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That does change things a little, expectations mainly. My Neo Pocket Color has click switches. My Neo Geo CD controllers have click switches. So this mini will feel like Neo Geo games on another console? Why did they go cheap on us?

And the odd button layout. It is almost like this was licensed out to a third party. 

I really like the fact that they included all those KOF and the amount of Metal Slugs, plus Blazing Star. It would be nice having something like this sitting up somewhere, but the mini itself is so impractical to play on. Unless you have very tiny hands. The controllers are a must have if I intend on getting one of these.

And it needs a Crash Bandicoot.

I was born in 1955. My favorite toy of the 80s was the Rubik's cube. I do remember some obscure handheld called the Gameboy as well. I think it had interchangeable games. 

My Daughter had fun with My Little Ponies and Care Bears.

One of the games that needs to be one of the twenty is RayCrisis. They need at least one Shmup. That would seal the deal for me. The lineup is already looking awesome.

@CreepinDeth LOL - Where do you get yours from?    It's been such a long time since I messed with Linux outside certain server editions.

I just grab [Ubuntu]

From what I've read it has the most PC Component support. Especially legacy support. I don't think I've encountered an issue with Ubuntu. Linux Mint is a distro based off of Ubuntu. That one is more like Windows in terms of UI.

Zorin also is based on Ubuntu with a Windows friendly UI.

Oddly, this is the only Smash Brothers that I have ever played. At the time I purchased this(Japan version) it was a whole lot cheaper than the US version. I am not sure why I never got any of the other games in the series. I like a good fighter.

It is sad. The Genesis was my first home console. I have a special love for Sega. And I would always purchase Sega consoles and add-ons. It seems that Sega has been in retreat ever since the decline of the arcades and their loss in the hardware wars. They quickly gave up the Dreamcast so easily. They lost their iron and never turned back around. That company needs to find their way again.

Someone for some insane reason took the Final Fantasy 7 PS1 game and made it into an RPG originally for the Famicom. This one that I am playing has the English patch. I think it was hacked from Final Fantasy games originally made for the NES. The neat part about it is that it contains the whole story of the Final Fantasy game. Graphics resemble the FF7 game also, as much as they can in an 8-bit sort of way. So far I have gotten past the point where we set the bomb in the reactor. The attacks are brutal. I have started to run from the ones that the game will let me.

You can even fine tune the scan lines.

Okay! Got it today and playing.  Just call me distracted from playing anything else right now.





I can't be playing this! I got to get back to Star Ocean,.........in just a minute..... one more minute. 

This is so brutal. I've died several times now.

Being an old geezer and retro. I am not sure I understand the question. 

I was seriously thinking about, still not sure. I fade in and out, very wishy washy. Right now I have ordered a scan line generator. I am going to see just how successful it is before I make a permanent decision. Scan lines is the one thing that caused me to really want one. With a generator I can use it across all retro systems. But then again the Analogue Super Nt has a very small foot print and will accept both US and Japan carts. Then again I have the real thing both SNES and Super Famicom. Hmmmm.......I can think of good points for both pros and cons. I will probably end up with one. 

This may be a blast-from-the-past for some. But I just recently purchased,

Star Ocean (with  English patch, now playing)

Sailor Moon
Doom Troopers
The Firemen
Terranigma
Iron Commando
Zelda 8n1 (Hacked Zelda games on cart)
Ganpupu: Gunman's Proof
Nightmare Busters
Gourmet Sentai
Phazon (Hacked Metroid)
Edono Kiba
Captain Commando
Breath of Fire
Metal Warriors
Skyblazer
Ghost Chaser Densei
Magic Knight Rayearth (English patch)
Dragon Quest 6
All SNES games. And one NES that I can hardly wait for Final Fantasy 7. I have the box already, still waiting for the game.


The games have started pouring in. I love it when it is like this!

Not only have I spent my gaming money, I want one of these really bad.

https://www.analogue.co/pages/store/

Mannnnnnnnnnn, I just gave up and purchased a bunch of SNES games. Waiting at my post box everyday for them. I'm playing Star Ocean right now with English patch on a reproduction cart. 

