Review Fix chats with video game designer EA Gray, who breaks down his new iOS Rhythm/Beat-em-up game, “Hip Hop Berserker.†From the wacky story and silky control, the attention to detail is obvious, making “Hip Hop Berserker†one of our favorite new games of 2014.
Featuring over 20 levels of combat, the game centers around Saro and Carter on their quest to save Hip Hop from the evil Hu Man Dong. Created by Gray, the D.C. cartoonist known for his hilarious indie cartoon, “Kung Fu Kintae,†“Hip Hop Berserker†features cut-scenes that will immediately remind old fans of Gray’s pop culture-infused work.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for the game?
EA Gray: Hip Hop Berserker was heavy inspired by Samurai Champloo, the anime series. I saw the show for the first time about 3 years ago and I thought it was incredible how they mixed Hip Hop music with the setting of the Edo period in Japan. Any fan of anime will definitely notice the similarities between Samurai Champloo and Hip Hop Berserker. I won’t lie, the core concept of Hip Hop Berserker was thought up after a night of heavy bong rips.
Review Fix: What was the development process like?
Gray: Incredibly difficult, but fun. A lot of sleepless hours. This being my first game, I have a deep appreciation for video game developers because the process can be daunting. Orian Livnat of LivGames (a great mobile game developer) consulted and hooked me up with a very talented team: Greta Schimmel (artist) and Patrick Wolowicz (designer/programmer-subzero.eu Software). The music was produced by two underground Hip Hop producers: Brock Berrigan (New York) and Kyo Itachi (France). I found them on the internet and basically just asked if they’d want to produce music for a game. I handled animation, voice-work, and some design as well. Finally, we were lucky enough to get DeStorm Power to be a part of the project. I’ve always been a fan of his so it seemed like a natural fit. He played an early build of the game and became a fan; he’s also helping us promote the game. Time-wise, Hip Hop Berserker took about 9 months to complete; bug fixes and all, but I think the team is very happy with the end result. We’ll continue to do updates in the future as well.
Review Fix: How is it different from other rhythm/beat-em-ups?
Gray: Fluidity and control. When the player swipes up, Saro jumps. Swipe down, Saro ducks and so on. Most rhythm games put you in control of an instrument and have you follow the notes. Most beat-em ups just have your character kicking the absolute crap out of enemies without rhythm being a factor. Hip Hop Berserker is an awesome amalgamation of the two. This was purposely intended to make the player feel like they are Saro. The gameplay is very smooth and plays so well along with the rhythm of the music. I haven’t seen any other game do that, especially any game based around Hip Hop music.
Review Fix: Tells us a little about the story. What are the characters like?
Gray: Hip Hop Berserker takes place in the fictional world of Jubbland; a world where Hip Hop is an actual Goddess. The people who protect Her are known as “Berserkers†and are given a beat-producing goblin that can transform into a sword. The main characters are Saro and Carter.
Saro is a young Berserker (about 18 years old); very gifted, but very stupid. The type of kid who would try to run away from the cops at night wearing glow-in-the-dark Skechers.
Carter is a cranky, cockneyed, foul-mouthed goblin who isn’t sure whether or not he slightly dislikes being Saro’s Hip Hop goblin or absolutely hates it. The two have a very funny love/hate relationship.
Review Fix: What do you think is the game’s most endearing quality?
Gray: The art. Greta Schimmel did an incredible job of capturing the feel of Hip Hop and Japanese culture. I haven’t heard one complaint about it. As the voice of all the characters I should be very partial to the story, but Greta’s artwork really outshines everything.
Review Fix: How would you pitch this game to someone who doesn’t play video games?
Gray: Damn-That’s like pitching the benefits of masturbation to a Nun.
Look, video games are a form of art. Simple as that. I know there’s a lot of debate about the subject, but everyone who feels otherwise is just wrong. Art is a form of expression intended to evoke emotion and video games are a perfect example of that. Just look at the game The Last of Us. Not only was the gameplay fun, but the story nearly brought tears to my eyes. I personally will not play a game unless it has a story or gives me (and the character I’m controlling) a sense of purpose. That being said, there is so much about Hip Hop Berserker to appreciate: The gameplay, the artwork, the music, the story…just play it. It’s 99 freakin’ cents.
Review Fix: How do you want this game to be remembered?
Gray: As the best damn rhythm/action game. Period.
Review Fix: Are there any plans for a sequel?
Gray: If this game does well enough and gets the credit it deserves, absolutely. Otherwise, I’m pretty sure it’ll be hard to design another game out of a cardboard box.
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