Interview with anonymous-villain, the main antagonist of River City Ransom
Welcome, anonymous-villain! Thanks for agreeing to this interview. How are you today?
Ah, the pleasure is all mine, bgc-villains. Besides, every villain needs a break now and then from orchestrating diabolical plans. Today, I am feeling particularly… sinister.
Let’s dive right in, then! So, what’s the deal with kidnapping Ryan’s girlfriend and taking over the high school?
Oh, you know, at first, it was just your traditional villainy starter kit: kidnapping the girlfriend, asserting dominance over a humble high school. Frankly, what better way to ruffle a few feathers and get our heroes off their mundane routines? Plus, the cafeteria food was atrocious. Someone had to do something about those mystery meat patties.
Many players wonder why they have to beat up so many gang members before they get to you. Why the army of underlings?
why the army of underlings?
It’s the classic move, isn’t it? A talented conductor always selects the appropriate orchestra for a masterpiece. My gang members serve as the perfect screening process, separating the reckless from the resourceful. Plus, watching players unleash their fury on a never-ending stream of goons is hilariously entertaining. It’s all in the art of gradually wearing down the opposition.
Some players say the power-ups are the only way to really stand a chance against your gang. What do you have to say about that?
Oh, those pesky power-ups are a double-edged sword. You see, the developers secretly thought they’d level the playing field with those, but guess who exploits them the most? My own gang! I’ve got goons with more improvised weapon skills than heroes in an action film. Plus, some of those hidden books contain moves that will make you seriously question the developer’s love for chaos.
Speaking of chaos, what’s your take on the game’s difficulty and its various gangs?
The difficulty is splendidly diabolical, isn’t it? As for the gangs, each one is like a different seasoning adding flavor to the beatdown soufflé. Whether it’s the Jokers with their drollery or the Frat Guys with their brutish charm, each gang brings its own flair to River City. I simply refined chaos into an art form, you see.
And what about the in-game money mechanics? Any hidden perks you’ve been keeping secret?
diabolically long and difficult passwords
Ah, the sweet smell of currency! Fun fact: spend wisely at the Merlin’s Mystery Shop. There lurks an item for a certain pocket-chewing goon that even the front-line heroes often overlook. And don’t sleep on the Fish Cake—its health restore input-to-price ratio is just *chef’s kiss*. Essentially, the game teaches financial management, with violence as the instructor.
Have you ever been surprised by a player making it through all the way to you?
Surprised? Ha! I’d say pleasantly entertained. It’s not every day you meet a player who’s danced skillfully through River City’s perilous playground. To those intrepid souls who have managed to conjure the strength and strategy to face me, I offer a tip of the hat. But remember, besting me isn’t just about brute force; it’s about outwitting one of the sharpest minds in villainy. Still, kudos—though none has ever beat me without suffering through a few truly regrettable choices at my hands.
Roxy
We’ve heard there are secrets in the game that can really give players an edge. Care to share any?
Alright, alright, I suppose I can reveal a morsel for the eager minds out there. While shopping at the Malls, if you purchase the Dragon Feet technique book, you’ll be channeling a whirlwind of feet fury. Combine that with Stone Hands? Ah, you become a force to be reckoned with. Just be prepared for my ‘calculated contingencies.’
Any interesting trivia or behind-the-scenes tidbits about your reign in River City?
Oh, indeed. Did you know the Game Boy Advance port allowed for the recruitment of defeated bosses? It was quite amusing watching players misuse that power. Alas, behind every recruited boss was a cleverly orchestrated fiasco by yours truly. Try making sense of the added chaos when everyone’s fighting everyone!
Finally, what’s next for you, anonymous-villain? Will we be seeing more of your dastardly deeds, or are you planning a quiet retirement?
Retirement? Oh, perish the thought! I may take a sabbatical to refine my cunning plans, but rest assured, River City hasn’t seen the last of my glorious mayhem. Stay prepared, because the next time you hear the echo of sinister laughter, anonymous-villain might just be plotting another grand design. Until then, try not to relax too much, dear heroes.
River City Ransom, also known as Street Gangs, is an English localization of Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari for the Famicom.
Thank you for such an enlightening and, dare I say, delightful interview, anonymous-villain!
The pleasure was mine. Until next time, bgc-villains, keep the chaos brewing!
You can also read the Classics conversation of River City Ransom here!