I use to download. Back when I first started messing with Linux, 15 years ago  , I set up a computer and began to tinker. I soon started a dual boot gradually weaning myself off of Windows and learning what was compatible and how to use. Then one day I went cold turkey by building my own rig with Linux as the OS. SuSe became my OS of choice back then which had its roots in Germany at that point. I had went through a lot of different flavors before I settled. I liked a lot of distros that no longer exist and no support, like  Libranet. Loved Debian but stayed away from it for the following reasons. After a few years I set back and took a self examination as to what I was doing. I was spending more time tinkering and fiddling with the OS than I was actually using it. I did play with command line in those early days and compile things. I finally just stopped all the crazy stuff and decided to just use it and leave things alone!  The tinkering can be such an addiction and time consuming. Been so long since I did any of that I think I have forgotten it. I have watched Linux change so much over the years. Now you can just simply put a disc in and it finds everything and loads up, reboot. And you are using it. (I have been spoiled.) Back then you could not do that with Debian or Slackware, and many others. I remember all the talk in the magazines about user friendly, and I would laugh out loud. The common individual is not even aware that they are using an OS on a computer. Linux did not hold your hand like Windows does.

I really liked Puppy Linux back then.

ebay. I usually just purchase a premade disc for around $5. 

I use a Lenovo R60 laptop running Linux, Mint. My desktop is a lenovo thinkcentre m 7298 running Linux, Zorin. I am not too demanding in my use, the OS does everything that I need it to do. Totally satisfied. Used the Linux OS for years. Windows Me was the last time I used Windows.

When it comes to fighters the N64 is not known for having any. I think the reason why is because there are no CAPCOM or SNK fighters on the N64 console. This did leave a big void in the "fighter genre" game library of the system. As a retro gamer it is interesting just to look back and play through the N64 library of fighters. I  judged those that are available on their own merit. Can they stand on their own as a capable fighter? One must remember that many of the fighters, of the competing game systems, that they were up against, was also blocky, 2D'ish, and had limited detail in their characters. Looking at the same similar type fighters, two stand out as having set the standard at the end of that generation, Tekken and Virtua Fighter. CAPCOM really is the one who started the fire. SNK made a big impact in the arcades right in the middle of the fight. Standing here at this point in gaming, you take a different perspective when revisiting. There is no shadow of those popular big fighting games intimidating or thumbing their noses at the N64. Street Fighter, Tekken, and Virtua Fighter were the kings in their day.

I love a good fighting game. But I think that fighting games where a phenomenon of 90s. That was the height of their popularity. And I think the driving force behind that, was that period in gaming history. Arcades played a major role as did the gaming systems of that time. There was so much competitiveness between companies to release the best game to draw crowds. Arcades were the experimental proving grounds.

As the ports of fighters came home, and arcades began closing, this led to a winding down of genre. More powerful consoles resulted in a change in the industry and new directions in gaming. Gamers moved on with those changes. A new fighter being released today does not have the same impact as it did back in those days.

I really think that the N64 and its fighters are an acquired taste. What do you think?

I have a third party controller that doesn't seem to work with this game.

This review is taken from a series of reviews I did a couple of years ago concerning the fighters available for the N64.

If there is one thing that Nintendo has accomplished, it is, establishing likable familiar video game characters. Those characters are what has charted the pathway of Nintendo's success as a video game company. Seemingly Nintendo has built their hardware around the games hosting these characters. Each and everyone of those franchises has their fan base that eagerly waits for the next big game with their beloved characters. It was pure genius on someone's part to take those characters, group them all together, and place them into a fighting game. You have an instant seller.
ssb3

Yes I purchased the Japanese version. It was a lot cheaper than the US one.

Odd, I have had a difficult time getting into this fighter. One of the hindrances has been, I do not find it as appealing as the previous fighters. Maybe it is just me, but I enjoy these characters in their original gaming environment. Another hindrance has been the difficulty I am finding in learning to control my fighter. The control does not seem as tight as I am accustom to, nor find in other fighters. Maybe it is just the button configuration. Maybe there is an awkwardness in using the characters in a way that I am not familiar. I want to control Samus Aran. But I am becoming frustrated. At first I thought it was the controller, but no, even after changing out controllers I am still having what seems like a slight hesitation, or slugishness, even a floatiness. Maybe some of this is just the N64 controller itself. I end up feeling that I am getting a lot of "cheap shots" from my opponent. That rubs my fur the wrong way when I sit down to a game and this hits me in the face. (No pun intended.) Yes I know this is a beloved Nintendo fan's dream game which has become a franchise in and of itself. But it just suddenly struck me that maybe this is not a game for everyone. I went into this thinking that it was, ....... surprise. It is fan based, but I see this game as one for the younger Nintendo audience, Family time, or a multiplayer party game. And I think that this is the target audience, and the intent, in the game design. I am not finding it satisfying as a single player experience. But, as in every other game, the key to success is learning to become one with your fighter.



