Yes, the concept is a cheesy one, but it is a better dreamed up scenario than most low budget sci-fi films, so let’s just roll with it. What you should know is that Nanobreaker is a hack and slash fan’s delight. If you are into killing and destroying everything in sight, without the nuisances of puzzles and thinking to get in your way, then this game is right up your alley. Though that is where it is both good and bad. Sure it’s a fun beat ‘em up, but even with the added combo system and power ups, this game could use even more personality to spice up the later levels that feel similar to the earlier ones. For a mindless romp, you could do much worse than Nanobreaker, just as long as you know what is in store for you.

Visually, Nanobreaker supplies a quick and dirty hack and slash. The positives come in the unique character design, nicely conceived cut scenes, and oodles of red stuff. Now let me explain this clever little cover up. The developers want you to believe that all this goo that comes from your enemies and splatter all over the screen is oil, yes red oil. For the sake of argument, I’ll let the baby have their bottle, but I know better…blood…cough…it’s blood. Lastly, when you swish your sword, it gives off a cool transparent special effect that looks like the transporter to Stargate. Now the down side is that the level design is not very inspiring, and grows rather tiring. Some levels go on so long that you wish for the next level to come along so you can view a change of scenery. There is also a great amount of fog in the not too distant future, as whether you are indoors or outdoors, the fog is very evident. Overall, not the brilliant masterpiece one would think could come from a developer like Konami, but hey, maybe they were just saving their ideas for the Castlevania sequel.

Audio is a mixed and unusual bag. The voice-overs for the cut scenes are better than most sci-fi/horror games, but do not expect a a member of the academy looking for anyone to star in the next blockbuster film. The score surprisingly is not your techno slosh that usually plagues games of this genre. Expect melodic piano sympathies and orchestrated music to guide you through each level. The sound effects on the other hand are typical and forgettable.

The game plays as mentioned previously is your mindless hack and slash variety. There are hints of originality stemming from the “make your own combo” system, but otherwise the total use of your brain will not be necessary in this adventure. The combo system allows you to transform your weapon from typical sword to damaging battle device. These combos are helpful when tackling multiple enemies and boss battles. One thing is for certain, learn those most powerful combos, and you will have no problem completing this adventure. One nagging nuisance is when the camera goes from the “controllable behind the back view” to the “stuck in one angle/Resident Evil” view.

Nanobreaker will take a gamer a good few hours to go through. The story and ending are mostly worth the effort, but the steep $40 price tag may not be worth the effort. Another downer is there is no reason to take another journey, as there are no rewards or accomplishments to be made, unless you just have to get that extra gallon of blood…err…oil.

Konami delivers a hack and slash title that will not be remembered years from now, but it is at least an enjoyable adventure when you play it. Just do not go in expecting much, and you will have a good time playing through Nanobreaker.