This is one of my favorites in the fighting game genre. The mid 90's was when the fighting game genre was at its absolute peak as there were practically all kinds everywhere, though "Street Fighter", "Mortal Kombat" were some of the big ones and this game was one of them at the time. It was a huge hit in the arcades but of course also the SNES. I remember this game was a hot seller as it was highly advertised on TV, there were multiple copies to rent at "Blockbuster Video", and of course when there are console versions of fighting games you can expect there were a lot of private parties held to play this game with friends and see if they can blow each other away. There are even to this day tournaments with this classic game and other entries.
The graphical presentation is superb as it's of course done by one of my favorite video game companies "Rare". It's understandable how this eye candy blew everyone's mind as it really was revolutionary for its time, and you can even say the game was ahead of its time. The graphics are all done in CGI animation which was never done before as most video games at the time were pixel art style. This game was not just one of the first in the fighting game genre but even in video games in general. It still looks good, which makes this game one of the prime examples of using CGI animation the right way, as we see the well-done detail to both the character models and the backgrounds which are beautiful.
The music is also great, there are plenty of memorable tracks, though my favorite one is the one where you're against Cinder which is thought was cool, as it just gives you that feeling of being pumped up for fast hard-hitting action.
But of course, most importantly it's the gameplay which is of course spot on. There is a colorful variety of characters to choose from whom each have their specialties, strengths, and weaknesses. I always like playing Jago as he's a ninja and of course ninjas are my favorite type of warrior. Another is Orchid who is hot. She looks good in that aerobics outfit, but really likes that she utilizes batons which are my fourth favorite weapon in the martial arts. I mainly like playing both those characters as they're more balanced, but even like to play the others occasionally for a change of pace like Saber Wolf, mainly because Werewolves are my favorite horror monster which makes playing him all the cooler.
There are aspects you would see from "Mortal Kombat" and any other fighting game that takes that extra step in violence. From the blood effects as you deliver your blows, though I like with some of the other characters they use different colored blood which makes sense as some of the characters aren't human. As well as some of those finishers which aren't as graphic as "Mortal Kombat" but still satisfying to watch if you can execute the right combo of moves on time.
However, what makes this fighting game stand out is in its combo system and fluidity in movement. It really was cool at the time seeing how well the characters moved which felt organic and natural, not to say the characters in other fighting games didn't move well but there was a slight stiffness to them; this game showed that fluid motion in a fighting game is possible.
But what I love is in its combo system which for its time wasn't common thought now is with the latter fighting games like "Injustice 2" (game I reviewed) and others right now, this is a game that uses combos to win. Where you can hit your opponent with the light combo but also, if possible, the highest combo which could if luck get you a flawless victory. It's understandable why most fighting game fans at the time would be excited about this game as you can create combos of your own and just see how it flows.
This vintage classic never lost it's killer edge and instinct.
Rating: 4 stars.
