Crisis Beat is a fast-paced 3D beat ’em up developed by Soft Machine and released for the PlayStation in 1998. Set aboard a hijacked ocean liner called the Princess of the Ocean, players select from a roster of anime-styled characters to brawl their way through terrorist forces. The game stands out for its fully 3D movement, fluid combo system, and the ability to counter-attack enemies using a dedicated lock-on grappling mechanic, bringing a fresh cinematic flair to the classic arcade brawler formula.
How to Play
The goal is to fight your way through the ship’s decks, clearing out waves of enemies and defeating the boss at the end of each stage. Navigate the 3D environments using the Arrow keys (D-pad), and perform attacks with the face buttons mapped to your keyboard (typically Z, X, A, and S for Cross, Circle, Square, and Triangle). Use Enter for Start to pause or join in. You can combine light and heavy strikes, use environmental objects as weapons, and grab staggered enemies to unleash powerful throws.
Tips
- Make frequent use of the counter mechanic; pressing the grab button just as an enemy strikes allows you to instantly turn the tables and avoid taking damage.
- Objects in the environment, like chairs and tables, can be thrown into crowds to clear space when you are surrounded.
- Each of the four characters has a unique playstyleโfor instance, Eiji is balanced and easy for beginners, while Julia relies more on speed and agility. Experiment with the roster to find which fighter suits your approach.
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