This is another of my favorite fighting games of all time and it's another entry in the "Under the radar video" series. This game for veteran gamers and gamers of the fighting genre, best remember this game on Sega's final console system "Dreamcast". It was a hit at the time which makes sense since the system and this game came in the late 90's just when the video game subculture and evolution was going full steam ahead.
However, as time went on this game became forgotten as it's not talked about much nor has it got much attention. You've probably mainly remembered some of the characters from this game in the Capcom crossover fighting games: "Marvel vs. Capcom and SNK" (both great crossovers and stories for another time); so, it shows this game isn't completely forgotten but still there hasn't been a sequel since.
There really isn't much to say about the plot or story, though they are both decent as the game was trying to create another world for Capcom. Of course, like all fighting games we're all here for the fights and fights we sure get.
The graphical presentation I thought was very good, it's true that certain details will make the game seem a little dated by today's standards; but this game came out in the late 90's, so you must realize back then this presentation was as high as it was going to get for now. And when you think about it from the perspective of someone that lived in the 90's, seeing this blown the minds of many gamers, I know it did mine. It really shows how far video games have truly come and made us wonder how much further they can go.
Other than that, I really like background arenas which have the sci-fi setting and atmosphere. I Even like the character designs and each of the weapons they weld are unique and involve different styles of fighting. There is a fun roster full of unique fighters with each with their combos, moves, strengths and weaknesses.
Two of my favorites are Hayate who is the main man of the game. He's the most balanced to me as he is armed with basically a light saber. It's just really cool just executing moves with the saber in a free hand style and he has some cool devastating combos.
Another is the character June who is the main woman of the game. Her character's fighting style is based on Wu Shu Kung Fu as she is armed with the rings. Which is cool as the rings are one of my favorite weapons in martial arts and are weapons, I rarely see much especially in martial arts films.
Sidenote, only martial arts film I saw them used was in the Shaw Bros film "Cripped Avengers" (review for another time possibly). I really love the rings because there a good weapon for both offense and defense as there are plenty of applications with them.
Let alone your using light saber rings which makes it more awesome, though how the heck she can weld them safely without the lasers cutting her is anyone's guess, but it's a video game you just roll with it.
The gameplay is very solid, really like the fluidity and speed of the movements, each are based on different styles of weapon play and martial arts. There are two unique features with the game to, which put this game slightly ahead of the curb in the fighting genre at the time.
One is the charge power meter which was a novelty for its time but now it's the common norm in the fighting game genre. This of course once fully charged you know you're able to use one of your power moves, you have for safe keeping.
But the other which is truly unique is where you're able to transport yourself and opponent to your own dimension. This gives you a temporary amount of time, an advantage as you super powered during that time and can unleash devastating combos and powers on your opponent.
Though despite your advantage, your opponent still could defend or counterattack, so if you're using the dimensional ability use it sparingly and make it count.
The light shines for this vintage fighting game that makes the cut.
Rating: 3 and a half stars.
