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The arcade Hook loosely follows the exploits of the aging Peter Pan, as he fights his way through the regions of Neverland, joined by four Lost Boys: Rufio, Pockets, Ace, and Thud Butt. The controls are a bit complicated despite only requiring two buttons for attack and jump, but it becomes second nature once you get down with them. A repeated use of the attack button leads to striking your target until they fall to ground, but here, you can choose two different combos depending on whether you press it rapidly or slowly. On top of that, everyone gets two special moves, done by either tapping the joystick forward and hitting the attack button, or pressing both buttons just before you land from a jump (the timing for this is tricky, as you can accidentally perform the desperation move cast from your health). With wide range of specialty between the gang, there’s enough incentive to try them out without having to re-learn their moveset, although Peter Pan is the best character by and large.

Also unique to this game is an ability to pummel downed foes, a gameplay mechanic that dates back to 1986’s Renegade but is a rarity in Capcom style beat-em-ups. This helps giving it the edge over typical Final Fight clones, as it encourages the player to continue endless rushdown toward enemies, possibly finishing them off before they ever get a chance to fight back. Beware, however, that some enemies are able to counter it, so don’t forget to hit and run.

The Japanese version has some notable differences compared to the international release. Almost every part of the graphics has been re-colorized, generally using higher chroma and sometimes switching enemy’s shirt color. The biggest addition is the new Stage 3 boss, an Arabian swordwoman, replacing the Hook clones in the other versions.