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     The story itself would make for a great live action movie! There are just some really complex moments and deep themes that truly flesh out the characters in the tale. Guts’ relationship with Griffith, one of true bond, friendship and brotherhood, is tested to the limits. Griffith, the perfect soldier whose perfection is really a cover for his imperfect ways is a ideal companion and antagonist to Guts, whose limitations are actually his strengths. Their bond drives this tale, but there is really another bond that gives the series its heart. Caska, the woman who is Griffith’s second in command an antisocial, despite a close relationship with Griffith that has been tested over the years. Suddenly, although unknowingly and without wanting to, Caska, the strong woman, lets her guard down at times with Guts and becomes closer to him as the tale goes on. Because of the tension that certainly exists between the two characters, you really want to see the two get together.

     These plots along with the theme of taking one’s own destiny, and not listening to fate, run throughout the shows, even as the series takes a more demonic turn. Everything that happens does so for a reason and each conflict, its resolution and further conflict flows smoothly from one episode to the next until we get to a cliffhanger of a final episode that will leave your mouth open-mouthed, angered at no true resolution and at the same time, imprinting the series into your mind, never to be forgotten, one day hoping for a true resolution.

     True anime fans should have Berserk in their collections. A second series is rumored, but until then, many unanswered questions could be answered in the most unlikely of places a videogame.

The Tale Continues

     Sword of the Berserk: Gut’s Rage came out for the now defunct Sega Dreamcast from Eidos. The game seems to follow the storyline from the series and could be a nice continuation if a second series is never realized. Guts and Caska are now together, but while Guts loves the woman who once tested his patience, he is basically alone in his constant search for his true destiny and a cure for Caska’s sudden insanity. Scarred by events from the anime series, Caska is no longer the feared and respected leader she used to be. Timid and fearful of those around her, Caska is a shell of her former self and Guts does all the work against God’s Hand’s forces. Guts has also changed, branded with a mark that acts like a radar to the minions of God’s Hand, he also has a berserker rage that is triggered by the mark at certain times in battle. This comes in handy when the odds seem stacked up against him.

     Guts and Caska travel to a region ravaged by years of war and famine and discover a plague is sweeping the land, turning ordinary people into demonic beasts. Guts is embroiled in this latest conquest that may him the answers he needs about Caska and possibly Griffith as well.

     This is an awesome game with some of the best cinematic scenes ever used at the time. In fact, at over an hour’s worth of cinema, it feels as if there is more movie than gameplay, but you do have your share of the fun, hacking and slicing your way through beasts and armies with a seven foot blade in hand. Never have I had so much fun killing people (except for Grand Theft Auto). The game is really not much of a masterpiece in gameplay, really just a hack and slash battle from one level to the next, but it is a lot of fun, really nice to look at and not withstanding some graphical setbacks, is one of the best games for the system and a great way to keep the outstanding series alive.

     While some people may not exactly know what Berserk is, once you read watch the anime and play the videogame, Berserk will be one of the most memorable titles you have ever seen. Put your Pokemon away and play with the big boys. Stick a seven foot blade in it, this review is done.

     Send your comments and or questions to JMinners@ybfree.com.

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