First Guilty Gear on PS2, introducing Arc System Works' spectacular combat system. Roman Cancel and Overdrive mechanics are already present. Superb anime visuals for the era. The franchise entry point for fighting game fans on PS2.
Your verdict
Category
Fighting2 players12+
Description
A 2003 Western port of Arc System Works' cult 2D fighter, originally released in 2000 on Dreamcast and in arcades. High-resolution sprites, thirteen characters with strongly distinct movesets and heavy-metal-styled animations: Guilty Gear X locks in Arc System Works' visual signature for good.
Guilty Gear X review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
Hand-drawn high-definition sprites, flamboyant poses and heavy-metal imagery: Arc System Works' rock style bursts out every round. The energy of the animation and the boldness of the character design turn combat into a visual concert. This aesthetic strike, theatrical and furious, has lost none of its brilliance.
Signed by Daisuke Ishiwatari, the music makes a raging heavy metal scream, matching the stylised fury of the fights. Distorted riffs and blazing solos electrify every duel with an unabashed hard-rock energy. This blazing sonic identity, set from this first entry, would become the hallmark of a cult series.
A 2D Arc System Works fighting game with a rock aesthetic and a demanding technical system, a pillar of the versus scene whose series forged lasting loyalty. Still fairly widespread in the West, its interest lies in this graphic identity and competitive depth rather than scarcity. A prime piece for fans of technical fighting wanting the Guilty Gear line on the console.
Better with friends
A super-charged anime fury where two fighters trade gaudy combos at breakneck speed, aggression always pushing you forward. The competition is nervy and expressive, built on bold offense and lightning reversals that galvanize both players. The gap between seasoned and green players can sting, but the flamboyant style and the urge for payback revive every round without a lull.
