PSP World

Import: Ultraman FE Zero Arrives on the PSP

What if you were given the power of becoming a super powered giant enforcer, destined to save the world? Would you accept the task? If your answer is yes than Ultraman Fighting Evolution Zero is the game for you! Ultraman started in 1966, a Japanese TV series of a man with the ability to transform to a giant super being who tackled alien monsters to save the Earth. At 130 Ft. tall with a large amount of power, who wouldn't be scared of you? Read on for the lowdown.

Some might remember it is American debut in the mid eighties during the power rangers’ era and some might remember the earlier days. Since last years anniversary Ultraman has released a theatrical movie in Japan to celebrate its four decade long release. Now with Ultraman on the PSP fans a like can enjoy the giant super hero mobile. There are five game modes you can choose from.

• Story Mode: You pick one of seven different Ultraman to unlock the story of Ultraman while fighting. There are eleven more slots for you to unlock more characters.

• Battle Mode: You have eight Ultramen to choose from and you face off against other Ultramen. Also in this mode their are other slots for you to unlock other characters.

• Vs CPU: Self explainatory, you play against the computer. You do have to pick the other fighter though.

• Vs Human: Soul vs. Soul fighting. Someone else has a psp with the same game and boom you battle it out to prove who is the better Ultraman.

• Tutorial: You learn the ways of Ultraman by battling with an intelligent Sifu Ultraman CPU opponent.

• Practice: You practice the moves to become a better Ultra fighter.

• Ultra Super Dictionary 50: This is where the replay value comes in. You get points during battlemode to unlock certain images and information.

• Options: Set match length, rounds, volume levels, etc.

The fighting deals with four buttons. You use Triangle for kicks, Square for Punch combos, X for grabs, and Circle is for power punches or your finishing specials. Your D-Pad is used for maneuvers and jumping. You can side step, flip over your opponent do some nice sweep moves and power combos against your opponent. Down side is if you don't block at the right moment you can be toppled very easily and there are no counters involved in the fighting moves. Even though the moves feel powerful especially when you execute a nice jump kick there are limits to moves you can do.

Graphic wise this game looks decent, however the scenes are not destructive like they should be. If you are going to have a fighting game of this magnitude there should be destructible city buildings or breakable floors. Sounds are great in my opinion, even though there is no rumble features for the PSP the sound makes up for it with every impact or when you use your super powers in battle. You really feel the impact.

Final thought, Even though the game has a slight replay value and a variety of characters to use in the game I don't see it as a keeper title unless you're a fan of the Ultraman series. The AI is pretty smart as an opponent, but you will get the hang of it really quickly. Language barrier is sort of a problem. When you take on story mode you get lost in what to do correct when fighting an enemy. I would recommend it as long as you can play with someone else but that is a slim to none chance. I always loved Ultraman as a hero and the game is pretty decent as a rental if that were possible. So all and all I give it 2.5 out of five.