The Nintendo SNES Battle Blaze is a fighting game developed by American company Visco Corporation and published by Namco in 1994. It was released in arcades worldwide and later ported to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in North America under the name Battle Blite.

Battle Blaze is an unusual entry in the fighting game genre, as it combines the gameplay of a traditional fighting game with elements from other popular games, such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. The game's unique mechanics and characters make it stand out from other titles in the genre.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Battle Blaze, exploring its mechanics, characters, and features. We will also discuss the age rating available for the game and provide a review of its performance on various platforms.

Mechanics

Battle Blaze is a 2D fighting game that features eight playable characters, each with their unique abilities and playstyles. The gameplay is centered around executing special moves, known as "specials," which can be performed by entering specific input combinations on the controller. These specials can deal significant damage to opponents and are often used to turn the tide of battle.

The game also features a unique "power meter" system, which allows players to fill up a bar by landing successful attacks or executing special moves. When the power meter is full, players can perform an ultimate attack, known as a "super combo," which can deal massive damage to opponents.

Characters

Battle Blaze features eight playable characters, each with their unique abilities and playstyles. Here are some of the characters available in the game:

1. Pac-Man: The iconic mascot of Namco's Pac-Man series, Pac-Man is a fast-paced character who excels at executing quick combos.
2. Donkey Kong: A classic character from Nintendo's Donkey Kong Country series, Donkey Kong is a powerful character with strong special moves.
3. Galaga: Another popular arcade game, Galaga is a fast and agile character who excels at executing rapid-fire attacks.
4. Tekken (as "T.J.")
5. Mappy (as "Mappy")
6. Twinkle Star Sprites (as "Twinkle Star Sprites")
7. Space Invaders
8. Bubsy

Each character has their unique abilities and strengths, making the game challenging for players of all skill levels.

Features

Battle Blaze features several unique elements that set it apart from other fighting games. Some of these features include:

1. Multiplayer: Battle Blaze offers a competitive multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to compete against each other.
2. Special Moves: The game features an array of special moves that can be executed by entering specific input combinations on the controller.
3. Power Meter: The power meter system allows players to fill up a bar by landing successful attacks or executing special moves.
4. Super Combos: When the power meter is full, players can perform an ultimate attack, known as a super combo.

Age Rating

Battle Blaze was originally released in arcades and later ported to the SNES. Due to its violent content and mature themes, the game was rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) when it was released in North America. The rating is based on the game's depiction of violence, blood, and suggestive content.

In terms of age rating, Battle Blaze is generally considered suitable for players aged 13 and above. However, individual tolerance for violence and mature themes can vary greatly depending on cultural context and personal preference.

Review

Battle Blaze is a unique entry in the fighting game genre, offering a fresh take on traditional gameplay mechanics. The game's characters and stages are inspired by popular arcade games of the time, adding an extra layer of depth to the gameplay experience.

The power meter system and super combo mechanics add a new level of strategy to the game, making it appealing to players who enjoy challenging gameplay. However, some players may find the game's difficulty level too high or its graphics and sound effects outdated.

Overall, Battle Blaze is a solid fighting game that offers a fun and competitive experience for players of all skill levels. Its unique mechanics and characters make it stand out from other titles in the genre, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection.

Platform Availability

Battle Blaze was initially released on arcade hardware but later ported to several home console platforms, including:

• Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in North America
• Arcade ports for various countries

Age Rating (Region)

The age rating of Battle Blaze may vary depending on the region. Here is a summary of the available ratings for different regions:

• USA: T for Teen by ESRB
• UK: 16+ by PEGI