The Bouncer (video game)

The Bouncer is a 2000 beat 'em up video game developed by DreamFactory and published by Square (now Square Enix) for the PlayStation 2. It was one of the first titles released for the then-new console. The game features a story-driven campaign with multiple playable characters and branching narrative paths.

The story revolves around three bouncers, Sion Barzahd, Kou Leifoh, and Volt Krueger, who work at a bar called Fate. When a mysterious organization kidnaps a young girl named Dominique Cross, the bouncers embark on a quest to rescue her, uncovering a larger conspiracy along the way.

Gameplay primarily involves hand-to-hand combat, with each character possessing unique fighting styles and special moves. Players can utilize a variety of punches, kicks, and throws to defeat enemies. The game also incorporates interactive environments, allowing players to use objects and scenery in combat.

A notable feature of The Bouncer is its multiple endings, which are determined by the player's choices and performance throughout the game. The game also incorporates a branching narrative, where player decisions can influence the story's progression and the characters' relationships. The game featured impressive (for its time) visual fidelity and used ragdoll physics.

The game received mixed reviews upon release. While praised for its graphics, fighting mechanics, and multiple endings, it was criticized for its short length, repetitive gameplay, and shallow plot. Despite the mixed reception, The Bouncer is remembered as one of the early PlayStation 2 titles that attempted to push the console's graphical capabilities and storytelling potential.