The fullest possible title for this game is: Tales of Game's Presents Chef Boyardee's Barkley, Shut Up and Jam: Gaiden, Chapter 1 of the Hoopz Barkley SaGa... but that just seems too silly to reproduce in full.
The game takes on from a game called Barkley: Shut Up and Jam! which was a sporting title featuring basketballer Charles Barkley. This is an RPG set in the future... which features basketballer Charles Barkley.
Barkley, the only one capable of pulling off a move reported to be as powerful as a 150 megaton nuclear blast - once performed the dreaded Chaos Dunk. The result was everyone present died instantly and basketball was outlawed. Years later Barkley lives with his son, along with the shame and regret of his past actions.
It's a pretty heavy game - if you can get past the ridiculous title, ludicrous setting and often times hilarious dialogue. Apart from that; the sarcastic game-hating "vidcon" save points and the bizarre characters, its emotion - mainly shown through Barkley - is one of bitterness. Bitterness which he is all too eager to display.
Needless to say, the game is not for kids. Even if it wasn't an RPG, the setting is crammed with backstory and in-jokes from a bygone era, rendering the entire thing a lost joke on children. Couple that with some swearing and you've got a game targeted at a very specific demographic. That age group will hands-down love this game.
To put it mildly: I think its excellent. Less RPGs of this quality should be set in make-believe lands. More should focus on characters we can relate to. This is tightly scripted and well thought out. The only thing I worry about is when the sequel comes around - and I hope that's soon - how long will
its title be?
Parents be warned: The game features dialogue of a mature nature, and is not recommended for younger players.
Our Review For Barkley, Shut Up And Jam: Gaiden
