Taking place in a vibrant and futuristic iteration of New Amsterdam, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk immerses players in a world governed by enigmatic crews that combine graffiti artistry, DJ skills, and superhero prowess. These crews constantly vie for dominance, aspiring to attain the coveted “All City” status, the pinnacle of their domain. You assume the role of Faux, a figure of apparent significance within the existing hierarchy. However, your journey takes a shocking turn when, while attempting to escape a mysterious confinement, a rival crew leader executes a brutal act, severing your head with weaponized vinyl. As your consciousness awakens in a new robotic form with a new moniker, Red, and newfound allies, you embark on a quest to recover your original head and ascend to the rank of All City.
Even for veterans of the cult classic Jet Set Radio series, transitioning to Bomb Rush Cyberfunk can be a bit of an adjustment. The game’s roots are undeniably evident as you glide through the urban landscape on your skates, BMX bike, or skateboard. It places a substantial emphasis on executing trick combos and fluid lines, reminiscent of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater franchise. To conquer challenges, you’ll frequently need to chain together sequences of tricks while covering ground to accumulate score multipliers. Bomb Rush Cyberfunk cleverly links these multipliers to actions like sliding on billboards or executing precise grinds, preventing players from relying solely on button mashing.
The standout aspects of Bomb Rush Cyberfunk reside in its finer details. Mid-combo, you have the ability to seamlessly switch between your wheeled and footed modes, a feature that adds complexity without sacrificing the satisfaction of execution. You can perform tricks on vertical rails and even execute gravity-defying maneuvers. Notably, checking the in-game map doesn’t interrupt gameplay, and your character, Red, keeps his phone out, a delightful touch. Furthermore, you can switch to the phone’s camera and capture skateboarding selfies. When manualing down a flight of stairs, your combo timer conveniently pauses. These small touches coalesce to create an immensely enjoyable experience, offering players myriad options despite straightforward controls.
Conversely, there are some minor shortcomings. Customizing tricks is limited, and the specific tricks you perform seem to matter less than the speed at which you execute them to build multipliers. The game’s attempts at combat feel awkward and out of place. Ramps and half-pipes don’t provide the intuitive experience one would hope for, making their use frustrating. Occasional quirks, such as camera issues, are present, but they are more akin to seasoning rather than deal-breakers.
One of Bomb Rush Cyberfunk’s most appealing qualities is its willingness to embrace eccentricity. While it could have easily settled for being a homage to Jet Set Radio with familiar mechanics, objectives, and storytelling, it instead ventures into unexpected territories. The game delves into themes of internal conflict, identity, machines, and dreams within its unique setting, providing a refreshing departure from its source of inspiration. Moreover, it explores ethical dilemmas and codes of honor within the context of gang society, delivering a narrative depth that transcends expectations.
For fans of classic Sega titles, there are undoubtedly lingering desires for a sense of nostalgia. Notably, the absence of a new Jet Set Radio installment has left a void. Bomb Rush Cyberfunk emerges as a beacon of hope to fill that void, all the while introducing fresh elements to the equation. In many ways, this game channels the spirit of long-lost Dreamcast classics, capturing the essence of what made those games special. It is evident that the developers at Team Reptile possess a profound understanding of the power of nostalgia and passion.
