Criticom (1995)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Criticom (1995): A Detailed Retrospective

Released in 1995, Criticom is a 2D fighting game developed by SNK and released for the Neo Geo arcade and home platforms. The game is set in a futuristic world where eight different clans are vying for control of a powerful artifact known as the Relic. Players choose one of eight fighters, each with their own unique skills and abilities, and battle their way through the game’s single-player mode or compete against other players in the two-player mode.

Criticom was praised for its innovative gameplay, which featured a unique “chain combo” system that allowed players to string together multiple attacks into devastating combos. The game also featured a variety of different characters, each with their own unique playstyles and backstories.

Gameplay

Criticom is a 2D fighting game played on a single plane. The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn, with players using a joystick or D-pad to move their character and a combination of buttons to attack, defend, and perform special moves.

One of the most unique aspects of Criticom is its “chain combo” system. This system allows players to string together multiple attacks into devastating combos. To perform a chain combo, players must first hit their opponent with a weak attack, which will stun them. The player can then follow up with a stronger attack, which will deal more damage. This process can be repeated multiple times, with each successive attack dealing more damage than the last.

Criticom also features a variety of different characters, each with their own unique playstyles and backstories. Some characters are more powerful than others, but all characters have their own strengths and weaknesses. Players must learn the different characters and their playstyles in order to succeed in the game.

Characters

There are eight different characters to choose from in Criticom. Each character has their own unique strengths, weaknesses, and backstory.

  • Aty: A young woman from the Aty tribe, Aty is a skilled fighter who uses her agility and speed to her advantage.
  • Bio: A member of the Bio tribe, Bio is a powerful fighter who uses his strength and durability to overwhelm his opponents.
  • Claudia: A member of the Claudia tribe, Claudia is a skilled martial artist who uses her speed and precision to defeat her opponents.
  • Gordo: A member of the Gordo tribe, Gordo is a large and powerful fighter who uses his strength and weight to his advantage.
  • Griff: A member of the Griff tribe, Griff is a skilled swordsman who uses his speed and agility to defeat his opponents.
  • Hi-Wave: A member of the Hi-Wave tribe, Hi-Wave is a skilled fighter who uses his psychic powers to defeat his opponents.
  • Neo: A member of the Neo tribe, Neo is a skilled fighter who uses his technology to defeat his opponents.
  • Zazie: A member of the Zazie tribe, Zazie is a skilled fighter who uses her speed and agility to defeat her opponents.

Story

The story of Criticom takes place in a futuristic world where eight different clans are vying for control of a powerful artifact known as the Relic. The Relic is said to possess great power, and the clans believe that whoever controls the Relic will control the world.

The player takes on the role of one of the eight fighters, and must battle their way through the game’s single-player mode in order to claim the Relic for their clan. Along the way, the player will learn more about the Relic and the different clans, and will ultimately decide which clan they want to side with.

Development

Criticom was developed by SNK, a Japanese video game company known for its fighting games. The game was directed by Takashi Nishiyama, who had previously worked on other SNK fighting games such as Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting.

Criticom was released in arcades in 1995, and was later ported to the Neo Geo home console. The game was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best fighting games of its era.

Reception

Criticom was praised for its innovative gameplay, which featured a unique “chain combo” system that allowed players to string together multiple attacks into devastating combos. The game also featured a variety of different characters, each with their own unique playstyles and backstories.

Criticom was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best fighting games of its era. The game has been ported to a variety of different platforms over the years, and is still enjoyed by fans of fighting games today.

Legacy

Criticom is a classic fighting game that is still enjoyed by fans of the genre today. The game’s innovative gameplay and diverse cast of characters make it a unique and memorable experience. Criticom is a must-play for any fan of fighting games.

Conclusion

Criticom is a classic fighting game that is still enjoyed by fans of the genre today. The game’s innovative gameplay and diverse cast of characters make it a unique and memorable experience. Criticom is a must-play for any fan of fighting games.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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