Vs. (1997)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Vs. (1997): The King of the Streets

Released in arcades in 1997, Vs. (known as True Fighters: True Turf in Japan) is a 2D fighting game developed by Alpha Denshi and published by Visco Corporation. The game is set in the mean streets of a modern city, where gangs rule the turf and fighting is a way of life.

Vs. features a roster of 12 characters, each with their own unique fighting style and backstory. The cast includes a mix of martial artists, street fighters, and even a few supernatural beings. The game’s controls are simple and intuitive, but the gameplay is deep and rewarding. Players can execute a wide variety of moves, including punches, kicks, throws, and special attacks.

One of the things that sets Vs. apart from other fighting games is its focus on realism. The game’s characters are not superpowered beings, and their moves are based on real-world martial arts techniques. This makes the combat in Vs. feel more grounded and believable than in many other fighting games.

Another unique feature of Vs. is its “Turf” system. Each character in the game has their own home turf, and they receive a boost to their stats when fighting on their home turf. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must consider their character’s home turf when choosing a stage.

Vs. was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s graphics, gameplay, and roster of characters. The game was also a hit in arcades, and it was eventually ported to home consoles.

Today, Vs. is still considered one of the best fighting games of the 1990s. It is a classic game that offers a unique and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels.

The Characters of Vs.

Vs. features a diverse and memorable cast of characters, each with their own unique fighting style and backstory. Here is a brief overview of each character:

  • Akira Yuki: A young martial artist who is the protagonist of the game. Akira is a skilled fighter who uses a combination of karate and judo techniques.
  • Pai Chan: A Chinese martial artist who is Akira’s love interest. Pai is a master of the drunken fist style, and she is known for her unpredictable and acrobatic fighting style.
  • Lau Chan: Pai’s older brother and a skilled martial artist in his own right. Lau uses a more traditional style of Chinese martial arts, and he is known for his powerful strikes.
  • Jacky Bryant: An American boxer who is known for his powerful punches and aggressive fighting style. Jacky is a former heavyweight boxing champion, and he is always looking for a new challenge.
  • Vanessa Lewis: A British kickboxer who is known for her speed and agility. Vanessa is a skilled striker, and she is also adept at using throws and grapples.
  • Kage-Maru: A Japanese ninja who is known for his stealth and trickery. Kage-Maru uses a variety of ninja weapons and techniques, and he is always one step ahead of his opponents.
  • Suu Fang: A Chinese assassin who is known for her deadly skills. Suu Fang uses a variety of weapons, including knives, swords, and claws. She is a ruthless and efficient killer.
  • Zangief: A Russian wrestler who is known for his immense strength and grappling skills. Zangief is a former Olympic wrestler, and he is considered to be one of the strongest fighters in the world.
  • Chun-Li: A Chinese martial artist who is known for her speed, agility, and powerful kicks. Chun-Li is a former Interpol agent, and she is dedicated to fighting crime and injustice.
  • Cammy White: A British soldier who is known for her skill in hand-to-hand combat and weapons handling. Cammy is a member of the Delta Red anti-terrorism unit, and she is always ready to fight for her country.
  • Dee Jay: A Jamaican reggae musician who is known for his flashy fighting style and powerful kicks. Dee Jay is a skilled martial artist, and he is also a talented musician.
  • Balrog: An American boxer who is known for his dirty fighting tactics and powerful punches. Balrog is a former heavyweight boxing champion, and he is always looking for a new victim.

The Gameplay of Vs.

Vs. is a 2D fighting game with simple controls and deep gameplay. The game’s controls consist of a joystick and four buttons: punch, kick, throw, and special. Players can use these buttons to execute a wide variety of moves, including basic attacks, combos, throws, and special attacks.

One of the things that sets Vs. apart from other fighting games is its focus on realism. The game’s characters are not superpowered beings, and their moves are based on real-world martial arts techniques. This makes the combat in Vs. feel more grounded and believable than in many other fighting games.

Another unique feature of Vs. is its “Turf” system. Each character in the game has their own home turf, and they receive a boost to their stats when fighting on their home turf. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must consider their character’s home turf when choosing a stage.

The Legacy of Vs.

Vs. was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s graphics, gameplay, and roster of characters. The game was also a hit in arcades, and it was eventually ported to home consoles.

Today, Vs. is still considered one of the best fighting games of the 1990s. It is a classic game that offers a unique and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels.

Vs. has had a lasting impact on the fighting game genre. The game’s focus on realism and its unique “Turf” system have been influential in the development of many other fighting games. Vs. is also credited with helping to popularize the use of 3D graphics in fighting games.

Conclusion

Vs. is a classic fighting game that offers a unique and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. The game’s diverse cast of characters, realistic combat, and innovative “Turf” system make it a standout in the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned fighting game veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Vs. is a game that you should definitely check out.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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