Ra Ra Boom, developed and published by Gylee Games, is a delightful return to the 2D arcade-style beat ‘em up genre that many gamers hold dear to their hearts. Set against the backdrop of a futuristic Earth colony besieged by a relentless robot invasion, the game introduces players to a vibrant, chaotic world where four ninja cheerleaders must band together to reclaim their home and save humanity. The premise might sound quirky, but it encapsulates the fun and excitement that the genre is known for.
Upon booting up Ra Ra Boom, players are immediately greeted with a colorful and richly animated environment that sets the tone for the adventure ahead. The visuals are reminiscent of classic 16-bit games but with a smooth modern twist, showcasing detailed environments and character designs that pop off the screen. Each level, carefully crafted, immerses players in a universe where futuristic space cheerleading meets combat in a beautifully chaotic fashion.
In terms of story, Ra Ra Boom offers a narrative that, while not groundbreaking, serves its purpose of motivating players to push forward. The dialogue is peppered with humor and charm, aligning with the colorful aesthetic and premise. While each character doesn’t have their backstory explained, the shared goal and quirky dialogue give them enough distinction and personality that there really isn’t to much of a need to delve deeper into their backgrounds. The overarching goal of defeating the lead robot and reclaiming Earth feels urgent, but there are plenty of humorous moments along the way that lighten the tone.
The gameplay mechanics are intuitive, making it easy for both seasoned players and newcomers to jump right in. Players take control of one of four distinct characters: Aris, the determined leader; Ren, the swift blade wielder; Vee, the defensive stalwart; and Saida, the futuristic cyborg. Each character comes equipped with unique weapons and special abilities that can be upgraded over time. This is where the game truly shines, as it allows players to tailor their experience based on personal play style. Want to focus on speed? Choose Ren and swiftly dispatch enemies. Prefer a tankier approach? Vee has players covered.
Upgrades for each character can be obtained within the scrap shop, a mechanic that enhances the gameplay of each character significantly. As players defeat enemies and progress through levels, they accumulate resources in the form of scrap parts that can be spent on upgrades. In the shop, players can enhance not only their characters’ abilities but also passive traits such as attack power, speed, luck, and maximum health. This RPG-like element adds significant depth to the game, allowing for customization that keeps each playthrough fresh. The ability to adapt characters based on player preferences for how they play and who they play the most is a crucial aspect of the core gameplay loop, promoting strategic thinking and collaboration among other players.
As players navigate through the fast-paced levels filled with robotic foes, they have the option to either play alone or work with up to three other players for a total of four-player cooperative play. The game emphasizes collaboration as the key to overcoming challenges, fostering a sense of camaraderie among players. Each character’s abilities complement one another, and players must engage in a mix of offensive and defensive strategies to succeed. These cooperative gameplay mechanics evoke a sense of nostalgia for classic beat ‘em ups, while also feeling fresh and engaging for modern audiences.
The levels themselves are a mixed bag of design mastery. Some levels are brilliantly engaging, with varied enemy types and intricate level layouts that encourage exploration and strategy. However, a few levels can feel repetitive, with similar enemy types and environments that veterans have seen in other games. While the game attempts to keep things fresh, certain stages may begin to blend together, making it feel more like a grind at times. Integrating more environmental interactions or unique challenges could enhance the overall experience.
The soundtrack of Ra Ra Boom is another highlight. The music is upbeat and energizing, perfectly matching the frenetic pace of the gameplay. Each level is accompanied by catchy tunes that keep players engaged and motivated to keep pushing through. The sound effects are satisfying, from the clashing of weapons to the sound of gunfire that can stun enemies with different environmental effects. Together, the audio elements seamlessly integrate with the gameplay, creating an immersive experience.
In conclusion, Ra Ra Boom is a delightful homage to the classic arcade beat ‘em up genre, enhanced by modern gameplay mechanics. With its captivating visuals, engaging characters, and a focus on teamwork, it delivers an entertaining experience for both solo and multiplayer modes. While there are some minor issues with level design and repetition, the overall package is a joy to play. Ra Ra Boom effectively channels the spirit of cooperation, blending it with exciting combat and character customization, making it a worthy addition to any gamer’s collection. If you’re looking for a fun, vibrant game that captures the essence of retro gaming with a contemporary twist, Ra Ra Boom is worth checking out. Grab your friends, form a squad of mighty cheerleaders, and prepare to save humanity from impending doom!
Overall Score: 9 out of 10
Reviewed on PC