Astro Boy finally arrives, and it's a true reminder of how great 2D gaming is, and can be. Based on the hugely popular series created by Dr. Osamu Tezuka, Astro Boy centers on a robotic boy created by a scientist after he experiences a horrible accident. The Astro Boy franchise is a international phenomenon and gave birth to what is now known as anime today. Astro Boy -- known as Tetsuwan Atom in Japan -- started out in comic form and soon moved on to television. Now it is time for our beloved hero to conquer another media, this one being interactive entertainment.

The Japanese version was loosely translated as Astro Boy: Secret of Astro’s Heart, instead of Omega Factor for the US release. Both subtitles are identical in meaning in the game, but I feel the previous gives a clearer picture of the most interesting aspect of this game. As you progress, you meet various characters that they are added to the Omega Factor once Astro Boy understands the reasons for their behavior. This is not limited to just heroic or misunderstood characters, but also includes evil ones as well. This Omega Factor is represented by hexagonal squares that branch off in four different directions with Astro Boy being in the center. The four directions are labeled tenderness, bravenes, justice, and evil; with each character once found you see how Astro Boy views them. Now every time you add a person to the Omega Factor, you can power up one of six abilities, which include:

Life: This increases vitality to withstand attacks.

Punch: Increase the amount of damage a single punch can do.

Laser: Upgrades your finger laser.

Shot: Increase the amount of shots your machine gun-like weapon can make.

Jet: This allows added jet boots so you can dodge more attacks, and reach higher areas.

Sensor: One to not be overlooked, they help Astro fully explore his surrounding.

Astro Boy’s story on the Game Boy Advance borrows heavily from the new show currently airing on TV, and the older episodes from the 60's and 80's. Believe me when I say that the story is fantastic. Many times I was wowed at the plot, and how it twisted and turned. This was not a game where I rapidly pressed the A buttton to progress through the dialog. This came as a very welcome surprise.


Ouch!

At its core, Astro Boy: Omega Factor is a side scrolling, beat-em up. You have your standard punch attack, which when rapidly pressed becomes a small combo. The player can also combine this combo with a kick or a shot from your finger laser by just pressing up or down on the plus pad. Where it starts to get interesting is that when you dash, you are invincible, but this takes a lot of timing to master. You also come equipped with a EX gauge that once filled by defeating enemies, will allow you to perform EX attacks which include a EX dash, EX shot (machine gun that pauses the action when activated), and a EX arm cannon. These attacks do huge amounts of damage, and are significant to your survival in this game.


Bring it on!

Breaking up the fighting are levels where Astro Boy takes to the air, and uses his finger. These stages easily fit the moniker of a shooter. You are still able to dash, and do all the EX moves mentioned above. These levels are a nice break, and if it wasn't for that handy invincible dash, it could have become very frustrating.