Summary
- Release Year: 1993
- Genres: Fighting
- Platforms: Arcade, Super Famicom, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Data East
- Publishers: Data East, Hyundai
Fighter’s History (1993): A Unique and Influential Arcade Classic
Released in arcades in 1993, Fighter’s History quickly gained a reputation as a unique and innovative fighting game. Developed and published by Data East, it was the first game in the Fighter’s History series and introduced several new features to the genre, including the weak point system and the ability to select a team of characters in survival mode.
Gameplay
Fighter’s History is a traditional 2D fighting game with a roster of 12 characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and special moves. The game’s most distinctive feature is its weak point system. Each character has a weak point on their body, and if it is hit repeatedly, the character will be stunned and temporarily unable to attack. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must learn the location of each character’s weak point and how to exploit it.
In addition to the weak point system, Fighter’s History also introduced the ability to select a team of characters in survival mode. In this mode, players select a team of five characters and must defeat a series of opponents without losing a single character. This mode adds an extra layer of challenge to the game, as players must carefully manage their team’s health and energy.
Characters
Fighter’s History features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and backstories. The roster includes:
- Karnov: A Russian wrestler who uses his immense strength and grappling skills to overwhelm his opponents.
- Jackie: A Chinese martial artist who uses a variety of kicks and punches to defeat her enemies.
- Ryuhaku Todoh: A Japanese sumo wrestler who uses his massive size and power to crush his opponents.
- Zazie Moonshine: A French thief who uses her agility and trickery to outwit her opponents.
- Elta: A Native American shaman who uses his spiritual powers to attack his opponents.
- Mr. Big: A large and powerful fighter who uses his brute strength to overwhelm his opponents.
- Billy Cole: A former boxer who uses his speed and agility to defeat his opponents.
- Lee DiEnd: A Korean taekwondo master who uses his lightning-fast kicks to defeat his opponents.
- Marvel: An American wrestler who uses his grappling skills and power moves to defeat his opponents.
- Wolfgang Krauser: A German mercenary who uses his military training and weapons to defeat his opponents.
- Ripper: A mysterious fighter who uses his claws and fangs to defeat his opponents.
- Cheng Sinzan: A Chinese martial artist who uses his chi energy to attack his opponents.
Development and Release
Fighter’s History was developed by Data East, a Japanese video game company that was known for its arcade games. The game was directed by Takashi Nishiyama, who had previously worked on the Street Fighter series at Capcom. Fighter’s History was released in arcades in 1993 and was ported to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994.
Reception
Fighter’s History was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, diverse cast of characters, and stunning graphics. The game was also a hit in arcades, where it was one of the most popular fighting games of its time.
Legacy
Fighter’s History is considered to be one of the most influential fighting games of all time. Its weak point system and team battle mode were both innovative features that were later adopted by other fighting games. The game also helped to popularize the use of 2D sprites in fighting games.
Fighter’s History spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Fighter’s History Dynamite, Karnov’s Revenge, and Fighter’s History: Mizoguchi Kiki Ippatsu!! The series has remained popular over the years, and a new installment, Fighter’s History: Origin, is scheduled to be released in 2023.
Conclusion
Fighter’s History is a classic fighting game that is still enjoyed by fans today. Its innovative gameplay, diverse cast of characters, and stunning graphics make it a must-play for any fan of the genre.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
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