The graphics and stage designs are only as Nintendo can put together, awesome and excellent. The character animations are a joy. In each stage you have different platforms, at different heights, to fight from as well as ringouts to deal with. The stages are familiar as the concepts are taken from each fighter's own games. The welcome powerups add to the fast pace chaotic fighting. You get a percentage marked against you, and increases, as you are hit. All of this, as a whole, adds to the depth of the gameplay. Making it a deeper game than it might first appear. This is a 2D fighter in a pseudo 3D environment.

This is a game that I personally did not find intuitive in the game's controls. I think I went into it with expectations that this was just another fighting game with familiar controls. You really have to set back and strip away all of that from your thinking, especially if you are a fighting game fan. Nintendo does its best to maintain each character's familiar signature moves. This changes the feel of the game as a traditional fighter. And pulling off some of the moves can prove to be difficult in the fast paced gameplay. It becomes a game in which you "learn to play" in order to succeed. And that is not a bad thing. Your approach is the same as with any other new game. You learn how to play it to get the most out of the experience. As a gamer, we do this without thinking all the time. It has a built in tutorial showing you how to play.



Due to the nature of this game in its party design, and gameplay, it became a system seller. No other fighter offers a better simultaneous four player experience on this system. (It almost borderlines Bomberman status in my book.) And largely in part, because of the draw of familiar, and popular, characters from the Nintendo universe it has been another one of those instant Nintendo successes.

I did finally find my fighter and I had fun with this game. Please don't interpret my review as being negative. I approached this from the perspective of a fan of the fighting genre. Personally I think that if this game had been introduced in the arcades during the 90's this would have been up there with the best. I rate this game as "system seller." This game goes to the top of my list of N64 fighters. And that is mainly due to the multiplayer madness.

Mario dressed as Wario with a light saber in the Star Fox stage, priceless.

This is the one Zelda that I have not purchased. I do remember seeing it on the shelf but I think I was distracted by another game. (I think I need to rename myself, "The Distracted Gamer.") It doesn't look to be that expensive. I might put this on my next game purchase list.

This review is taken from a series of reviews I did a couple of years ago concerning the fighters available for the N64.

The first thing I notice is the title, "Fighters" has now become "Fighter." Some legality concerning the name or something? Not sure. This is the second game and you might have high expectations of great improvements. Or maybe something completely new. But what we have here is a well oiled machine. There are noticeable graphical improvements and a more fluid animation in the characters. Added stages and backgrounds. Some of the Fighters are missing and replaced by new ones. The one fighter I learned to use, is missing, and replaced by what looks like a Los Angeles club dancer. Replaced, meaning that, she controls the same and has all of her moves. So, for me, she was easy for me to take control. Not sure if the other new fighters inherited the missing fighter's moves. Something to discover as the games are played.



But this is the same game, except that it has been tweaked and now has a more polished feel. They basically improved the quality of the experience in the game. I do remember that the first game did not have a story. Guess what? It still does not have a story. Or at least it is not communicated in the game. Maybe in the booklet? I don't have the booklet. I really don't need a story, but it does add that umph to a fighter which many gamers find it completes the experience. A story also gives that certain personality to a game in which a gamer can identify with in their imagination. I mention this because they had the perfect opportunity to add a story.



The gameplay is the same. All of the options are the same as the first game. You can still adjust the amount of points for the different throws, knockouts, ringouts, etc. You can still determine how many points needed to end the match. But there is something new to this second game which is an added plus. It is a game mode that reminds me of a board game. Where you land determines who you will have to fight. In this mode you learn new moves and build your character. So you would need to pick the fighter you intend to use regularly. You spin, move forward the number of moves determined by the spinner, fight, win a new move, spin again, repeat. Like a board game.



This game does have that "Wow" factor. If you do not have the other game, I would recommend this one. But they are both so inexpensive any fan of the genre would probably want them both. Like me, I want them both. In this second installment, the fighters look less chunky with a slight more detail, prettier. (There are still those "awkward" designed characters present.) Game includes 12 characters with 4 to unlock. This is a very good game that is loaded with a lot of fun. This is one of the best fighters on the N64. I give it a big thumbs up and rate it as "Awesome Game."

