Blast Heroes on the Scene #1: Rambo Arcade Review

Our job here at Blast Heroes can be tough sometimes, we will do anything to get our readers the hottest, most up-to-date gaming news. Even if it means eating absurd amounts of pizza and venturing out on real world missions. Case in point: our "On the Scene" reviews.

This time, our task was hitting up the local GameWorks, the only actual arcade left here in Indianapolis to give a hands-on review of the new SEGA light gun shooter: Rambo. Because, if it's a new arcade game, especially one with light guns and John Rambo - well, then the Blast Heroes simply HAVE to get the scoop. With the objective clearly in mind, Adam and I suited up for our mission and hopped into the Blast Mobile (AKA: a 2004 Nissan Sentra, that acts like it doesn't want to start every now and again.)

However, on our way to the downtown arcade, we realized before the mission could begin we were going to need to fuel up. A quick detour was made to the only logical option, Georgio's Pizza by the Slice. Eating Georgio's pie makes you feel like a ninja turtle. Partially because it's thin New York style and partially because the pizza is about the size of a man hole cover. Adam and I killed an entire extra large between the two of us, N-B-F-D. We did it because we have to; it's simply the Blast Heroes way.

Now that we were more powerful and full of the fighting spirit that only a ridiculous amount of pizza can provide, we could focus on our mission.


We were excited about playing the game (we REALLY like light gunners) but more than a little weary of the depressing feeling a modern arcade can bring. Especially since we still have vivid memories of the glory days burning in our minds. Rows upon rows of fighters, shooters and beat em ups all with lines of anxious gamers waiting with bated breath to play. Needless to say, that time is long gone and arcades have all but faded away. As I was saying earlier, the GameWorks is the only thing Indy has that comes close to a actual arcade and even it, most times of the day is all but empty. It's enough to make a hero shed one lone burning tear.

The Blast Heroes appreciate what GameWorks is doing however; the fact that we can jump into our car and go play the new Rambo shooter, probably a twenty or so thousand dollar cab is pretty awesome. Plus - they actually host some fighting game tourneys (although not in an official capacity) and have a Third Strike cab (although its condition could be best described as near-haggard.)

As we approached the gates of the GameWorks, we noted the new Rambo cab is conveniently positioned right by the entrance. The cab its self is pretty straight forward. Big and black with orange flame and bullet graphics scattered about, remotely (shutter) Harley Davidson-ish. It's the exact same cab as another SEGA light gunner, House of the Dead 4, only retooled for the Rambo theme. There are some cool details on the cab worth mentioning: the marquee is a multi-layered plastic sign with the first piece being the Rambo logo and the second a fiery explosion. A lot of newer games have been using this technique and it looks great. Also, just above where the olive green guns rest is a cool little lighting fixture that flashes and fades to create a interesting flame effect. Speaking of the guns, they are fucking awesome; really substantial feeling in your hands and have tons of kick when you fire.


Moving on to the game itself - the first thing we noticed is that it's very much rooted in the Rambo II and III story arc, with the game's mission laid out via full-motion clips from the movies. The best thing about these video clips is Sega's choice to insert an awkward Japanese narrator on the track who practically speaks in tongues over the film dialogue about the sorrow and anguish of war. Seriously, one of the lines from the narration is "with heavy sorrow upon his shoulders, Rambo goes into the next battle alone." (for a two player arcade gun game, that's a bit deep don't you think dudes?)

The gameplay is straight forward light gun fare: shit-tons of baddies fill the screen and slowly draw their guns before you blast them in the neck head face chest dick arm gut back ass or wherever else your constant stream of bullets happen to land. It's pretty mindless at times, but mindless is good every now and again.

It's not all totally aim and shoot though, there are some unique elements to the game. First, you have what is referred to as a "Rage Meter" that builds with each kill until you set it off by pressing an additional trigger towards the front of the gun. When you set that fucker off - it's on: ARRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! John Rambo's voice comes blaring through the speakers, for a moment you are given full invincibility and your machine gun upgrades to a more powerful model allowing the kills to really start to flow. Adam and I were finding it difficult not to emulate the scream at maximum volume in the arcade but in the interest of not kicking kicked out or scaring the little kids who were darting about, we bit our tounges. In addition to the Rage Meter, there are also quite a few quick time events scattered throughout the game. They usually involve taking one crucial shot with John's explosive tipped arrows, but sometimes require you to mash out on the start button to kick some dudes ass by hand or run from an explosion. With each completed QTE the game narrator pops on with a slightly-engrishy: "ah-success-a."


One of our favorite missions in the game requires you to "sneak" into the enemy base to free Colonel Sam, who is by being tortured by a dude with a flamethrower donning a fire-retardant suit. Once you locate Sam, you have to take out his torturer. Before the battle begins, the boss utters a timeless quote "Ha ha ha, I am the barbecue and your the meat!" good stuff.

It's a Rambo video arcade game: big, loud, dumb and very awesome. Really though, how could it not be...

I joked, as Adam and I gathered ourselves after completing the mission, the sequel should be based on the most recent Rambo film and include the copious amounts of blood and guts therein. Also, the game itself should be attached to the back of a military jeep that you must climb into in order to mount the giant turret machine gun used to play the game. Sounds good huh?