The nostalgia of the Looney Tunes universe speed dashes onto the new generation of gaming for a comical character barrage
August 28, 2007 – Does the name Merry Melodies mean anything to you? Well, unless you were born last night, nearly every generation knows of what is commonly known as the Looney Tunes! These delightfully colorful, comedic legends have been touching the hearts of the world since the early 1950s, from the black and white days of old to the special effects driven silver screen alongside high caliber celebrities like Michael Jordan.
The Looney Tunes were not only a bundle of laughs for kids, but it also depicted an era in America’s time which makes it, in some ways, a very noticeable piece of America’s historical culture. Since the origin of the Looney Tunes, a wide assortment of characters has been introduced, each contributing to the already great cast of hilarious characters. Since then, a barrage of cameos, memorabilia, toys, and accessories have been made in their Looney likenesses. The loveable Looney Tunes have also had a fair share of the spotlight in the gaming community, and after a brief stint, the Looney Tunes are well on their way to the new generation of gaming and this time they have brought ACME products with them.
The story is simple enough to get things moving. The Evil Mad Scientist is using an ACME eraser to go back in time and erase all the Looney Tunes from existing in the future. Little does he know that Bugs and Marvin the Martian have constructed their own time machine to travel after him and foil his plans. This leads the Looney Tune cast in an adventurous romp through the Looney Tunes universe and possibly to the 24th and a half century, if we’re lucky.
ACME Arsenal’s story mode is going to backtrack you through nine different locations. As you travel through time, expect to rescue Pharaoh Bugs from Egypt and meet colonel Foghorn Leghorn in World War I’s time frame. Playing through the game the first time will force you to only play with the two characters you’ve been dealt. After you play through a second time, you can play with the characters you’ve unlocked through your previous play through. Some of the characters you can unlock are Bugs, Marvin, Daffy, and Gossamer. It will also include alternate versions of the characters, such as the Green Core’s Duck Lantern, Daffy Hood, Super Bugs, and a cast of others.
ACME Arsenal will play in a third person perspective, and as you travel back in time you’re going to constantly encounter various enemies. Yet, if you’ve ever watched a Looney Tunes episode, you know those laughable Loonies are never defenseless. You possess both long distance and close quarter combat techniques which manifest in the form of chain guns, rocket launchers, or the classic boxing glove shot from a spring loaded gun. Melee combos can be used also, and they’re powered by defeating enemies as you play the game. Switching between melee and long ranged weapons are seamless just like in true cartoon fashion. At the press of a button, you can pull a giant chain gun from your back pocket or quickly stuff it back to switch to a spring-loaded-boxing-glove hammer.
Don’t think your going to be running through the game like Rambo all the time though. Things will be spiced up by having at least three racing missions. For instance one mission displayed Foghorn and the Tasmanian Devil riding tandem in a two seated motorcycle. As the loud duo drive hectically through the World War I setting, it is up to you to guide them through the war torn world at breakneck speed. As you jump sand bags, and dodge enemy robots, the camera will change to a side view perspective as the dock you’re riding on begins to crumble beneath you due to a raging enemy submarine forcing you to speed to the right side of the screen. It looks really fun and fast paced and breaks away from the monotony of the standard levels.
The Looney Tunes: ACME Arsenal is looking really fun so far. The gameplay is simple pick up and play action, and it is a game you and your family can play together easily. I grew up with the Looney Tunes so I’m, personally, looking forward to reviewing this game when it arrives October. So look for my review soon!
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