This review is taken from a series of reviews I did a couple of years ago concerning the fighters available for the N64.

The gameplay is Virtua Fighter-ish in style and feel....... and yet very different. You have two main buttons that have a limited number of moves assigned to them. I thought various moves were being determined by the directional button. And they are, in that I found out that I am inadvertently performing some of the moves by button mashing. (Yes I am, by default, a button masher!) You have access to a move list for each character when you pause the game. The bad, or the good, depends on your perspective, is that you cannot assign any of those moves to controller buttons in the menu. It has already been predetermine as to what you can assign to those buttons. Those things you can assign are, Hirari= auto-avoid, Guard, and U+L which is the upper and lower buttons pressed together, green & blue, a throw. So you have to learn and memorize any of the character moves that are on the list. That, to me, adds some depth and also determines that it will take some skill to be a good fighter. But the unique thing that raises the bar in this game is the point system. This is not like other fighters where it's two, or three bouts and you win. You win by a set amount of points. Throws, ringouts, knockouts, etc, all give points when accomplished. There are options to adjust the point system and that effects the length of the bouts. You have a life bar which can be reduced, but you can back away and you begin to recover. But you need to watch the clock which calls for strategy. I find this gameplay refreshing and makes this game very interesting to play. This is not a "me too" clone fighting game. The designers stepped out of the norm using some creativity to give us a very different experience in a fighter. And it works. Learning moves and fighting through this game can be a very satisfying experience.



The graphics are on par with Virtua Fighter 2 of the time period. Not as much detail, simpler, but it makes for a softer, maybe fuzzy, appearance to the characters. I'll admit that they are a little blocky especially if you use a hi-res flatscreen. A flatscreen yields some sharpness in the graphics and things take on a different look. But on a 480 scan tube TV, it is smooth. Animation is also good and smooth. There are some character designs, which I sort of wince at. Maybe it is just the western cultural influence that I have in my brain. There are 9 characters with 5 unlockables. And one of them, is a cow.



You are located up on a very high platform with animated backgrounds, or at least some of the backgrounds are animated. That is where you fight it out with your opponent. A ringout means a nasty fall. The backgrounds look nice and are much more detailed than the characters. Not sure if that works for you. I never noticed. I was too involved with the fight. Using the rumble pak is a nice touch.



The game is an easy pick up and play, I was easily fighting in no time. I think a novice, or a skilled gamer, would get a lot out of this fighter. I found the game fun and satisfying. The only negative is the lack of emphasis on combos. You can string hits together which are combos, but there are no on screen graphics announcing how many. It is sort of missing and you feel it, or it is something I wanted while playing. It has nothing to do with the gameplay. Just puts a little fun edge into it. Like having a spotlight on you that gives you the feeling of accomplishment. Sort of like an award, a brag point. If they had included that graphic splash across the screen, it would have put this game over the top for me. Still, I encourage you to spend some serious time with this game and enjoy yourself. Fighters Destiny does excel in its gameplay. And this game easily sits in my top ten fighters for the N64. (Those slots are filling up fast.) I highly recommend this game, big thumbs up, and rate it as "Awesome Game."

This review is taken from a series of reviews I did a couple of years ago concerning the fighters available for the N64.

I love this game and find it hard to put down, yes, addicting. This game is very easy to pick up and play. After two afternoons of playing I found myself easily pulling off, up to, 4 hit combos. And you'll need to be able to perform those combos in order to get anywhere in this game. The computer offers a good challenge, so it is essential that you learn to dodge, or evade, and do combos. You can't just mash one button and walk through this. There are also countermeasures, special moves, fatalities, and throws to learn. I found the controls are tight and responsive which always adds to the fun of any fighter. I did experience some slowdown at one point, could have been associated with the character I was fighting, or stage, not sure. Still, it was there. I did not have anyone to help me try the two player mode, so I really don't know if slowdown is present during that part of the game. There are several modes of play, easy, medium, hard, and very hard. You are not going to just walk through the easy mode without learning some moves first, believe me.



