Bomb Rush Cyberfunk Review: A Blast From The Past With A Modern Beat

A PC review code for "Bomb Rush Cyberfunk" was provided to SVG for this review. The game is available now on Nintendo Switch and PC.

Imagine skating through an urban playground, the wind rustling through your clothes. As you soar through the air and grind over rails, the world blurs into a cocktail of vibrant colors and graffiti, momentarily distracting you from the electronic beat pulsing in your ears. Suddenly, you're not just playing a game, you're living it. That sensation encapsulates the allure of "Bomb Rush Cyberfunk", a title that not only revives old-school 90s metropolis vibes but masterfully brings them to the modern era.

Drawing inspiration from its spiritual predecessor, "Jet Set Radio," "Bomb Rush Cyberfunk" serves as a nostalgic callback to the Dreamcast days. For those who maintain that the Dreamcast was ahead of its time, this game might just make you want to dust off the console and relive some of the best moments of yesteryear. But while nostalgia is one of its strong suits, this game is more than just a trip down memory lane.

From the outset, "Bomb Rush Cyberfunk" draws you into its world with a surprising and compelling hook. Players are introduced to "Red", a graffiti artist who's, well ... lost their head. As you take control of this character, now donning an AI robot head, the narrative unfolds with a surprising amount of depth and intrigue. Joining the Bomb Rush Crew, Red's journey isn't just about tagging walls. There's a mystery to be unraveled and challenges to overcome, making the storyline one of the game's unexpected gems.

The game's aesthetics are another strong point — and likely its biggest draw. With its vibrant, toon-shaded graphics, "Bomb Rush Cyberfunk" nails the 90s aesthetic that so many of us grew up with. Its semi-open world, bursting with urban culture, feels alive and makes for a graffiti-filled joyride. But the world isn't just a pretty backdrop; it's a massive playground for players to explore, grinding on rails, scaling structures, and leaping from platform to platform with the help of Red's trusty boost pack. The fluidity and dance-like movement within the game easily evoke memories of "Jet Set Radio" but stand distinctively on its own.

The gameplay mechanics offer a rich experience. From grinding, using inline skates, skateboards, and BMX bikes, the game provides variety. Each mode introduces a set of tricks and animations, ensuring that players are always on their combo-creation toes. Adding depth to these mechanics is the "rep" system, a testament to your street cred. Spray more, and watch your rep climb, unlocking intense crew battles that further the story. This isn't exactly "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater," but it has plenty to offer that fans of the skating genre will be well familiar with.

However, the game isn't without its imperfections. The combat mechanics, particularly in aerial-based battles, can sometimes feel a tad unrefined. Challenges arise with the occasionally finicky camera, which, during key moments, can detract from the overall combat experience. This issue is particularly evident during high-octane battles, demanding precision and quick reflexes.

Despite these hiccups, "Bomb Rush Cyberfunk" is more than just its gameplay. It's a celebration of creativity and rebellion, paying homage to a time gone by — one that SEGA has (for some reason) decided to leave untouched. The dynamic police response system introduces an exciting challenge within a challenge. The more havoc you wreak, the stronger the police response, ensuring that you always have to strategize and adapt. (But, surely, you've learned how to manage this sort of system over the years thanks to "GTA," right?)

"Bomb Rush Cyberfunk" is a fascinating blend of the past and the present. While it borrows heavily from its predecessors, it adds its own unique twist to the mix while far outdoing other titles that fell short of being the next "Jet Set Radio." Some areas need refinement, but the overall package is solid. As a final verdict, the game earns a well-deserved 8 out of 10. It's not just a game; it's a rhythm-infused journey through a world of creativity and rebellion. And if you're looking to immerse yourself in that world, "Bomb Rush Cyberfunk" is definitely worth the trip.