Gaming Target - PlayStation 2: GoDai Elemental Force

Written by Kyle Williams on July 25, 2001

First Impressions: GoDai GoDai BoDai, Banana Fanana FoDai...

Action games seem to be taking on several different forms these days. With all of the different games that you have to choose from, a title really needs to have something that helps it to stand head and shoulders above the crowd. That is exactly what 3DO is shooting to do with GoDai - Elemental Force, which is headed to the PS2 this fall.

While the early screens of GoDai are showing it to be a visual masterpiece, we all know that visuals alone do not make a good game. Fortunately, GoDai is shaping up to be much more than that. In addition to the top-notch graphics, GoDai features a deep story that is steeped in murder and revenge. In GoDai, you take the role of Hiro, who, after having his parents and mentor murdered by a dark ninja, sets out on a quest to learn the magic of the GoDai (five elements), avenge his parents, and reclaim his birthright.

As you progress through the sixteen single player levels, expect to find both fast paced action and an engaging storyline. As you take Hiro through his quest, you will be able to take advantage of several different methods of combat, including hand-to-hand fighting and elemental magic attacks. You will also have a thorough arsenal of weapons at your disposal, ranging from Katana blades to a Bladed Spear, and from Throwing Spikes to Shuriken Stars. Only by combining the use of all of your weapons and elemental attacks will you be able to lead Hiro to the Dark Ninja and help him to earn back his family's honor.

One thing that has been neglected in the latest batch of action games is the multiplayer experience. This is one flaw that GoDai is looking to exploit, as 3DO is including a full array of multiplayer options. When it hits shelves later this year, expect GoDai to include eight different modes of multiplayer action; Fury, Time Attack, Elimination, Cooperation, Magic Off, Power-Up Magic, Melee, and Projectile. And no, the multiplayer levels aren't all going to be rehashed versions of the single player game either. There will be six levels specifically designed to take advantage of the multiplayer setup.