Graphics are very good and exceptional for an N64 fighter. For the time period they were some of the best visuals out there. Detailed character designs are very appealing and a pleasure to behold. They really have that "3D feel" about them. The environments, like every other fighter, are built around the various characters. And each stage is huge, detailed, and has its dangers to avoid while fighting. Some fights, we were all over the place, others I had them backed into a corner. (And some, lets just say, I didn't like being pushed into those revolving blades, there will be a rematch and revenge.) There are 12 fighters to choose from with hidden characters to unlock. Love the good ole days of unlocking instead of the "down loadable content" monster. You have the option, if you so choose, to turn off the blood and fatalities. I, personally, find the game well balanced, with each fighter having their own strengths and weaknesses. Some fighters have a longer reach, for example, causing you to use strategy. Again there is that motivation to continue learning, building your skills, and experience, in order to advance in the game. I find it a joy as I learn and begin to master some of the fighters. I find myself wanting an arcade stick and buttons. I even hold my controller in that fashion with fingers across the top six buttons, the yellow ones with the blue and green.



I think any novice, like me, or skilled gamer, will find this one hard to put down. It is a good game that is fun to get into with lots of depth. Mace is an arcade to home console port. The game was released by Midway, the same people that gave us Mortal Kombat. Not to say that has any bearing on whether this game is bad or good. The atmosphere here brings to mind Soul Blade. My feelings are that I like this game better than any of the Mortal Kombat games and find the elements more interesting. And I think it deserved a sequel on the N64 that it never got. That is our misfortune. I love arcade gaming and that is what this game is all about. I put this game in the top ten of my list of fighters on the N64. It is a very good weapons based fighter. I give it a thumbs up and rate it as "Awesome Game." And I recommend it to any one who loves a good arcade fighter. Just prepare to spend some time with this one. That is the only way you'll get the full pleasurable experience of Mace.

This review is taken from a series of reviews I did a couple of years ago concerning the fighters available for the N64.

I spent some time in the arcades back in the 80s and 90s. It is a fact that I started visiting the arcades when pinball was the norm. I watched as the arcade scene changed and evolved into the golden years of the 90s. I watched as that flame burning bright dwindled down quickly into a smouldering wick. The one thing I always wanted to do was to bring that arcade experience home. I am telling you now, this is it.



For some reason I never took note of Killer Instinct in the arcades. I do remember seeing the game there, but I think, at the time, my interests were elsewhere. I do remember purchasing the SNES game and having a great time with that one, still have it, still play it occasionally. But this N64 version, this is arcade gaming that puts a smile on your face.

There are so many options in this game. You have at your finger tips, all kinds of adjustments. And it is a delight in being able to mold this game to your own liking and enjoyment. Game speed, easy, hard, extra hard, blood on or off, training, team, arcade, practice, tournament, etc. In the first session, I sat tweaking the game until I felt comfortable in the way I wanted to get beat up. I tried a few fighters, settled on one, and felt I was up against a challenge. It took a few games, but the more I played, the more I started learning to do moves and combos. The more I was in control of my fighter, the further I advanced in the game. I then started to feel the rush. "Easy pick up and play," but takes time to master, that is the beauty of arcade games. The game has that certain charm that hooks you into coming back for more, addictive, yes. That is the fun of the arcades.



Love the interactive backgrounds where, at times, you can smash your opponent through something. They look beautiful, awesome, and animated. The whole game's CGI has that pseudo 3D feel even though it is obviously a 2D fighter. Everything about this game is orchestrated together to give you a delightful experience.



This game is great awesome fun for anyone who loves a good arcade fighter. It is easy to get into and has depth in the mastering of the game. Both novice and skilled will find something to like about this game. I mean, what's not to like about this game? I know it had its critics when it was released. Okay, they had their chance at fun and blew it. You my friend can start and end this differently. And.......... bring a friend. I highly recommend this game. It has the potential to take up all of your time. You have been warned. I give this a very big thumbs up and rate it as "Awesome Game."

This review is taken from a series of reviews I did a couple of years ago concerning the fighters available for the N64.

The same people that gave us Mortal Kombat are the same people that produced this game, War Gods. If you know how to control your fighters in the Mortal Kombat game then you can step right into this game with no problem. Not sure how I feel about that. But then again, if you have played a Capcom game then you are very familiar with any fighter they have ever produced. It was easy for me to step in and play due to my experience with Mortal Kombat Trilogy in my previous review. (Part of the fun in reviewing these games is learning and discovering moves.)



