Ra Ra Boom is a colorful side-scrolling brawler from Gylee Games that mixes the spirit of Saturday morning cartoons with the action-heavy energy of classic beat ’em ups. On PlayStation 5, the game aims to stand out with its anime-inspired art direction, all-female cast of cybernetic ninjas, and a campaign that pits players against hordes of enemies in both solo and co-op play. While its style and premise immediately grab attention, the execution leaves a more uneven impression across different aspects of the experience.
The narrative sets itself apart from many genre contemporaries. Rather than a barebones excuse for action, Ra Ra Boom introduces a proper storyline about a team of ninja sisters battling an alien threat. Their personalities are distinct, and the visual novel-style cutscenes flesh out the world with expressive character art and dialogue sequences. For some, this stronger narrative component adds charm and makes the adventure more memorable. For others, the pacing sometimes stumbles, with story interruptions feeling like they clash with the game’s natural arcade rhythm.
Combat is where Ra Ra Boom tries to combine traditional beat ’em up fundamentals with modern flexibility. Each of the four heroines offers a different playstyle, from heavy hitters to more agile fighters, and players can experiment to find their favorite. Beyond simple punch and kick combos, ranged weapons and special abilities add variety, while a dodge-roll mechanic helps keep encounters from devolving into button-mashing. However, despite these efforts, the combat doesn’t always feel as smooth or impactful as the best in the genre. Enemies can be repetitive, and certain stages don’t provide the satisfying escalation that keeps momentum strong in longer play sessions.
Presentation is one of Ra Ra Boom’s strongest aspects. The hand-drawn art is full of vibrant colors, character animations are bold, and environments have a playful, sci-fi vibe that recalls Saturday morning cartoon aesthetics. On PS5, the game runs fluidly, which keeps the action crisp and responsive. The soundtrack leans into energetic themes that support the chaos on screen, though it doesn’t always stand out as especially memorable. But while the overall polish of the visuals is at a very high level, the enemy designs start to blur together after a while due to a lack of variety.
One of the biggest draws for a brawler is co-op, and Ra Ra Boom offers both local and online multiplayer. Playing with others helps elevate the experience considerably, as tackling waves of enemies feels more dynamic and chaotic with a group. Coordination between different character types adds a layer of strategy, and the banter between heroines shines brighter in multiplayer sessions.
Ultimately, Ra Ra Boom is a charming yet uneven attempt to modernize the beat ’em up formula. Its art direction and all-female cast give it a distinct identity, and the inclusion of a more developed narrative helps it stand out from many retro-inspired counterparts. However, issues with repetition, pacing, and sometimes underwhelming combat flow keep it from reaching the heights of genre greats. For fans of brawlers looking for something stylish and different, especially with friends, it’s worth checking out. Those seeking a consistently polished experience may find Ra Ra Boom more admirable for its ambition than for its execution.
Score: 6.8/10
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