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The Combatribes stands as a testament to the golden era of arcade beat ’em up games. Developed by Technos Japan and released in 1990, this game brought a unique mix of gritty urban storytelling and frenetic multiplayer action. As a game that hails from a time when arcades were the epicenter of gaming culture, The Combatribes offers a nostalgic dive into the past with its straightforward yet engaging mechanics.
Story
The narrative of The Combatribes is set in a dystopian version of New York City, where chaos reigns and the city is under siege by violent gangs. Players step into the boots of three rugged vigilantes known collectively as The Combatribes. These heroes are tasked with taking down the notorious criminal organization, Ground Zero, which is responsible for the city’s anarchy.
Each member of The Combatribes—Berserker, Bullova, and Blitz—brings their own unique flair to the fight. Berserker, the leader, is known for his balanced abilities and determination. Bullova is the powerhouse of the group, capable of delivering devastating blows, while Blitz is the agile and swift member, excelling in speed and precision.
The story unfolds across five distinct stages, each dominated by a different gang and their respective leader. Players must battle through hordes of enemies before facing the gang leaders in climactic boss fights. The narrative, while simple, is effectively conveyed through brief cutscenes and character interactions, keeping the focus on the action while providing enough context to drive the gameplay forward.
Gameplay
The Combatribes sticks to the tried-and-true formula of side-scrolling beat ’em ups, a genre popularized by predecessors like Double Dragon and Final Fight. The game’s core mechanics revolve around moving through stages, defeating waves of enemies, and facing off against challenging bosses.
Combat Mechanics
Combat in The Combatribes is both accessible and satisfying. Players can execute a variety of attacks, including punches, kicks, and grapples. The game introduces a unique feature where players can grab enemies and spin them around, using their bodies as weapons against other foes. This mechanic not only adds a layer of strategy but also enhances the chaotic fun inherent in the genre.
Multiplayer Experience
The game shines in its multiplayer mode, allowing two players to team up and tackle the urban chaos together. This cooperative play is where The Combatribes truly excels, as players can combine their strengths and strategize to overcome the increasingly difficult challenges presented by the gangs of Ground Zero.
Difficulty and Replayability
The Combatribes is known for its challenging difficulty curve. As players progress through the levels, enemies become more aggressive and bosses employ new tactics. This difficulty, while steep, encourages replayability, pushing players to master the game’s mechanics and improve their skills.
Graphics and Sound
Technos Japan delivered a visually striking game for its time with The Combatribes. The graphics are colorful and vibrant, effectively capturing the gritty urban setting. Character sprites are large and well-animated, making the combat sequences visually engaging.
Visual Style
The game’s art style is quintessentially 90s, featuring bold character designs and detailed backgrounds that depict the various urban locales players must fight through. From dimly lit nightclubs to bustling streets, each stage is distinct and contributes to the narrative’s sense of place.
Soundtrack and Audio Effects
The soundtrack of The Combatribes complements its action-packed gameplay. The music features energetic and upbeat tracks that keep the adrenaline pumping as players battle their way through the stages. Sound effects, such as the impact of punches and the clanging of weapons, are crisp and enhance the immersive experience.
Legacy and Reception
Upon its release, The Combatribes was met with positive reception for its engaging gameplay and cooperative multiplayer mode. It was particularly praised for its innovative combat mechanics and the sheer fun of its two-player action.
Arcade Success
The game enjoyed considerable success in arcades, drawing players in with its simple yet addictive gameplay loop. Its popularity led to a home console release on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1992, bringing the arcade experience to a wider audience.
Influence and Impact
The Combatribes left a lasting impact on the beat ’em up genre, influencing future titles with its emphasis on cooperative play and interactive combat mechanics. While it may not have reached the iconic status of some of its contemporaries, it remains a beloved classic among fans of the genre.
Conclusion
The Combatribes is a quintessential beat ’em up game that captures the spirit of arcade gaming in the early 90s. Its straightforward yet challenging gameplay, combined with a vibrant visual style and memorable soundtrack, makes it a standout title in its genre. While it may not have achieved the legendary status of some other arcade classics, its influence and appeal endure, making it a cherished part of gaming history.
Whether you’re a veteran of arcade halls or a newcomer to retro games, The Combatribes offers an exciting glimpse into the past, showcasing the enduring appeal of cooperative beat ’em up action. Its legacy as a fun and challenging game continues to resonate with players, ensuring its place in the annals of gaming history.
