defeating various monsters and very few for defeating human type enemies. While I guess this makes sense, keeping items in stock and paying to sleep makes this kinda tedious. Fortunately, you won't have to grind very much as the game is only moderately difficult, so it all works out.

I really wish the author had decided to use MP3s instead of midis, but the midi selection is fairly good for what he's got going on here. Sounds are nothing special...mostly just RTP stuff with a few additions. And really, that's about it. I can't really think of much to complain about. That said...

Conclusion

The Good

- Good mapping and level design. Nice tilework and good variety in tilesets.
- Hilarious dialogue and story. This alone will make you keep playing.
- Gameplay is juuuuuust right.
- A good variety of fun minigames.
- Cool features like the "to do" list and synthesis.
- Lots of side quests.

The Bad

- Music and sounds could be better. They're not "bad," but they don't feel customized and high quality enough.
- Some may not like the idea of not getting a lot of money and therefore, not really buying new weapons and armor, thus making the game fairly non-traditional.

And The Sorey

What else can I say? The game reeks style AND substance. It's fun to play, innovative, well put together and thought out, and hilarious. Not bad for a 2K3 game, I say.

Verdict: 9.0