The Nintendo Super Famicom, commonly referred to as the SNES, is a legendary console that was released in Japan in 1990. It was later released in North America and Europe under the name Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The console was known for its impressive library of games, which included some of the most iconic titles of all time. One such game is Holy Striker, also known as "Jyushi Taikan Jieitai" in Japan.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Holy Striker and explore what makes it a great game that still holds up today. We will also discuss its age rating and availability on various platforms.

Overview of Holy Striker

Holy Striker is an action sports game developed by SNK and released in 1992 for the Super Famicom in Japan. The game follows the story of three main characters: Hiryu, a karate master; Ken, a martial arts expert; and Jin, a kung fu enthusiast. Each character has their own unique abilities and fighting styles, which are reflected in the game's various combat modes.

Gameplay

In Holy Striker, players can choose to play as one of the three main characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The game is divided into several combat modes, including a standard fighting mode where players must land hits on their opponent to score points. There are also special modes, such as "Jyushi" (Holy Strike) and "Taikan Jieitai" (Striking Force), which offer unique gameplay mechanics.

One of the standout features of Holy Striker is its emphasis on strategy and timing. Players must carefully time their attacks to execute special moves, which can be cancelled into other moves to create complex combos. The game also features a variety of stages, each with its own unique obstacles and challenges.

Graphics and Soundtrack

The graphics in Holy Striker are impressive for a game released over 25 years ago. The characters and backgrounds are colorful and well-drawn, while the animation is smooth and fluid. The soundtrack, composed by Takayuki Aihara and Jun Senoue, is catchy and energetic, with a mix of rock and electronic elements that perfectly complement the game's action-packed gameplay.

Availability

Holy Striker was originally released in Japan for the Super Famicom in 1992. Due to its limited release, the game has become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of retro gaming. In recent years, there have been efforts to re-release the game on various platforms, including the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console and the PlayStation Network (PSN) store.

In 2014, SNK Corporation released a special edition of Holy Striker for the PS3 and Xbox 360, which included new gameplay modes and character skins. The game was also made available on the Wii U Virtual Console in 2015.

Age Rating

The age rating for Holy Striker varies depending on the region. In Japan, the game is rated "A" (suitable for all ages) by the CERO organization, which is responsible for rating video games in Japan. In Europe and North America, the game has been rated "M" (mature 17+) or "16+" by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board).

Overall, Holy Striker is a classic action sports game that still holds up today due to its engaging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. Its age rating of M or 16+ reflects the game's moderate level of violence and mature themes.

Conclusion

Holy Striker is a beloved game among retro gaming enthusiasts, and for good reason. Its unique blend of strategy, timing, and combat makes it a standout title in the action sports genre. While its limited release has made it highly sought after by collectors, the game is now available on various platforms, making it accessible to a wider audience.

If you're looking for a challenging and addictive retro game that still holds up today, Holy Striker is definitely worth checking out. With its impressive graphics, catchy soundtrack, and engaging gameplay, this classic action sports game is sure to provide hours of entertainment for gamers of all ages.

Rating Breakdown

• Game: 8/10
• Graphics: 9/10
• Soundtrack: 9/10
• Gameplay: 9/10
• Replay Value: 8.5/10
• Overall: 9/10

Recommendation

If you're a fan of retro gaming or action sports games, Holy Striker is definitely worth checking out. Its unique gameplay mechanics and challenging difficulty make it a standout title in the genre. While its limited release has made it highly sought after by collectors, the game is now available on various platforms, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Availability:

• Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console (2012)
• PlayStation Network (PSN) store (2014)
• Wii U Virtual Console (2015)

Note: The availability of Holy Striker may vary depending on your region and the platform you're playing on.