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GetAmpedPreviewed By: Kirk Hiner Preview Date: July 26, 2002
There have been a few times in life where I've happened across something really cool, and I had the wits to recognize it as such. I was first exposed to Mystery Science Theater 3000 this way, catching it briefly while flipping channels at a Chicago hotel, but having the sense to go back and watch what would become a powerful (but brief) pop culture phenomenon. The same thing happened with The Powerpuff Girls. At first, I just thought it looked cool, kind of quirky. It's only a few seasons later, and now its made it to the big screen.
The game, I would quickly learn, is GetAmped, developed by the Japanese company CyberStep. This company also created Keel, a Java development kit in which GetAmped is written. In its full version, GetAmped is a network 3D battle action game to which 500 people can connect at once, fighting battles in groups of eight people. Actually, that's selling it short. There's plenty more to do here than just fight, but the Mac OS X version doesn't yet support these features. Currently, Mac users can download the single player version only, which gives them access to just the fighting portion (although LAN play is currently supported). That's the bad news. The good news is that this version is free. Once the full version is available for Mac OS X, gamers will be able to take advantage of the more advanced features of GetAmped. For the most part, this means more game options. Not content to just let you fight, CyberStep has thrown in many variations such as World Cup, which is basically combat soccer. Sounds like a major improvement to me. Other sports such as basketball and volleyball get this treatment as well.
While fighting, there are over 40 weapons at your disposal, including bats, bombs, bazookas, and many other items that don't begin with B, such as swords and monkey wrenches. Winning the battles basically requires outlasting your opponents. In Dogfight, for example, you win if you get eight kills, and you're out if you die ten times. Once you start winning the battles, you'll be awarded with "presents," which are basically weapons that you can keep. You'll start each future battle with them, but they can taken from you and used against you. Fighting also takes place across different maps, including a karate gym, jungle, shrine, and rooftops. The action flows nicely in each, but if you want a little more speed, you can always remove your armor and fight like a real cartoon character. You'll gain more speed, but you will also be more vulnerable to attack.
So, when will the full English version be available for Mac OS X? Hopefully by the end of this year. CyberStep is currently seeking a publisher for the game, and they're considering different payment options for the full, online multiplayer options. Most likely, a monthly/quarterly/yearly fee will be charged. GetAmped still needs a few tweaks to be ready for prime time, mostly in the interface; the controls are somewhat awkward, and the set-up screens are confusing to navigate. However, these issues don't detract from the fun. You can download the free version now and start practicing. The GetAmped website contains a lot of useful information and tips, along with more screen captures and a movie clip. Those who can read Japanese are a bit better off at this point, but hey...use this as an excuse to learn a little. After all, nothing bring people together faster than good, wholesome, clean cut bazooka fights.
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More recently, this happened to me at Macworld Expo New York. After scouting the larger booths of Aspyr, MacPlay, and such, I started to investigate the Mac OS X game arcade. For the most part, it was stuff I'd already played or had already viewed at the developers' booths. But then I was caught by something that just seemed a little more striking than the rest. I could immediately tell it was a fighting game, which usually doesn't interest me, but this one seemed to have a bit more flair. The graphics were sharp and crisp, like those of anime, and the action seemed intense and cute at the same time.
There will also be more fighting options, including Team Battle, Battle Royal, Dog Fight and more. Of course, these aren't the only variations. The fighters can be customized as well, using either the hair, face, and body options in the game, or by creating your own. While Rui and Yasuyo of CyberStep were showing the game to me, one fighter online from Japan was a using a Winnie the Pooh character of his/her own creation. It really changes your perspective on life to see Pooh wielding a bazooka. To create your own characters, you'll need to use the proprietary program called SkinMaker, which will be included in the full version. There are different styles of fighting as well, including spy, armor, and plenty of others.
It's odd, really, as I wouldn't normally think a game rooted in fighting could be so charming. The diverse collection of characters are cute, however, and players seemed to be having fun with them as I watched from New York. A couple had even walked off to the side and just chatted as the others fought. Aside from being cute, the characters are also well animated. Their movements hold true to anime style, and are finessed with interesting touches such as the way their hands grow larger when they're punching someone. GetAmped is almost as much fun to watch as it is to play.