Ra Ra Boom Game Review – Rise of the AI

Recapturing the magic of side-scrolling beat-’em-ups like Streets of Rage or River City Girls, Ra Ra BOOM charges into the fray like a glitter-covered uppercut to the jaw. Picture this: ninja cheerleaders from outer space return to a post-apocalyptic Earth to lay the smackdown on rogue AI armies. Sounds wild? It is, and somehow it works beautifully. Developed by Gylee Games, Ra Ra BOOM is their debut title, and it’s a striking one that confidently blends nostalgic gameplay with modern flair, humor, and a surprisingly poignant narrative.

We got the chance to review Ra Ra BOOM for PC ahead of its August 12 launch (that’s today!) on Steam, and we walked away impressed. This is a game that wears its neon heart on its sleeve, and while it doesn’t rewrite the rules of the beat-’em-up genre, it reinvents enough to stand proudly alongside its inspirations and, in some areas, even surpasses them.

Cheerleaders vs. Skynet: Come with me if you want to whoop-ass

The story isn’t afraid to lean into its campy, cute aesthetic, but beneath the pom-poms and glitter lies a strong narrative about friendship, identity, and resilience. You’re not just punching robots for the sake of it; you’re part of a team of glitter-wielding, katana-swinging warriors trying to reclaim a world lost to unchecked artificial intelligence. Think Mean Girls meets Terminator, with a healthy dose of Saturday morning cartoon energy and a dash of anime flair. There are even some clever references to other pop culture franchises, so keep your eyes open and you might spot a familiar pose or a one-liner straight out of your favorite sci-fi flick.

At its core, Ra Ra BOOM plays like a modern take on classics such as River City Girls or Castle Crashers, but once you dig in, its depth starts to shine. It’s a side-scrolling beat-’em-up built for momentum, blending quick strikes, heavy combos, aerial juggles, and ranged attacks into a seamless flow. Unlock better stats modifiers and bonuses to help you control the tide of battle.

One standout feature is the lane-based combat system. Instead of mashing buttons wildly, players are encouraged to approach each encounter with intent. Smart positioning and target selection turn even chaotic fights into something strategic rather than spammy. True mastery comes from learning enemy patterns, exploiting weaknesses, and using the environment to your advantage.

Each cheerleader plays differently enough to cater to varied playstyles:

•  Aris, the team leader, is the agile speedster, darting in and out of combat with lightning-fast combos. If you love mobility, she’s your girl.
• Ren is a well-balanced fighter. She’s a solid choice for beginners thanks to her reliability in both ranged and melee.
• Vee is a tank who hits like a freight train and can soak up damage. Her style favors patience and timing, but her combos feel especially powerful.
• Saida is an aggressive firepower girl who deals insane damage to control the field. She’s great in co-op for crowd control.

Losing a character mid-mission when playing with less than four people will allow you to seamlessly swap into another squad member. This constant rotation not only keeps the action moving but encourages you to learn each girl’s strengths. It’s a brilliant way to prevent frustration from losing a life while adding replayability as you learn different techniques.

Want even more fun? Grab a friend and dive into this kick-ass journey to take down Zoi together.

Enemies & Boss Fights: Unique and Frustratingly Fun

No beat-’em-up is complete without a memorable rogue’s gallery, and Ra Ra BOOM delivers here in spades. Each stage introduces new enemy types from shambling drones to nimble AI assassins that force you to rethink your approach. Combat never feels stale because the game continually evolves the threats it throws your way.

Some enemies, especially in later levels, use invulnerability phases or ranged spam that can toe the line between challenging and frustrating. But for the most part, these moments are more about encouraging adaptation than punishing the player. Once you learn to prioritize threats and control spacing, the more annoying foes become easier to deal with.

Boss fights and varieties of bots, however, are where Ra Ra BOOM truly shines. Each one is unique, requiring different strategies and often weaving directly into the story. From AI overlords wielding laser cannons to giant mechs with wrestling moves, these encounters are unforgettable highlights.

Stages & Progression: A Tour of Post-AI Earth

Ra Ra BOOM offers a globe-trotting tour of a world devastated by machine rule, and each stage is visually distinct and narratively connected. From the ruins of human civilization to AI factories churning out killbots, every locale feels carefully curated rather than procedurally churned out. Small set pieces, like rescuing survivors or toppling rogue satellites, keep each level feeling fresh.

There are, however, a few quirks. As with many lane-based brawlers, alignment can be frustrating. You may think you’re lined up for a combo, only to swing into empty air because you were half a pixel off. This issue is especially noticeable in co-op play, where multiple characters and enemies are crowding the screen. Similarly, some hitbox inconsistencies, especially with larger enemies, can result in a few “what just happened?” moments.

Still, these are relatively minor flaws in an otherwise polished progression system. The game also includes skill trees and upgrade options that allow you to enhance your squad’s performance, adding a light RPG layer to the formula.

Replayability & Value: One More Cheer for the Road

With multiple characters, both solo and co-op play, and unlockable content peppered throughout, Ra Ra BOOM packs a lot of replay value. While the Prologue is on the shorter side, it lays the groundwork for what could easily grow into a full-length game or even a franchise.

The game doesn’t overstay its welcome, and the option to replay levels with different characters or friends adds more longevity, especially given its energetic tone and satisfying combat loop. Additionally, there are various campaign challenges and achievements to complete for completionists.

Playing solo or with friends changes the feel of combat dramatically, and the game subtly rewards experimentation. Try a no-damage run with Vee, or switch up your party rotation to explore new synergy. It’s addictive in the best way, and with the right updates or DLC, Ra Ra BOOM could easily evolve into a recurring indie franchise.

Verdict

Ra Ra BOOM knows exactly what it wants to be and sticks the landing. It’s a fast, flashy, feel-good beat-’em-up that wears its heart on its neon sleeve. Sure, some hitbox and lane alignment issues might frustrate players here and there, but the rest of the game is just so joyfully chaotic that it’s easy to forgive.

It’s the kind of game that reminds you why local co-op still matters: to laugh, shout, fail, and succeed together. Whether you’re flying solo or rolling with a squad, Ra Ra BOOM delivers everything it promises robotic carnage, charm, and chaos.

It may not reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t have to. It’s a glittery, high-kick to the face, and that’s exactly what makes it great. The game is released on August 12 on Steam for PC, so be sure to check it out.

Score: 9.5/10

Pros:

• Responsive, satisfying combat
• Unique characters with upgradeable skills
• Memorable boss fights and sharp enemy variety
• Smart lane-based targeting adds tactical depth
• Strong co-op support and replayability

Cons:

• Occasional hitbox and lane alignment issues
• Some enemy types can be frustrating to deal with

Ra Ra Boom review code was provided by the publisher. You can read MP1st’s review and scoring policy right here.

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