Final Fight Revenge: A Unique Spin on the Classic Beat 'Em Up

Story

Final Fight Revenge takes place in the gritty, crime-ridden streets of Metro City, a locale well-known to fans of the series. The story is set after the events of the original Final Fight, revolving around the return of the Mad Gear gang. This time, the gang is led by a resurrected Belger, the villain from the first game who was thought to have been defeated. Belger, now a zombie-like entity, seeks revenge against the heroes who thwarted his plans.

Players choose from a roster of characters, each with their motivations and backstories. The lineup includes returning heroes such as Cody, Guy, and Haggar, alongside former enemies like Poison, who now fight to rid Metro City of the Mad Gear’s influence once again. Each character’s storyline offers players a glimpse into their personal vendettas and their reasons for joining the battle against the resurgent Mad Gear gang.

Gameplay

Transitioning from the beat ’em up genre to a fighting game format, Final Fight Revenge aims to capture the essence of both genres. Players engage in one-on-one battles, utilizing a variety of attacks, special moves, and combos. The game’s mechanics are reminiscent of other Capcom fighting games, with a focus on executing precise moves and strategies to defeat opponents.

A unique aspect of Final Fight Revenge is its incorporation of weapons into the fighting mechanics. Players can pick up and use various weapons, such as knives and pipes, to gain an advantage over their opponents. This feature adds a layer of strategy, as players must decide whether to focus on hand-to-hand combat or leverage weaponry to overpower their foes.

The game also includes a special move gauge, allowing players to perform powerful attacks once charged. Mastering these special moves is crucial to gaining the upper hand in battles, as they can turn the tide in a player’s favor when used effectively.

Character Roster

The character roster in Final Fight Revenge is a mix of familiar faces and unexpected additions. The main playable characters include:

Cody Travers: The former street brawler, now seeking justice once more.

Guy: The agile ninja who returns to protect his city.

Mike Haggar: The ex-wrestler and former mayor, always ready to fight for Metro City.

Poison: Formerly an enemy, now fighting against the Mad Gear gang.

Andore Jr.: A towering brute, known for his strength and resilience.

El Gado and Holly Wood: Former Mad Gear members who have their own scores to settle.

Each character comes with unique move sets and special abilities, encouraging players to experiment and find the fighter that best suits their style.

Graphics and Sound

Final Fight Revenge features 3D graphics, a notable departure from the 2D sprites of its predecessors. The transition to 3D allowed for more dynamic animations and environments, though the visual style retains the gritty and urban aesthetic synonymous with the Final Fight series. Character models are detailed, and the stages are designed to reflect the chaotic and crime-laden atmosphere of Metro City.

The sound design complements the game’s visuals, with a soundtrack that merges energetic beats with atmospheric tunes, enhancing the intensity of each battle. The voice acting, while limited, adds personality to the characters and helps convey their motivations and emotions during fights.

Legacy and Reception

Despite its ambitious attempt to fuse two genres, Final Fight Revenge received mixed reviews upon release. Critics and players alike had varied opinions on its gameplay mechanics and execution. While some appreciated the fresh take and the inclusion of weapons in combat, others found the controls and mechanics lacking compared to other contemporary fighting games.

The Sega Saturn port, released exclusively in Japan, became a collector’s item due to its limited production run, adding to the game’s mystique and appeal among enthusiasts of the series. Although Final Fight Revenge did not achieve the commercial success of its predecessors, it remains a curious and noteworthy entry in the franchise’s history.

Conclusion

Final Fight Revenge stands as a testament to Capcom’s willingness to experiment with its iconic franchises, offering fans a new way to engage with beloved characters and settings. While the game may not have reached the heights of its beat ’em up counterparts, its unique blend of fighting game mechanics and the inclusion of classic characters ensured its place in the annals of gaming history. As a niche title within the Final Fight series, it continues to spark curiosity and discussion among fans and collectors, cementing its legacy as a fascinating yet flawed piece of the franchise’s evolution.