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One Piece: Grand Battle

by Josh Max - July 5, 2011, 6:50 pm EDT
Total comments: 6

Being King of the Pirates isn't as easy as you'd think. . .  

Recently I acquired a copy of One Piece: Grand Battle. I’d heard a little about it when it was originally released and was instantly enticed by the game’s cel shading and aesthetic style presented on the box alone. When I booted up the game on the ol’ Wii, I can say that I wasn’t entirely disappointed.

Despite the odd opening (the rap from the first English dub) and sometimes strange voice acting, the game is a treat to play. With its distinct visual style, Grand Battle can draw in people who aren’t familiar with the series, while tantalizing those who are. With most of the characters from the beginning of the series as playable or support characters, there are enough choices and combinations to keep most battles from becoming stale. Unfortunately, to keep the game going, you need to learn how to use a character to their full potential.

Arlong's "Shark and Awe" attack vs. Nami's big ol' staff.

To master any character or their moveset, you must go to the “Training” section of the game. Although it’s possible for a player to beat the game with nothing but button mashing, the game does reward those who know special moves. After completing a training session with a character, players should be able to do exactly what they want when fighting through each character’s “story”. All of the moves are easy enough to pull off, along with each character’s finishing moves. The response time is quick and very few times have I ever gone “What?! But I pressed that button!” Overall though, the game does exactly what it’s told.

Come at me, bro.

This can be extremely rewarding to those who are fans of the series. Each character’s signature moves are available for the player’s pummeling pleasure. In addition, before each fight, the two characters have an exchange, usually giving the reasons for the fight. Some are taken directly from the show while others are imagined for the game (like Kuro vs. Arlong). With five different difficulties, completely beating the solo Adventure mode is a challenge in itself. Along with a plethora of unlockables, including new characters, this is a game that keeps on giving.

Like how a clown gives knives to a swordsman with three swords.

Overall, One Piece: Grand Battle a sound fighting game even for people who have never seen the show, but for those who have, the game is a real treat, both visually and gameplay-wise. Give it a try next time you see a used copy.

Images

Talkback

CericJuly 05, 2011

I think those screens looks odd.  Like they characters got stuck halfway from transforming to Chibi.

MataataJuly 05, 2011

I loved that game, was really fun.
+1

I had a lot of fun with this game as a kid. Thanks for bringing back those memories.

farnhamJuly 06, 2011

buy onepiece treasure battle

http://www.ncsx.com/2002/ncs102802/Thursday/one_piece_treasure_battle_front.jpg

the best one piece game ever

Strangely enough, this game is a retooling of the 4th Grand Battle game in Japan, known as One Piece GuraBato-RUSH. From what I understand several minigames and characters were removed, but new ones were added in to the English version.
Feel like doing a comparison piece Josh?

NWR_JoshJosh Max, Associate EditorJuly 06, 2011

I would love to get my hands on that game! Nothing like a One Piece fighter to get the blood pumping.

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