Fuzion Frenzy


Fuzion Frenzy

Developer: Blitz Games
Publisher: Microsoft Games

Release Date: 11/14/2001

ESRB: E

Setting: futuristic

Released when the X-Box was first new, Fuzion Frenzy is one of those party games that you can just sit around and play your friends for hours upon end - and have one hell of a lot of fun playing!

There really is no story behind it. You choose a character from the 6 given you: Dub, the music junkie from Ireland; Samson, a tough guy who wants to prove he's just as much brain as he is brawn; Geena, the skateboarding, snowboarding girl who wants to prove she is good at something other than a board; Zak, the young, blue-haired, kid who's out to prove age, as well as size, don't matter; Naomi, who's out to prove herself and gain the love of the fans; and finally Jet, who is out to prove that she is just as good as her sister, a former player in the Fuzion Frenzy games.

There is a big city made of 6 sections. After choosing, you go into a tournament of different mini-games and battles with the hope of being the winner.

There are 2 different types of gameplay: Tournament Mode, in which you pick a character, the number of rounds you want, and go through different parts of the big city taking part in the mini-games (all of which are randomly chosen). The person who wins most mini-games the wins the tournament. Then there is mini-game Frenzy, my personal favorite, were you choose your players, and go right into playing any mini-game you want.

In this game, there are many different types of mini-games. Rolling Ball Mini-games, Ice Car Mini-games, Firework Mini-games, Music Mini-games, Demolition Mini-games, Tail Mini-games, Pod Mini-games, Tank Mini-games, Hopper Mini-games, Splat Mini-games, Jet Boat Mini-games, and Orb Mini-games. That may seem like a lot to explain yet it's only the beginning. There are 12 types of mini-games, but within each type there are at least 12 or more variations on each game. And the best part is - every game is already unlocked! No need to plow your way through to unlock games for you and your friends to play. You get it all right away! I do wish the game had come out after the release of X-Box live. This would be a superb X-Box live game.

The graphics in this game are sufficient for the gameplay. The characters are pretty cool, each sporting their own color. For example, Dub is all in green, while Zak is seen in Yellow. The UI is fairly simple. The controls scheme for each mini-game is given to you right before the game, though they can be difficult as the controls are different depending on the type of game you play. For example, you may need to move your player around in a Tank with the control stick, while in another game you may just need to jump and duck by pressing A or B.

The music is fast paced and fun, really keeping you pumped up to match the speed of the game. The only annoyance is the lame and cheesy quotes that your player or other players yell out after winning a game - over and over again. Also, the announcer's voice is pretty annoying. Every time before a game, he yells, "3...2...1.GO!" Though I understand why it's there, some variation would have been less annoying.

Like the controls, the difficulty varies according to the game you are playing. Some games are a little too easy, while some of them can be pretty hard. Yet, due to the very nature of the game and the speed at which it moves it's very dependent on your dexterity and speed.

The levels and environments, though very small, are also very good. Sometimes you'll be playing in a train station, sometimes you'll find yourself on top of a giant fan, and sometimes you'll be competing on a giant floating patch of ice.

Personally, I loved this game from the moment I began playing until the end. I especially liked that it could be fun whether you are playing alone, or with friends. Watch out when playing with friends though, it can become rather competitive. Being part of the budget line and only $20, it's fun and inexpensive. If you've got the dexterity, I definitely suggest you pick it up.

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About the Author, Kevin (A.K.A 6sh0tocelot)

I am currently a 22 year old college student at Salem State College in Salem, Mass. I hope to graduate with a degree in history and go on to become a high school teacher. I have the best friends ever (better than yours) and would hate to live without them. I work at Stop & Shop ... and I hate it.

I like videogames FAR too much. I play them too much, spend too much money on them ... and I LOVE IT! There is no single videogame type that I don't like, and I am willing to play anything. Games are a big part of my life (and my wallet). Metal Gear Solid is by far my favorite videogame of all time, and to this day, I don't feel as if any other game can top the story, character design or atmosphere that any of the Metal Gear Solid games show us.