The Nintendo SNES is a beloved gaming console that was released in the early 1990s. It has a large and dedicated fan base, with many classic games still widely enjoyed today. One such game is Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout, a popular fighting game in Japan that has gained a cult following worldwide. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout, its gameplay, and availability for Western audiences.
Background
Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout is a Japanese fighting game developed by SNK Corporation, the same studio behind the legendary Street Fighter series. The game was released in 1993 as part of the Sougou Koushin' Kaettekuran (, "Fighting Superstars") arcade series, which featured various games set in different fictional universes.
Gameplay
Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout is a 2D side-scrolling fighting game that takes place in the world of "Astral Blast," where players can choose from a variety of characters with unique abilities and moves. The gameplay revolves around one-on-one matches, with players using special attacks, throws, and other techniques to outmaneuver their opponents.
One of the standout features of Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout is its complex character roster, which includes over 20 fighters from various anime series, manga, and original SNK characters. Each fighter has a unique set of moves, special attacks, and super combos that can be performed by executing specific button combinations.
Story Mode
The game features a single-player mode called "Astral Blast," where players take on the role of one of their chosen fighters and face off against an array of opponents from different universes. The story follows the journey of the protagonist as they attempt to uncover the secrets behind a powerful artifact known as the Astral Blast.
Age Rating
Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout is rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means it's suitable for players aged 13 and above due to some violent content, mild language, and suggestive themes.
In Japan, the game is rated C (Children) by the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO), indicating that it's suitable for all ages except children under 12.
Availability
Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout was originally released in arcades in Japan in 1993, where it gained a following among fans of anime and manga. The game was later ported to the Nintendo SNES, which allowed it to reach a wider audience.
In the West, the game has been relatively hard to find for many years due to its limited release outside of Japan. However, with the rise of retro gaming and re-releases of classic titles on modern platforms, Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout is once again becoming available to Western audiences.
Re-Releases
In recent years, several companies have released Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout as part of various retro gaming collections and compilations. These releases often include the game alongside other SNK titles from the 1990s, such as Metal Slug and The King of Fighters series.
One notable example is the "SNK 40th Anniversary Collection" release in 2018, which included Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout among its 40+ games. This collection was released on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout is a classic fighting game that has gained a cult following worldwide due to its unique gameplay mechanics, colorful characters, and engaging storyline. With its limited availability in the West for many years, Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout is now once again becoming accessible to new generations of gamers.
While the game may not be as widely known as some other SNK titles, it remains a beloved classic among fans of retro gaming and anime/manga enthusiasts. So if you're looking to experience one of the most underrated fighting games of all time, Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout is definitely worth checking out.
Character Roster
Here's a list of the playable characters in Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout:
- Aoi Hana
- Boku no Kyoujin (Dragon Ball Z)
- Boukengai
- Chakaou
- Fushigi Yuugi (Mysterious Play)
- Gai Denshiou
- Gunbuster
- Hanamaru Kuniharu
- Kaenbouku
- Kagami de Mimi wo Marusa (Kagami de Mimi)
- Kariyo Sakura
- Karin
- Kaze no Shiro (Wind Castle)
- Kuromi
- Kyousuke Nagasumi
- Lina Inverse (Slayers)
- Madokatsu
- Namida
- Nanako Dojima
- Saitama
Note: The game has a total of 40 playable characters, but some are exclusive to the arcade version and not available in the SNES port.
Gameplay Mechanics
Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout features several gameplay mechanics that differentiate it from other fighting games of its time. These include:
- Special attacks: Each fighter has a unique set of special attacks, including throws, projectiles, and super combos.
- Super combos: Players can perform various super combos by executing specific button combinations, which can be used to deal massive damage to opponents.
- Counterattacks: Fighters can counterattack their opponent's moves by pressing the correct buttons at the right time.
- Reversals: Players can reverse their opponent's move by pressing the reversal button (usually the down-back button) at the exact moment the attack is performed.
Conclusion
Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout is a classic fighting game that offers a unique blend of gameplay mechanics and anime/manga-inspired characters. With its limited availability in the West for many years, it's now once again becoming accessible to new generations of gamers. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding fighting experience with a dash of Japanese flair, Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout is definitely worth checking out.
In terms of age rating, Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout is rated T for Teen by the ESRB, which means it's suitable for players aged 13 and above due to some violent content, mild language, and suggestive themes. In Japan, the game is rated C (Children) by CERO, indicating that it's suitable for all ages except children under 12.
Overall, Sougou Kakutougi Astral Bout is a hidden gem in the world of retro gaming and anime/manga-inspired games. Its unique gameplay mechanics, colorful characters, and engaging storyline make it a must-play experience for fans of classic fighting games.