Today marks 10 years since I started this topic. 10 years ago I set out to post my impressions on obscure Super Famicom imports. Japanese gaming has intrigued me ever since the the early-mid '90s. Back then there was sort of this mythical aura regarding video games that were released only in Japan. I would gawk at the semi-blurry blurbs in the pages of EGM and GameFan. Looking back, it's amazing what a few paragraphs and low-res screenshots did for us. Without the internet all we had was our imagination. How times have changed. With the 10 year anniversary being today I'm definitely feeling nostalgic. It's a good time to resurrect this thread for one final run, 10 years later.
To commemorate the anniversary, I will be posting my top 50 favorite Super Famicom games over the next 50 days. Along the way I may include a few surprises outside of the top 50 list... such as brand new impressions and various nostalgic ramblings.
Game #50 will be posted tomorrow (Friday, September 9). For old times' sake, here is a new write-up on an obscure-ish Super Famicom game I meant to write about 10 years ago, but never did.
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I grew up loving fighting games. I ate up the Street Fighter II clones left and right. One of my most favorite clones was Data East's Fighter's History.
The first time I saw its colorful, comic-book like cabinet, it was instant love. The game has gotten a mixed bag rep but I've always liked it.
One of my fondest gaming memories involves the summer of 1994. I called it...
It's a true story that was featured in Rob Strangman's 2014 book "Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman." (which can be found on Amazon.com, cheap plug)
On one epic June morning, my old best friend Nelson and I came across three imports in the flesh that were months away from their US release. It was, in a word, glorious.
I have fond memories of playing SFC Fighter's History that hot summer day at Nelson's. We would switch off and it was an awesome time to be a carefree kid growing up in suburbia.
This image is seared into my memory bank even 22 years later:
Takes me right back to Nelson's living room on a hot June afternoon of 1994. Such nostalgic memories. On a side note, the SNES Fighter's History port doesn't get enough credit. It's one of the best arcade-to-SNES translations I have played. Really well done by Data East.
Fighter's History Dynamite came out in arcades in 1994. It is also known as Karnov's Revenge.
But did you know there was a THIRD Fighter's History game? And believe it or not, of all systems it was released ONLY on the Super Famicom February of 1995. Its full name is Fighter's History: Mizoguchi Kiki Ippatsu!!
It's a fascinating little footnote in Data East history. It included the two new characters of Fighter's History Dynamite (Yungmie and Zazie) but unfortunately did away completely with these cats:
Ray
Jean
Samchay
Marstorius
Matlok
Of course, those guys happen to be my personal favorites of the series. Instead, here is your roster:
Stripped down to 8, it seems like a massive step back. Especially considering the 1993 original had 9 characters to begin with, and the 1994 sequel had 13 characters. To go down to 8 in 1995 seems like a waste. Therefore, it feels like a weird mix of the first two games. Had it included all the characters, this would easily have been the definitive Fighter's History game.
The game opens with a nice intro, at least. We're (re)introduced to Data East's Chelnov character, who appeared in Atomic Runner.
We're also treated to the titular star's special moves
Of all people, why bring back Lee? Why? I miss Ray and his "BAKED POTATO!"
The game introduces mostly new backgrounds. Sadly, they're not as memorable as the ones found in the first game. I always enjoyed the first game's backgrounds. They weren't flashy, but had a quiet solid quality backing them. By comparison here is Ryoko's stage from the first game:
I love the basic simplicity of the first game's backgrounds
Back are the weak points. Knock these weak points off and the characters become dizzy. I remember as kids we were all curious and excited wondering what Fei-Lin would look like after their top came off. Oh how we were disappointed. A sign of the times it was indeed. 1993, oh I miss thee.
Some stages transition, which is always a nice touch
Ugh, Clown's stage music is so, SO bad
I loved Clown from the first game. There was a sinister element to him from the first game that is missing in this game. I can't quite put my finger on it, but he doesn't feel the same. Almost like it's an imposter of the first Clown. Huh. Maybe it's just me being weird. Good bet.
Zazie is one of two new fighters from Fighter's History Dynamite. I never liked him much.
And Yungmie is the other one. Never liked her either. It's a shame these two characters made the cut here but that the same cannot be said for Ray, Matlok, Samchay, Jean and Marstorius.
Karnov's stage from FH Dynamite is recycled. Not bad. I've always liked his FHD background. A rare instance in where I prefer the sequel's background to the original version. Here's Karnov's bare bones boring stage from the original game:
The trophy is mine!
Not so damn fast!
I have to admit, Chelnov looks pretty badass there!
Here's the cheat code to use him in certain modes:
Press Down, Down, Up, Up, Right, Left, L, R at the title screen after the opening intro
The two warriors battle all night long until...
Yes, the goofy announcer is back. "MIZOGUCHI... LOSES!"
It's a battle of the 'Novs!
TAG MODE!The game's most interesting feature is undoubtedly its FOUR player tag mode. Yes, up to four human players can plug up and play. Not at once, mind you, but it's pretty impressive for an early 1995 fighting game. Early shades of Capcom vs. SNK and the like!
As far as I know, it's the only "4 player" fighting game on the SNES. For that alone, it's gotta be considered at the very least, "noteworthy." Also throw in the fact that this is the only "sequel" to an arcade game that came out exclusively on the SNES. Data East breaking all sorts of ground with this game.
See the touch sign there? Simply hit select at those points to switch out to your tag partner. There is a slight half second delay but all things considered not bad, especially for 1995 16-bit standards.
That's gonna leave a mark.
Two different practice modes are also available. In addition, a survival mode rounds out the extra bonuses.
CLOSING THOUGHTSI have mixed feelings about this game. The sound is pretty dang awful, but it's nice to hear that wacky announcer return. The tag mode is an awesome feature, but on the flip side cutting those 5 characters really drag it down. Also, being a big fan of the original Fighter's History translation on SNES, this game doesn't quite possess the same physics as that game did. I can't quite describe it but play it and you'll notice the difference(s). I much prefer the gameplay of the original.
As much as I want to like this quirky fascinating footnote of a game, there is just too much about it that I don't particularly like that I can't wholeheartedly recommend it. If it had the entire Fighter's History crew I wouldn't hesitate to call this a definite "hidden gem."
As is, it's only for the hardcore fighting game fans or those of you who are fascinated by the idea of playing a Super Nintendo fighting game with three buds at the "same time."
See y'all tomorrow for the Top 50 Super Famicom countdown!