Summary

Release Year: 1993
Genres: Arcade, Fighting
Platforms: Arcade
Developers: Atlus
Publishers: Atlus, Atlus USA

Power Instinct (1993) Review

Power Instinct is a one-on-one 2D fighting game in the tradition of Street Fighter 2, in which you select your character from a group of 8 unique fighters and attempt to defeat your opponents in successive fashion using your arcade reflexes and your character’s unique moves.

The game was developed by Atlus and released in arcades in 1993. It was later ported to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and Sega Genesis in 1994.

Power Instinct is notable for its unique cast of characters, which includes a variety of human and non-human fighters, such as a ninja, a sumo wrestler, a vampire, and a cyborg. Each character has their own unique fighting style and special moves, which makes for a diverse and exciting gameplay experience.

The game’s graphics are also top-notch for the time, with colorful and detailed sprites and backgrounds. The music is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly complement the game’s action-packed gameplay.

Overall, Power Instinct is a classic fighting game that still holds up today. With its unique characters, fast-paced gameplay, and beautiful pixel art, it’s a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Gameplay

Power Instinct is a one-on-one fighting game in which players select a character from a roster of 8 unique fighters and attempt to defeat their opponent in a best-of-three match. The game features a variety of basic attacks, such as punches, kicks, and throws, as well as a variety of special moves and super moves that can be performed by inputting specific button combinations.

The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn, but difficult to master. This makes the game accessible to players of all skill levels, but also provides a high skill ceiling for those who wish to become truly proficient at the game.

The game’s AI is also very challenging, even on the easiest difficulty setting. This makes the game a great choice for players who are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Characters

Power Instinct features a cast of 8 unique characters, each with their own unique fighting style and special moves. The characters are:

Keith Wayne: A young martial artist who is the protagonist of the game.
White Wolf: A mysterious ninja who is the game’s main antagonist.
Angela Belti: A vampire who is seeking revenge for the death of her family.
Big Bear: A sumo wrestler who is known for his immense strength.
Reiji Oyama: A cyborg who is seeking to destroy White Wolf.
Annie: A young girl who is possessed by a powerful demon.
Galuda: A giant monster who is the final boss of the game.

Each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, which makes for a diverse and exciting gameplay experience.

Modes

The arcade version of Power Instinct features only the arcade mode, in which players must defeat a series of increasingly difficult opponents in order to reach the final boss, Galuda.

The console versions of the game add a variety of additional modes, including:

Practice mode: A mode in which players can practice their combos and special moves against a computer-controlled opponent.
Battle mode: A mode in which players can fight against a friend or the computer in a single match.
Time attack mode: A mode in which players must defeat a series of opponents as quickly as possible.
Life attack mode: A mode in which players must defeat a series of opponents with a limited number of lives.

These additional modes add a lot of replay value to the game and make it a great choice for both single-player and multiplayer gaming.

Graphics and Sound

Power Instinct’s graphics are top-notch for the time, with colorful and detailed sprites and backgrounds. The game’s character designs are also very distinct and memorable.

The game’s music is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly complement the game’s action-packed gameplay. The sound effects are also very well done, and help to create a truly immersive experience.

Conclusion

Power Instinct is a classic fighting game that still holds up today. With its unique characters, fast-paced gameplay, and beautiful pixel art, it’s a must-play for any fan of the genre.