Eastern Mind

Duelling Banchos in “Badass Rumble”

The Kenka Bancho (meaning Fight Leader) series is a rare example of popularity among Japanese players: developed by Y’sk and published in 2005 by Spike for the PlayStation 2, each of its episodes has sold enough copies in Japan to reach Platinum editions, even if they’re virtually unknown in the rest of the world. With a third sequel on its way, due in 2010, the games are defined by its irreverent style that combines classic beat’em up street fighting with a humorous undertone in the representation of modern-day Japanese high school life - truly a modern version of the ultra-classic Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari. This particular episode revolves around a young boy who is struggling to become the top Bancho of Japan fighting in the streets of Kyoto - the word Bancho standing for admirable and respected fighter.

I had tried the original Japanese version of the game about a year ago but had a really hard time playing since it requires a perfect understanding of the Japanese language during verbal confrontation stages. But upon hearing that Atlus USA (who has already bestowed English-speaking players this year with the gift of Demon’s Souls) was translating the PSP episode I felt ready to release my Japanese dictionary and wait for the US version.

Much to my surprise , Kencha Bancho Badass Rumble is possible one of the best-ever adaptations/translations of a game originally designed in Japan. Normally, games such as this one would hardly ever leave their country of origin due to the constant cultural references which most would not be able to understand. Somehow, translators were able to find the right words to match the atypical style of the original game, preserving the integrity of the series. In short, it feels like you’re playing a genuine import only Japanese title: only the Kanji and Hiragana somehow turned into their best possible English versions.

New to this version is the Night Out mode, in which the player can use the data from a saved game to enter a free battle in single or multiplayer mode. Reminds me of how Zettai Zetsumei Toshi also had the first two games published for the PlayStation 2, then having a fairly different third episode on the PSP with multiplayer options. This is surely a pleasing pattern I’ve enjoyed seeing this year - one of the best so far in what concerns imports/alternative games on Sony’s portable console.

As usual with PSP releases here at Eastern Mind, here’s a brief walkthrough of the first half hour of the game. Some screens will appear with the Spike Copyright information since they were actually obtained using an in-game function designed solely for that purpose. Yes, that’s right: apart from being highly photogenic because of its polished visuals, the game allows the player to save screens using the Select button when in cutscenes - or even during the game by accessing the cellphone camera.

The first step consists of choosing the character’s original prefecture, his school and his name. Originally, the character is named Takashi Sakamoto.

The story begins in a train. Several students are traveling to Kyoto for a school trip. Cutscenes such as these can be accelerated, instead of skipped, by pressing the L Button.

Meet Yohei. He is the main character’s sidekick and best friend - and a valuable help in those first fist fights.

Our man Takashi, the tough-looking protagonist that brings to mind a younger version of Daigo from Rival Schools.

Introducing our friends, this is Fujisawa. As far as first impressions go, I’d say she’s got a thing for our Bancho.

Part of the group but not necessarily a friend. Kagenuma is the smart guy, polite and delicate. His role in the game could be that of either a double-crosser or the unpredictable friend in a tight spot.

While taking a nap on the train, our character is reminded of his father’s advice before his trip to Kyoto. The scene seems to happen in the courtyard of a traditional dojo. The father is a mean-looking man who is teaching his kid the rules of engagement.

The Menchi Beam is essential to the Kenka Banchou series: basically it represents the killer look that fight leaders must train hard. Pressing the R button makes the character release a beam from his eye which will lock automatically to other characters. If those characters are prone to enter fights, then the following mode will ensue.

In Smash Talk mode the player must chose the correct words in less than 3 seconds. A tough one-liner is presented at first and it is up to the player to form it by pressing the adequate buttons. Common phrases like “I’m gonna be your master” get the fight going. If the player choses the correct words then a preemptive strike is unleashed. If not, the opponent will laugh at what was said and strike us first.

This was the hardest part to master in the Japanese version.

By pressing the triangle or square button continuously, the fighter will charge a single strike filled with energy.

Energy can be regained, very much like in the SNK combat games like Art of Fighting or King of Fighters.

After beating our own father as a part of the demonstration, the tutorial is complete.

The students arrive at Kyoto.

But it was certain that there was going to be trouble. Yohei accidentally steps trips on some guy waiting at the station.

Turns out that he’s the bancho of Hokkaido and his partner. They didn’t like what just happened and they want to solve their differences right here. Whenever another bancho is found, the screen is filled with the big letters. A bit like in Ryu ga Gotoku: in fact, there are many common points between these games and they’re fairly easy to notice.

One has to be very careful not to opt for words like “poem”. For instance, “Who’s your poem?” would result in our character getting a kick to his face - and just as well.

Just missed a right hook.

The final kick. The game stops whenever a new move/set of moves is learned.

Similar to what happens in other games, winning a battle will provide power-up points that can be used to custom improve the fighter’s abilities.

After a massive beating, the Hokkaido bancho can barely stand. The rule is: once defeated, the bancho must now vow to the wishes of the victorious fighter. A bit like Beatdown but without all the explicit violence.

Thought at first to be a Yakuza, this man who comes out of nowhere after the scuffle is in fact a police officer. Because his job is to arrest juveniles who are causing disturbances, he poses a biger threat than most of the rival banchos.

As other colleagues and teachers meet up with the gang, the situation is back to normal and the group heads to the inn.

Waiting at the inn is Yoshio Chiba. He’s like an adviser for promising banchos, providing tips. Shifty, of course, but helpful. Seems like all the banchos from different cities of Japan are all gathered in Kyoto so things are warming up already.

The first day of adventures begins. When in the inn room, a few options are given to the player. He can sleep for a few hours and rest, check his abilities or save the game. Anyone who’s ever played a typical Japanese adventure game should be familiar with this scheme.

During loading times, the game suggests a key-word and explains its meaning. So apart from playing one of the most exciting portable games of this year, the player will also learn a great deal about Japanese food, clothing and modern-day slang.

A brief note: in Kenka Banchou, events occur in real time. A day has only a number limited hours (abbreviated, of course) and the trip will only last for a few days. So it is necessary to plan what to do and follow strict schedules as to achieve the best result given the time constraints.

Using the cell-phone is also essential. Not only will it enable the player to call followers for bigger fights (further in the game) as it will give access to the e-mail feature.

Exiting the inn, the player can go about the streets of this capsule version of Kyoto.

There’s plenty to do like bullying annoying students cruising the streets and get their Bancho itineraries to find out where the action is. Everytime a rival is defeated, they will drop items, money and weapons to the floor which the player is more than welcome to pick up and use.

One has to be careful not to be ran over by passing cars or not to disturb police officers.

Or pay a visit to Kumart (Kuma meaning bear, as indicated by the logo) and purchase all sorts of foods and drinks to replenish HP and spirit.

But also be prepared for unexpected encounters with rivals.

These goons didn’t put up much of a fight. More leveling up points and new moves unlocked.

It’s by entering the subway that the player can move to different parts of town. Being a brief introduction to the game, I will spoil no more.

Banchos watch out for Takashi’s mean stare: in these streets, everything goes in order to become the top Bancho of Japan.