Ai Choaniki

~ AI CHOANIKI ~

NCS/Masaya

Super CD-ROM

1995

This is an atypical shooter, and I don't just mean in the most overt way. I'm sure everyone knows about the bodybuilding element by this point, but if you're not acquainted with the series, take one look at this...

...and now you've got the idea. But the thing here that will capture the serious shooter fan's attention is the control scheme. In order to pull off attacks that can dent the stronger enemies, you have to input Street-Fighter-esque combinations: back-forward-II, quarter-circle-II, and so on. Your bodybuilder flings star dust, performs spin-slaps, and blows the enemy away with the devastating MEN'S BEAM. I didn't expect this game to play very well, but executing the techniques seems pretty natural after just a short time, although it never quite feels perfect. (Pulling off a fighting-game move while you're flying around and dodging stuff can prove to be a little tricky.)

If the gameplay doesn't do it for you, the superficials probably will. This game has some of the most appealing visuals that I've seen in a PC Engine shooter, in fact. You visit typical locations like forests, oceans, and outer space, but they're jaw-droppingly beautiful here. There are also plenty of huge, well-drawn foes to deal with. And I won't even attempt to describe the music except to say that it's eclectic and quite crazy (and definitely in a good way).

The disappointing thing about Ai is that it's very easy. Once you have the moves down, you'll be flying right through the stages, and it takes only one look at any given boss (and its respective attack repertoire) to figure out exactly how to beat it. Also, there are only four stages to get through. Granted, they're all split into sub-levels and contain multiple bosses, but they still constitute a very short trip.

And I guess the theme won't be for everyone, but you might be surprised at how much you end up enjoying the game. A buddy of mine was reluctant to purchase it, but when I finally persuaded him to and he powered it up, he yelled out "SEXY DYNAMITE!" within ten seconds and has been a big fan ever since. See, there's a euphoric feeling, a sense of both bewilderment and amusement, that goes along with experiencing Ai Choaniki's genius for the first time. It's short and easy, but if you'll be whipping it out every now and then to let friends experience the fun too, it can have pretty decent replay value. Otherwise, it'll probably be a one-day-and-out affair.