Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Fighting
- Platforms: Sega CD
- Developers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
- Publishers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side (1995)
Released in 1995, Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side is a fighting game that stands out with its unique premise and innovative gameplay. Developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega, the game combines elements of time travel, martial arts, and supernatural powers to create a thrilling and engaging experience.
Story
The story of Eternal Champions revolves around nine fighters from different time periods who have been killed in an unjust manner. These fighters include Larcen, the cat burglar from the Victorian era; Jetta, the circus acrobat from the Roaring Twenties; Blade, the futuristic bounty hunter from the year 2050; Midknight, the vampiric bio-chemist from the 19th century; Rax, the cyborg from the future; Shadow, the corporate assassin from the present day; Slash, the neanderthal from prehistoric times; Trident, the Atlantean warrior from ancient Greece; and Xavier, a warlock and alchemist from the Renaissance era.
These fighters are brought back to life by an alien being known only as the Eternal Champion. The Eternal Champion offers them a second chance at life, but only if they are willing to fight in a tournament to determine who is worthy of being resurrected. The winner of the tournament will be given the chance to avert their death and tip the balance between good and evil.
Gameplay
Eternal Champions is a 2D fighting game with a unique gameplay mechanic called the “Power Charge” system. This system allows players to charge up their special moves by holding down the attack button. The longer the button is held, the more powerful the move will be. However, charging up a move also leaves the player vulnerable to attack.
In addition to the Power Charge system, Eternal Champions also features a variety of other gameplay mechanics, such as combos, throws, and counters. The game also has a unique “Rage” system, which allows players to enter a state of increased power and speed after taking a certain amount of damage.
Characters
The nine characters in Eternal Champions are all unique and have their own strengths and weaknesses. Larcen is a fast and agile fighter who uses his cat-like reflexes to his advantage. Jetta is a powerful acrobat who can use her aerial skills to perform devastating attacks. Blade is a futuristic bounty hunter who uses a variety of weapons and gadgets to take down his opponents. Midknight is a vampiric bio-chemist who can use his blood to heal himself and power up his attacks. Rax is a cyborg who can use his cybernetic enhancements to give himself an edge in battle. Shadow is a corporate assassin who uses his stealth and precision to take down his targets. Slash is a neanderthal who uses his brute strength and animal instincts to overwhelm his opponents. Trident is an Atlantean warrior who uses his trident and his knowledge of martial arts to defeat his enemies. Xavier is a warlock and alchemist who uses his magic and potions to outsmart and defeat his opponents.
Graphics and Sound
Eternal Champions features impressive graphics for its time. The character sprites are large and detailed, and the backgrounds are vibrant and colorful. The game also has a memorable soundtrack that features a mix of rock, techno, and orchestral music.
Reception
Eternal Champions was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, unique characters, and impressive graphics. Eternal Champions was also nominated for several awards, including “Best Fighting Game” at the 1995 Golden Joystick Awards.
Legacy
Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side is considered to be one of the best fighting games of the 16-bit era. The game’s unique premise, innovative gameplay, and memorable characters have left a lasting impression on fans of the genre. Eternal Champions has also been cited as an influence on several other fighting games, such as Killer Instinct and Mortal Kombat.
Conclusion
Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side is a classic fighting game that still holds up today. The game’s unique premise, innovative gameplay, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a fighting game that’s both challenging and rewarding, then Eternal Champions is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8.5/10
