If you've been hearing a lot lately about something called
OneChanbara (a merging of Japanese words for "big sister and sword fighting"), it's due to the U.S. release of the risque and blood-soaked zombie slasher series based on Japanese PS2 games. You might think it's some sort of anime tie-in, but you'd be wrong: The games actually came first, debuting in 2004, and then a live-action B-movie ran in Japan in 2008 (no U.S. release yet, though based on reviews it'll probably go straight to video). Here's the skinny on the newly released games:.
- OneChanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad ($40) - This Xbox 360 game has rather dated graphics but offers more complexity than you'd expect, expecially after you easily one-button hack and slash through the first two levels. A free guide (PDF) explains much of what the rather skimpy manual omits.
- OneChanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers ($30) - This Wii-only sequel is a new game with more modern graphics than its Xbox 360 counterpart, not surprising since it was released only a year ago in Japan.
Since both games combine sexy costumed heroines with mostly mindless and seriously bloody zombie slaying action, you can expect they'll sell well regardless. Just know what you're getting into...
Leave a comment