Action Fighter (Master System) Playthrough
2Playthrough of Sega's 1986 racing game for the Sega Master System, Action Fighter.
Sega’s Action Fighter, released in 1986 for the Sega Master System, is a high-speed arcade-style racing game that blends vehicular combat with dynamic transformations. Players take control of a high-tech vehicle called the "Spy Vehicle," tasked with completing various missions involving fast-paced driving and relentless enemy encounters. The game offers a unique combination of racing and shoot-’em-up elements, creating a diverse gameplay experience.
The gameplay starts with the player piloting a motorcycle, racing through winding roads and highways while avoiding traffic and fending off enemies. As players collect power-ups and progress, the vehicle can transform into different forms, including a high-speed car and, eventually, a jet capable of flying over obstacles. Each transformation introduces new gameplay mechanics, keeping the experience fresh and challenging. The missions require players to eliminate specific targets, avoid incoming attacks, and navigate increasingly difficult levels filled with enemies and environmental hazards.
Visually, Action Fighter is bright and colorful, with clean sprite-based graphics that clearly depict the vehicles, roads, and enemy designs. The transitions between different vehicle forms are smooth, adding to the excitement of the game’s progression. The environments vary across levels, from cityscapes to open highways and aerial routes, ensuring visual variety. The game’s soundtrack features energetic chiptune music that matches the fast-paced action, while the sound effects emphasize the chaos of combat and speed.
While Action Fighter was praised for its innovative vehicle transformation mechanic and its blend of genres, it was also noted for its steep difficulty. The fast-paced gameplay requires sharp reflexes and quick decision-making, as crashing into obstacles or getting hit by enemies can quickly drain the player’s lives. Despite this challenge, the game’s engaging mechanics and unique premise made it a memorable title on the Sega Master System, appealing to fans of both racing games and action-packed shooters.