[dropcap size=small]L[/dropcap]et me just start out by saying I’m relatively new to the One Piece anime. I just started watching it a few months ago and I’m currently about 30 episodes deep. This review will mostly consist of me making up words and character names, so be patient with me.
The first thing I noticed when I started playing is that the overworld is very vibrant. The colors pop and it feels just like the anime. It’s a solid first impression of the game. There was some serious work done here, however, the cutscenes play out like an older RPG. Interactions with main characters are pictures with dialogue, a bit boring, but tolerable. Don’t expect the FUNimation cast, either. One Piece UWR uses Japanese voice-over with English subtitles; it’s a nice touch for hardcore fans.
The game starts out with a giant pirate battle. Surprise, surprise. Red the Aloof, a vampire pimp pirate, makes his entrance by bombing the sh-t out of Marine battleships. This short cutscene sets Jared Leto circa 2005 up to be the main antagonist for the game. Enter Straw Hat Pirates. I haven’t even scratched the surface of the anime, so I haven’t heard of most of these guys. Anyone after Sanji is getting a comical description based on my first impression.
Luffy – The main character of the series, he needs no introduction.
Pato – One of the animals that lives in my Animal Crossing village, complete with a leaf that turns into an item. I’m not doing you any favors, Pato. I still owe Tom Nook like 40,000 bells.
Brook – The skeleton of Jimi Hendrix’s who found his way into Steven Tyler’s wardrobe. He is a musician though, so it’s very suiting.
Usopp – I don’t like Usopp’s nose.
Nami – Sweet Jesus, I think Nami’s boobs should be a separate character. She’s dressed like she just finished a few rounds of Dead or Alive: Xtreme Beach Volleyball.
Tony Tony Chopper – The Digimon that never was.
Sanji – Sanji is a badass who can cook, there’s not much to say about him. He’s also in love with Nami, I wonder why.
Franky – Probably the closest thing to Tron Bonne’s soulmate, Franky is 50% pecs and 50% metal.
Nico Robin – The cliche thick-skinned brunette.
Roronoa Zoro – Swordsman extraordinaire, and my favorite character.
Luffy is the only available playable character from the start, but you can swap two other Straw Hat Pirates into your party. However, most of the time your party is going to consist of Luffy, Zoro, and Franky (for obvious button-mashing reasons). Combat is a bit clunky, but satisfying. The game’s combat system plays like Batman’s Arkham series, right down to the dodging system. It’s fun for a brawler, and the ability to swap out party members adds some nice variety to battles. Adventuring isn’t nearly as fun as the battling portion. The boss fights are fun, but some are awkward, especially when Luffy is begging you for your meat. You’ll see what I’m talking about.
One Piece: Unlimited World Red is developed by Ganbarion and published by Namco-Bandai.
