Butt Ugly Martians (GBA) (Butt Ugly Martians (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Butt Ugly Martians (GBA)
Date:	28/04/09 (3 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Graphics

Disadvantages: Short duration

"Butt Ugly Martians: B.K.M. Battles" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2002 by Vivendi Games. It is based on the computer animated television series of the same name. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

The story of this title follows three extra terrestrials, B-Bop, 2-T-Fru-T and Do-Wah-Diddy, who suggest an immediate hostile invasion of Earth and wish to be at the command of it. In reality, the martians are just seeking a holiday with no hostile intentions. The leader, disappointed with the lack of progress in their "invasion", sends a fleet of robot minions towards Earth to accelerate the process and it is the player's mission to destroy these robots and leave the Earth unharmed. Gameplay will be presented with a character selected martian controlling a flying space ship similar to a "Mech" from the popular "MechWarrior" series. The game handles very similarly to side scrolling shooters such as R-Type and will see the player dealing with an onslaught of assorted robots and collecting three keys per stage which will gain access to the exit. There are a total of seven levels and the game can seem very quick in duration because of this. Boss encounters are often simple as are the common robots which do not present much by the way of artificial intelligence. Each object attacks in a similar vein so it can become very predictable as to where an enemy will shoot from.

The graphics are presented as a side scrolling shooter games which allows full view of the area in play. Detailing is of a good standard with both the character and enemy detailing coming across as higher in quality. Enemies are often looped throughout which can become a slight bore visually, though. I also found the background scenes to be of a good standard but could have featured a greater abundance of collision objects to create more of a "maze" impression rather than simple guidance. The audio is of a higher standard featuring numerous electronic compositions, mostly of a dance variety, which compliments the fast paced nature of this game well. Sound effects are standard to most shooters with simple blasting effects which suits the game.

Overall, I would recommend BKM Battles to a prospective buyer. The idea of a side scrolling shooter is hardly innovative but does make for an enjoyable play regardless of character branding or sequels.

Summary: Thumbs up