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GBA | Action | Astro Boy: Omega Factor

Boxart for Astro Boy: Omega Factor
Astro Boy: Omega Factor 42 screen shots
  • GRAPHICS: 4.5
  • SOUND: 4.0
  • CONTROL: 4.5
  • FUN FACTOR 4.5
  • AVG USER SCORE 5.0
  • AVG CRITIC SCORE 4.3
Winner of the GamePro Editor's Choice Award

Review: Astro Boy: Omega Factor

Review by Rice Burner | 08/16/2004 | 14:03:02 PM PST

A fitting homage to the late God of Manga

Just as Godzilla is the personification of natures brutal retribution on mankind for harnessing the destructive powers of the atom, Astro Boy personifies one man?s hope that mankind can overcome its inherent destructive traits through understanding and compassion.

Osamu Tezuka created Tetsuwan Atom (Astro Boy) in 1952 as a boy robot that uses his atomic abilities to protect the fabric of human civilization. Over the next 50 years, Astro Boy would evolve from a two-dimensional comic book character into an icon symbolizing the inherent integrity of humanity. Needless to say, Astro Boy has been long past due for a video-game incarnation.

Boy Robots in Hot Pants!
In Astro Boy: Omega Factor, players assume the role of Astro Boy as he sets off on a journey of self-discovery. Astro must protect those dearest to him, build up his Omega Factor by meeting various people?differentiating between good and evil?and discover the answers to an apocalyptic millennial mystery scattered throughout time.

Omega Factor is one of the best original handheld action/platform games to come around in a very long time and features both side-scrolling fighting and shooter levels. Astro has an extensive portfolio of abilities, including punch/kick combos, jet booster dashes, special EX powers, such as Finger Beams, Arm Cannon, Machine Gun, and EX Dashes, and upgradeable force characteristics. The graphics and sounds are superb?the graphics show only minor slow down when the action gets substantially too heavy.

Back to the Future
Additionally, Omega Factor?s replay factor is cleverly integrated into the progression of the game. Players will have to play through the game two and a half times to complete the side-quests, achieve the game?s true conclusion, and complete Astro Boy?s Omega Factor. The game is also the first to utilize Osamu Tezuka?s vast stable of unique individuals, featuring over 45 characters from his various works, including Ambassador Magma, Amazing Three, Black Jack, and Unico.

While heavy on Tezuka cameos and references, the uninitiated need not worry; Omega Factor stands up on its own gameplay merits. With over 16 levels, three levels of difficulty, and an engaging plot-oriented story rivaling most in-depth RPG games, Astro Boy: Omega Factor is highly recommended to all.


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