Fighting Force: A Brawler Classic of the 90s

Story

Fighting Force, released in 1997, is a beat ’em up game that places players in a dystopian future where chaos reigns supreme. Developed by Core Design, the creators of the Tomb Raider series, this game narrates a gripping tale centered around the year 2000. The world is thrown into turmoil as a deranged criminal mastermind, Dr. Zeng, predicts the end of the world and seeks to hasten humanity’s demise through his own means. Players must step into the roles of one of four diverse characters, each with their own backstory and motivation to stop Dr. Zeng’s apocalyptic vision.

The narrative is simple yet effective, focusing more on action than dialogue, which was typical for games of its genre during the era. As players progress through various levels, they are exposed to snippets of plot that drive the mission forward. Each character has a personal stake in the mission, providing a layer of depth to the otherwise straightforward story. As a result, the game manages to keep players engaged through its action-packed chapters and the looming threat posed by the antagonist.

Gameplay

Fighting Force is a quintessential beat ’em up game, a genre that was immensely popular in the 90s. It combines classic elements of combat with a modern 3D environment, something that set it apart from other games at the time. Players have the option to choose from four characters: Hawk Manson, a street-smart brawler; Mace Daniels, a tough cop; Alana McKendricks, a fast and agile martial artist; and Ben “Smasher” Jackson, a powerhouse with brute strength.

Each character brings a unique fighting style to the game, offering varied gameplay experiences. The controls are straightforward, with combinations of punches, kicks, and grabs, allowing players to string together combos to defeat enemies. As players advance through the levels, they encounter a multitude of adversaries, from street thugs to heavily armored foes, each requiring different strategies to overcome.

The game is structured across multiple levels, each set in different urban environments, including shopping malls, construction sites, and skyscrapers. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. Players can also interact with the environment, using objects like trash cans, pipes, and even vehicles as weapons against their enemies. This element of environmental interaction was a novel concept at the time and added a layer of strategy to the brawling action.

Fighting Force also features a cooperative mode, allowing two players to team up and tackle the campaign together. This mode enhances the experience by encouraging teamwork and strategy, making it a popular choice for players seeking a shared gaming adventure.

Graphics and Sound

For a game released in the late 90s, Fighting Force was lauded for its graphics. The transition from 2D pixel art to 3D environments was a significant leap forward, and Core Design capitalized on this by creating detailed character models and immersive levels. The environments are richly detailed, from the grimy streets to the sleek interiors of high-rise buildings, each crafted to reflect the game’s dystopian theme.

The character animations are fluid, with each punch, kick, and throw rendered convincingly for its time. While the graphics may appear dated by today’s standards, they were considered cutting-edge upon the game’s release, showcasing the capabilities of the PlayStation and Sega Saturn consoles.

Sound design in Fighting Force complements its visual elements well. The soundtrack features high-energy music that matches the intensity of the gameplay, driving players forward as they battle through waves of enemies. Sound effects, such as the crunch of a hit landing or the clatter of a weapon being thrown, add to the visceral feel of the combat. Voice clips, although sparse, provide each character with a sense of personality and add to the game’s atmosphere.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Fighting Force received mixed reviews from critics, with praise often directed at its ambitious attempt to bring the beat ’em up genre into the 3D realm. Players appreciated the game’s cooperative mode and its engaging, albeit simple, gameplay mechanics. However, some criticism was directed at the game’s repetitive nature and lack of depth in comparison to other titles of the time.

Despite the mixed reception, Fighting Force carved out a niche for itself and has since become a cult classic among fans of the genre. It was one of the early games to experiment with 3D environments for beat ’em ups, paving the way for future titles to explore similar formats.

The game’s legacy is further cemented by its influence on later titles within the genre. Developers took note of its successes and shortcomings, leading to more refined gameplay mechanics and storytelling in subsequent games. Fighting Force’s attempt to innovate within a traditional genre set a precedent, encouraging others to push the boundaries of what beat ’em up games could achieve.

Conclusion

Fighting Force remains an iconic title in the beat ’em up genre, remembered for its bold attempt to transition from 2D to 3D gameplay. While it may not have achieved critical acclaim upon release, its impact on the gaming landscape is undeniable. The game’s engaging combat mechanics, cooperative multiplayer mode, and immersive sound design have left a lasting impression on players and developers alike.

As video games continue to evolve, Fighting Force stands as a testament to the innovation and creativity of late 90s game design. Its legacy persists through the fond memories of those who played it and the inspiration it provided to future generations of game developers.