Trying different modes of play, the "very easy" mode is just not with it. Whenever I can play "very easy" mode in a game and use only one move to defeat a fighter, that is a "practice" mode. Every fighting game, that has a "very easy" mode, I have reviewed up until this point has a good "very easy" mode. They have given a little bit of challenge that is good for a novice, or younger gamer, which helps in learning. But this game, I was able to go through 6 opponents with ease, full bar, and then bam, it turns very hard with the fighter using their special moves continuously. Is this game unfinished? The AI stinks. If you try the "easy" mode, you had better know how to control your fighter or you are going nowhere but down. Across every play mode there seems to be a problem with the AI. You have the fighter viciously attacking you with 10 hit combos one minute then just standing there the next taking your hits. My turn now? And it depends on which character you pick just how your opponent reacts, seemingly. There was one character in "very easy" mode that was unbeatable, for me, which was an easy kill in "hard" mode. There was one fighter in the "normal" mode in which I could beat with just throws, and I ended the fights with a full bar. There is such an imbalance in the gameplay, even across the game modes, that it becomes frustrating. There are fatalities which can be turned off, but I don't think that helps any.



I really like the graphics. They are comparable to CD console games of that time period. And I think they touch on the N64 capabilities. The characters look so good, a lot of detail, even though they seem to be somewhat stiff at times in their animation. Character design is poor among some of the fighters. For example, the witch doctor looking guy would have looked better with a pair of jeans instead of that skirt wrap. And the Egyptian guy should have been wearing baggie beach or cargo shorts. Just slight improvements, I know, but could have went a long way in making those fighters more appealing in their appearance. At least that is my viewpoint.



I liked a lot of the environments. They are very detailed and colorful. You fight in an arena like area that gives you the feeling of 3D . And you can move around this with some limitations and always be facing your opponent. There is no ring out, you are kept in the fighting circle by an invisible barrier that you can be slapped up against and cornered. There was no interaction with any of the environments during any of the fights. Interaction could have added so much to the gameplay.



There are a lot of elements here that could have worked if only the game had been tweaked. Not sure of what they were attempting here. All I ask is for some consistency and balance. I feel that the only way someone could actually like and enjoy this game is in the two player mode. That is where you would get the most satisfaction. And that is if both have equal skills and are familiar with the Mortal Kombat button scheme. I wanted to like this game, really I did. There were those moments when the AI acted civil and that was when I actually had some fun. So I did have some fun with this one and I enjoyed that particular game time. But it is too unpredictable, at least that is my experience. I don't want to stand on the other side of the ring waiting for the clock to click down the time wondering if my opponent is going to move. And that did happen, it was at 67 seconds before we engaged. I am not sure which mode of this Game is best to play, hard, normal? Someone that is very skilled in playing Mortal Kombat could possibly find some challenge and fun in one of the modes of this game. They range from "very easy" to "very hard." And I am sure that there are those gamers out there that really like this game, fans even. As I increase in my skills with Mortal Kombat, I will possibly return occasionally to this game. But for right at this moment, this game just does not have what it takes to keep my attention. But at the same time the more I play this game the more I like it. It kind of grows on you. So I have mixed feelings about this. And my rating could change the more I play. Presently I am going to rate this game as, "I'm glad I only paid $5 instead of $60." Totally unfinished!!

This review is taken from a series of reviews I did a couple of years ago concerning the fighters available for the N64.

This is a real treat. I grabbed this up during this series of reviews. Rarely do you see this game up on ebay. It is called SD飛龍の拳伝説, translated literally as "SD Legend of the Fist of the Flying Dragon." And it is the second in the series of what was called "Flying Dragon" on the N64 in the US. In my opinion, this should have been the game that was released in the US. Maybe Flying Dragon was just a bone they threw us and we did not bite. We suffered and did not know it. This game is so good. I literally cannot stop playing this game, fun, fun, fun.



The first thing that you will notice is that this cart is Super Deform mode only. The Virtual mode is gone. All of the enhancements, improvements, and extra features are all focused on the SD game. The gameplay is really 2D, whether you are in single or two player mode, the evading gives a little feel of a 3D arena. There are more characters, some hidden and more treasures, or items, to win, collect. The control seems tighter and responsive. Gameplay feels fast and fluid. Gameplay moves are the same as the first game. Fighter moves are easy to get into and become comfortable with.



After playing the first game I was very familiar with the moves and control. So it was very easy for me to jump in and begin enjoying the fight. The hindrance, was not knowing the Japanese language. I can compare menus with the first game and can guess my way through some things. But things that deviate from the other game takes away from the experience. Under the circumstances, that can be expected. What is missed is some of the RPG elements, but as a fighter it shines, in single or two player mode. If you own the first game, menus seem similar, so with a little work and some writing, diagrams, drawings, hard thinking, you can make a lot of it work. Don't own the first game? English friendly? I think you can hit and miss guessing your way through the menus and be fighting in no time at all.



