Game:

Dark Edge (1993)

Duration: 5:50

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Dark Edge is an interesting futuristic fighting game developed and published by Sega in 1993 (though the game states 1992) and utilizes the Sega System 32 hardware. Dark Edge was created in an attempt to cash in on the versus-fighting genre popularized at the time by Capcom's "Street Fighter II", but instead of being a blatant copy, the game incorporated unique three-dimensional movement, making it one of the first "3D" fighting games ever created, though backgrounds and objects are comprised of 2D sprites with scaling capabilities for a consistent, clean look. Otherwise, the gameplay is similar to most other versus fighters of the early 90s with special moves that can be executed using multiple inputs and simple combos that you can perform, except crouching attacks are done primarily by standing still and pushing certain buttons (evades highs but lowers your defenses).

In the game, you choose from six different characters with their own stats and attacks and the game features two unplayable boss characters. Fighting utilizes two punch buttons, two kick buttons, and a jump button. The game features fairly smooth character animations, clean effects, and fluid arena scrolling, as well as a high-quality soundtrack. Being one of the first games of its type, the game naturally has some control issues (especially for complex 360 degree attacks) and disorientating gameplay due to a limited "camera" presence, but is reasonably playable once you get used to it, though the game has some collision detection problems. On the flipside, it adds another dynamic to combat where you can move freely around your opponent and exploit openings on a greater level; I imagine this would've been very exhilirating back in the day, though I've never seen Dark Edge in any of the arcades I've visited. Overall, it's not a particularly great fighter, but is an interesting piece of Sega history. This is a basic video of the game in action.

Note: There are a few additional graphics to the game for a few levels, but it hadn't occured to me that I didn't capture them when recording, mainly minor things like the gray sky (instead of black) on the first opponent, Thud.