Bio F.R.E.A.K.S.

Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. is set in a sort of cyberpunk future in which American states and corporations face off by pitting 'synthoids' against each other in combat. It's an interesting premise and the story is surprisingly robust, detailed over six pages in the instruction booklet. Solid graphics and presentation help to bring the concept to life in-game.

Story takes a back seat to gameplay in an arcade fighter, though, and gameplay is where Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. stumbles. Characters have an arsenal of abilities not often seen in fighters, including projectiles, body shields and a boosted jump. The projectiles are overpowered, the shields pointlessly prolong fights and the jump is almost useless and sometimes causes players to glitch through surfaces. On top of the usual kicks, punches and combos, these additional abilities feel excessive. Worse, so many moves and combos are poorly balanced--I completed arcade mode in just over one minute using Zipperhead and a single projectile attack that killed opponents in three hits. These problems make bothering to master Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. or play it at all competitively pointless, and place it squarely amongst the many other disappointing fighters on the console.