I, at first, felt that I was unqualified to judge whether this game was a very easy pick up and play. Since I am familiar with the gameplay of the first game. Then I had someone, which has not played the game before, challenge me in the two player mode. No problem, no worry, success! This is easy for a novice to pick up, casual gamers, and even someone who is seasoned. If you don't know Japanese, as a one player it is limited, you are left with unlocking new fighters and collecting stuff. Don't get me wrong, it is still fun in the single player mode. The fighting is fun. As a two player vs mode, this is were it really shines, rocks, and makes itself a great stand alone fighter. VS is good. It is so easy to pick up the moves of the fighters and you'll be doing combos in no time. Did I say this game is fun? Too bad it is not in English. The RPG elements would give the gaming experience such depth in gameplay.

If you have an N64 and love the genre, I highly recommend this game. And I will have to rate it as "awesome game."

This review is taken from a series of reviews I did a couple of years ago concerning the fighters available for the N64.

I am not sure why there are two game modes, unless the creators could not make up their mind? There is a "super deformed mode" and what is called a "virtual mode." The virtual mode has more serious looking characters and is more of a Virtua Fighter type gameplay. The various modes of play and options are plenty. It is like two games in one.



The name of the game is Hiryū no Ken Twin or Twin Fists of the Flying Dragon as it is known in Japan. A casual gamer would probably just dismiss this and throw it aside. One who digs a little deeper would find their diligence graciously rewarded. Hidden beneath the surface are some concepts that will make you wonder, "Why didn't someone think of this before?" And I am referring to the single player SD mode. Certain RPG elements have been added to the story mode to build your fighter's skills and strength, increasing in levels. You get "treasures" that you are able to equip to your fighter. This is only available in the super deformed mode. There is motivation in trying to collect all the different treasures, which can be used with your fighter. You can use these to build your own fighter. And this becomes the focus of your gaming. There are a lot of gamers that would be put off by super deformed mode and opt for the virtual mode, and they would be missing something very special. You continue to work your way through tournaments, which to some, would seem repetitious. But that is some of the side effects in the elements concerning RPGs, the grinding. It is in the fighting where you win the treasure items and level up. You level up the items so they become more powerful in their use. In the store you can purchase and sell items involving credits you receive from fighting. You can even trade items with other players in a multi player game.



In the virtual mode you have a more serious looking fighter with the choice of a 2D or 3D gameplay. Your choice affects your gameplay. And it is a very solid fighter. It is in character design and gameplay reminiscent of the other fighter's of that time period, mainly Tekken and Virtua Fighter. One fighter even reminds me of a Street Fighter character, hmmmm, how did they do that? You fight to advance in ranking which is determined by how long it takes you to defeat the gauntlet of fighters until you take on the end boss and win. If you bail before the end boss you will obviously get low ranking. You will need to visit the practice mode and learn to control your fighter before getting anywhere in this mode. Or it will be handed to you what your opponent kicked around the screen for how many seconds it took him. A novice will not get anywhere fast. I find this game very challenging and fun.



Graphically the game is simple and cartoony in the SD mode, yet there is detail in the fighters. SD means super deformed and it does remind you a little of anime in that respect. The virtual mode has more detail in the fighter's and the backgrounds. And they compare well with Tekken and Virtua Fighter of that time period. Both games, because they are two different type games, have a host of options, practice, multi player, tournament, circuit mode. Circuit mode is recommend.



I honestly don't understand the ratings that this game received from reputable game magazines at the time it was released to market. Some gave it a 3 out of 10. Maybe it was the Japanese flavor of the game, which it has, and I like. Seemingly this one slipped in under the radar, or many believed the magazines and opted to avoid this title. The sales were low. I would say that this cart is loaded with fun, two games with different objectives, a very neat package. There is a lot here for the single player to dig into and fun for two players. I would recommend this to a novice advising them to stick with it and you will be very rewarded. If you are a gamer who loves the genre, you owe yourself at least a try, if you own an N64. I give this game a very big thumbs up and rate it "Awesome Game."

There might be a reason you don't recall this game. It was a Blockbuster exclusive here in the US, rental only. And it was a hot collector's item for a while. It used to be very expensive when you found a US version in original box with manual.



This is about as far away as you can get in the US version.