MindArms is a 2004 Freeware release. It is a very basic Japanese-style fighting game with a very short learning curve, simple controls, and a game concept that anyone can fathom. It can be played as a single player game, or in a two-player format.
The premise behind the MindArms style of futuristic fighting is using mental thoughts and images to conjure physical damage out of the air and direct it towards the hero's assailants. By channeling thoughts and emotions, such as anger or the feeling of being threatened, the hero could create physical power to reflect that mental power and truly send enemies flying.
There are a total of five anime characters from which the gamer can choose, representing both genders in the classic slender anime style. Each character has his or her own strengths and weaknesses, and a special attack that requires adequate power…ala the Mortal Kombat style power meter in the corner. Also displayed is the exact percentage of health remaining to the anime fighter, which is helpful in tense battles.
There are only a couple of keys necessary to formulate most of the attacks in MindArms, but the AI is both savvy and aggressive and the user will have to vary the attack sequences in order to take the computer adversaries off guard. The difference in fighting styles and special attacks will tempt the gamer to
experiment with different characters, but as is true of every fighting game, he or she will inevitably settle on a favorite and become a master of the hero’s controls and special maneuvers. The characters and their attacks are fluidly animated and look like crazy balls of color as they perform their offensives. The backdrops are nicely done and are also colorful and interesting. The sound, however, is standard fighting game noise. Grunt, groan, aha! and thud. There is little beyond that to entertain or annoy the user. This is similar in style to Fighters Kyodotai.
MindArms is definitely worth the download. It is a basic fighting game, but there are enough combos and special moves to master that it doesn’t PLAY like a basic fighting game. It should provide hours of fun and competition to the gamer.
