Ever feel so angry you could punch a planet into dust? Then you might just understand Asura, the protagonist of CyberConnect2's wildly inventive and visually stunning action game, Asura's Wrath. Forget carefully constructed narratives and nuanced character development (for the most part). This is a game about raw, unadulterated rage, channeled through explosive gameplay and a story ripped straight from the pages of Hindu and Buddhist mythology... with a healthy dose of anime craziness thrown in for good measure.
To call Asura's Wrath just another "interactive movie" is a disservice. While it borrows elements from the genre, particularly the use of Quick Time Events (QTEs), it elevates them to an art form. Imagine each episode unfolding like a particularly bombastic anime episode, complete with opening credits, mid-show "commercial bumpers," and cliffhanger "next time on" previews. Sound cheesy? Maybe. But the game embraces its absurdity with such conviction that it's hard not to get swept up in the spectacle.
Think of it this way: other interactive games like The Walking Dead often relegate action sequences to a necessary evil, something to break up the dialogue. Asura's Wrath, on the other hand, revels in the chaos. The gameplay is divided into three core components:
The beauty of Asura's Wrath is that each of these gameplay styles is genuinely fun. They complement each other perfectly, creating a dynamic and engaging experience that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.
The game's narrative centers on Asura, a demigod and one of the Eight Guardian Generals tasked with protecting the planet Gaea from the Gohma, monstrous creatures born from impurity. Asura's daughter, Mithra, possesses the power to channel Mantra, a vital energy source used to combat the Gohma.
But betrayal lurks in the shadows. Deus, the leader of the Generals, orchestrates a coup, framing Asura for the Emperor's murder and stealing Mithra to use her as a Mantra generator. Left for dead, Asura rises from the depths of Naraka (a sort of purgatory) twelve thousand years later, consumed by an all-encompassing wrath. His sole purpose? To avenge his betrayal and rescue his daughter.
Asura's path to vengeance leads him through the Seven Deities, the former Guardian Generals who now rule Gaea. Each Deity embodies a different Mantra affinity – Pride, Lust, Vanity, Violence, Greed, Melancholy, and Sloth – and possesses a distinct personality and fighting style. These aren't just roadblocks; they're characters with their own twisted motivations and ideologies.
Some, like Yasha (Asura's brother-in-law), harbor remorse for their actions and eventually question Deus's methods. Others, like Augus, simply crave a good fight and respect Asura's strength. And then there are those, like Sergei, who revel in cruelty and embody the worst aspects of their Mantra affinity. (Note: the characterization of Sergei as a flamboyant gay stereotype is a point of contention, with some finding it a problematic and offensive caricature.)
Ultimately, the Seven Deities serve as a foil to Asura, highlighting the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the importance of unwavering conviction. They are powerful, formidable opponents, but they are also deeply flawed individuals driven by their own desires and insecurities.
Asura's Wrath is a visual masterpiece. The art style is a stunning blend of anime aesthetics, mythological influences, and sci-fi elements. The world of Gaea is vibrant and detailed, with towering cities, sprawling landscapes, and colossal creatures that defy imagination.
The cutscenes are particularly noteworthy. They are expertly directed and choreographed, employing dynamic camera angles and dramatic lighting to create a truly cinematic experience. Forget awkward pauses and stilted dialogue; every scene in Asura's Wrath is meticulously crafted to enhance the game's overall impact.
The music is equally impressive, seamlessly blending orchestral scores, traditional Japanese instrumentation, and even well-known classical pieces (like Dvorak's New World Symphony) to create a soundtrack that is both epic and emotionally resonant.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the ending. The original release of Asura's Wrath concludes with a cliffhanger, leaving several plot threads unresolved. The "true" ending was locked behind a DLC paywall, a move that sparked considerable controversy among fans.
While the DLC content itself is well-made and provides a satisfying conclusion to the story, the way it was distributed felt predatory. It's one thing to release optional side stories or character expansions; it's another to charge players for the actual ending of the game.
Capcom also released DLC featuring Ryu and Akuma from Street Fighter, which are fun if you are a Street Fighter fan but not integral to the main story.
Despite its controversial DLC practices, Asura's Wrath remains a unique and unforgettable gaming experience. It's a visually stunning, action-packed, and emotionally charged journey that will leave you breathless.
If you're looking for a game that breaks the mold and embraces its own absurdity, then Asura's Wrath is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to unleash your inner fury and punch some planets along the way.
"There's really nothing else like Asura's Wrath, and if you like loud dudes flexing and yelling at each other before punching each other so hard they fly to the moon, this game's for you."
Takeaway: Asura's Wrath is a must-play for anyone who appreciates over-the-top action, stunning visuals, and a story that blends mythology with anime craziness. Just be aware of the DLC situation and consider waiting for a complete edition or sale.