The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is one of the most iconic consoles of all time, and its library of games is still widely regarded as some of the best in the industry. Among the many excellent titles available for the SNES, Final Fight stands out as a rare gem that has gained a cult following over the years. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Final Fight, explore its fascinating story, and examine why it's considered one of the greatest games on the SNES.

The Birth of Final Fight

Developed by Capcom, Final Fight is an action-packed side-scrolling beat 'em up that was released in 1993 for arcades. The game was designed by renowned Capcom developer Takashi Nishiyama and written by legendary writer Yoshiki Okamoto. The game's plot follows two young police officers, Cody Travers and Greg Howard, who must fight against the notorious street gang, Mad Gear.

The game's narrative is relatively simple: Cody and Greg are tasked with infiltrating a nightclub to gather evidence on a rival gang, while also confronting their own personal demons. Throughout the game, players control either Cody or Greg as they navigate through the city streets, fighting hordes of Mad Gear thugs in a bid to rescue a kidnapped woman.

Gameplay Mechanics

Final Fight is often praised for its addictive gameplay mechanics, which have been studied by gamers and developers alike for decades. The game's controls are straightforward: players can jump, punch, kick, or throw projectiles at enemies. Each character has unique special moves that can be activated using specific buttons (e.g., Cody's roundhouse kick or Greg's uppercut).

One of the most notable features of Final Fight is its "special" system, which allows players to perform a variety of devastating combos by pressing specific button combinations in quick succession. These combos can deal massive damage to enemies and have become a hallmark of the series.

The SNES Port

In 1994, Capcom released the SNES port of Final Fight, which became an instant hit among gamers. The game's performance was largely unchanged from its arcade counterpart, with some minor tweaks to optimize the gameplay experience for the console.

The SNES port of Final Fight introduced new features that complemented the original game, such as more characters and stages. Players could choose between three playable characters: Cody Travers, Greg Howard, and Guy (a newcomer character added specifically for the SNES version). The addition of Guy's unique abilities, like his speed and agility, helped to differentiate the game from its arcade counterpart.

Reception

Final Fight received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Reviewers praised the game's addictive gameplay, rich characters, and atmospheric soundtrack. GamesRadar+ wrote that Final Fight was "an excellent example of the genre," while Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) praised its "non-stop action" and "fantastic graphics."

The SNES port of Final Fight is often cited as one of the greatest ports of a game to date, with many regarding it as an improvement over the original arcade version. The game's replay value was also praised for its sheer difficulty and challenge.

Age Rating

Final Fight is rated M (Mature) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means that the game contains:

• Blood
• Violence

This rating is due to the game's graphic violence, including characters getting punched, kicked, or shot in the head. While not excessively gory, the game does feature some intense and disturbing content.

In Europe, Final Fight was initially rated 16 (Violence) by the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) organization, which was later revised to a rating of 12+ (Violent).

Legacy

Final Fight has become an iconic game in the SNES library, with many considering it one of the greatest games of all time. The game's influence can be seen in countless other beat 'em ups and side-scrollers, including Street Fighter II and the Mortal Kombat series.

In 2018, Capcom released Final Fight: Double Impact as a retro-style reboot of the series, featuring updated graphics and gameplay mechanics while maintaining the spirit of the original games. The game received widespread critical acclaim for its faithfulness to the original formula.

Conclusion

Final Fight is an action-packed masterpiece that has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. Its addictive gameplay mechanics, rich characters, and atmospheric soundtrack have cemented its place as one of the greatest games on the SNES. While some may find the game's violence and difficulty level off-putting, fans of the series will know exactly what to expect: a thrilling experience that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

So if you're looking for an exciting addition to your gaming library or simply want to explore one of the greatest games of all time, Final Fight is definitely worth checking out. With its engaging story, fantastic graphics, and sheer replay value, this classic SNES title remains a must-play experience that will leave fans nostalgic for the good old days of gaming.

Final Verdict

Rating: 9/10

Recommendation:

• Play with an original SNES console or a virtual console service like Nintendo Switch Online to experience Final Fight in its original form.
• Consider replaying the game multiple times to unlock all characters and stages, adding to the game's replay value.
• Explore other games from Capcom's library, including Street Fighter II and Resident Evil, for more classic gaming experiences.

Age Rating: M (Mature)

Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Release Date: 1993 (Arcade), 1994 (SNES)